Comparative analysis of movement patterns and lower – limb biomechanical demands in pickleball and other racket sports

Authors

  • MA. Phan Ngoc Thiet Ke The University of Danang Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0209-7390
  • PhD. Dao Thi Thanh Ha Faculty of Physical Education – The University of Danang - Viet Nam Author
  • MA. Pham Duc Hoa Faculty of Physical Education – The University of Danang - Viet Nam Author
  • MA. Pham Tuan Anh Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63750/ygh3nt74

Keywords:

Pickleball, biomechanics, movement patterns, change of direction, racket sports, agility

Abstract

Pickleball has rapidly evolved into one of the fastest-growing racket sports worldwide; however, its movement and biomechanical characteristics remain less studied than those of traditional racket sports. The sport’s unique features, including a smaller court and the non-volley zone, may produce distinct movement demands. This review aimed to compare the movement patterns, change-of-direction (COD) requirements, and lower-limb biomechanical characteristics of Pickleball with those of Tennis, Badminton, and Table Tennis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, including studies published up to February 2026. Relevant evidence related to movement trajectories, COD performance, acceleration–deceleration demands, sprint activities, and lower-limb biomechanics was synthesized through a comparative narrative approach. The findings indicate that Pickleball is characterized by frequent lateral shuffling and short forward–backward movements performed within a limited playing area. Compared with Tennis, it involves fewer long-distance sprints but a greater frequency of directional changes. Relative to Badminton, Pickleball requires less vertical displacement while placing greater emphasis on knee and ankle joint stability during low and controlled positions near the non-volley zone. Compared with Table Tennis, it demands larger movement amplitudes and higher deceleration loads, particularly during net-approach actions. Overall, Pickleball represents a hybrid movement model among racket sports, combining multidirectional footwork, rapid transitions, and moderate court coverage. These characteristics have important implications for sport-specific training, highlighting the need to develop agility, joint stability, and deceleration control while supporting injury-prevention strategies, particularly for recreational and older adult players.

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Author Biographies

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Published

2026-08-18

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): 30 JUNE, 2026

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 MA. Phan Ngoc Thiet Ke, PhD. Dao Thi Thanh Ha, MA. Pham Duc Hoa, MA. Pham Tuan Anh (Author)

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How to Cite

Comparative analysis of movement patterns and lower – limb biomechanical demands in pickleball and other racket sports. (2026). Global Journal of Sport and Exercise Science (GJSES), 2(2). https://doi.org/10.63750/ygh3nt74

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