Tips for Keeping Cool Playing Pickleball
One of the biggest struggles while playing pickleball is keeping cool and avoiding overheating. Since I have been playing pickleball I have developed some routines and found products to aid in keeping cool while playing, for cool down during breaks between games and for after play.
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There are a number of ways to reduce overheating while playing pickleball. These include hydration, clothing that helps reduce body and head heat, ways to give your body a break from the heat and tips to improve recovery. Overheating and dehydration can become life threatening and in now way are these tips a substitution for medical attention.
Hydration:
Keeping cool is also keeping hydrated. This doesn’t just apply to playing in hot weather. No matter when you play, exercise always causes your body to need hydration. Hydration should start well before you start playing. I like to drink electrolytes the morning of play and in some cases when it is really hot, the night before.
Once I start playing pickleball I make sure I drink water and a hydration mix between every game. I will also take just water. After I am done playing I try to replenish with electrolytes.
TIP: I fill up stainless steel water bottles the day before play because the insulation keeps them cold the next day. For plastic bottles (Check the directions) you could freeze half full and fill in the morning. I use two bottles for every play day. One bottle with electrolytes and one with just water.
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Here are some of my favourite hydration mix options:
The Biosteel 100 servings hydration mix comes in a variety of flavours. NSF CERTIFIED FOR SPORT – Independently tested for banned substances and label accuracy. ZERO SUGAR, NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS OR FLAVOURS.
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Ready to drink BioSteel Electrolyte 12 pack comes in a variety of flavours and includes 5 electrolytes. 500 ml.
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BIOSTEEL Zero Sugar Sports Hydration Mix Variety – Mixed Berry, Rainbow Twist & Pink Lemonade Flavours, 30 Packets is great for convenience when you are travelling or at a tournament. Just mix with water in your bottle.
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Clothing and Accessories:
What you choose to wear can have a huge impact on comfort and keeping cool. The more moisture you can remove, the cooler you will feel. Since I run hot all the time, my basic pickleball outfit and many of my accessories are designed with this in mind.
Check out these posts and product selections for my recommendations.
SKORTS: Skorts offer a much cooler alternative to shorts or sport pants. Click here to see some examples of Skorts and the features I like about them.
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TANK TOP: Tanks that are a bit looser offer more air flow around your upper body. Click here to learn more about the features I like in my tank tops.
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UNDER TANK: The under tank is designed to wick moisture and therefore heat away from your body. Click here to learn more about why I use an undertank and selections selections that I have in my collection.
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VISORS: Pickleball Visors help keep the sun off your face and helps to keep you cooler when playing outside while allowing heat to dissipate from the top of your head. Click here for more informaton on visors.
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HEADBANDS: Headbands that absorb moisture help to keep your face cooler. Click here for more information on headbands.
Headbands that are sweatbands are the first accessory I purchase for my pickleball outfits.
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Hair Accessories: Playing pickleball with long hair can provide the challenge of keeping hair together and out of the way in an easy and comfortable fashion.
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WRISTBANDS: Wristbands serve two purposes to help keep you cool by absorbing moisture from your arms and can also be used to wipe your face. Click here for more information on wristbands.
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GLOVES: When the weather is warm keeping your hands cooler is important to reduce paddle slippage. Sun gloves can help increase evaporation and increase a cooling affect. Silicone palms and fingers provide a non-slip grip especially if your hands perspire a lot. I use the top of the gloves to wipe my face as well. Click here for more information on gloves.
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Cooling fans are a great accessory to have in your pickleball bag. This portable rechargeable air circulation offers a convenient and beneficial way to cool down quickly between games.
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Cooling Towels provide a convenient and efficient way to keep cooler during hot weather pickleball play. Small and portable, a great addition to your pickleball bag.
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Microfibre face cloths and gym towels are super absorbent and gentle enough to wipe perspiration from your face and arms. Disposable wipes clean and remove perspiration. Click here for more information.
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Playing outdoors in hot weather and sun can be very draining. Bringing a portable folding chair with a sun shade allows you to get out of the sun if there is no shade, greatly reducing sun and heat exposure. Being in the shade and using cooling products can reduce heat quickly.
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