Pickleball Physics -- Player reaction time vs aging

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the physics of pickleball, specifically analyzing player reaction times in relation to aging. A timed exchange between professional players at the Baird PPA in September 2022 revealed an average ball trip time of 363 milliseconds, with the fastest human visual reaction time being 150 milliseconds. This results in a movement time of 213 milliseconds for professionals. The literature indicates a decline of 4 milliseconds per year after age 24, leading to a significant reduction in reaction time for older players, exemplified by a participant's calculation showing only 37 milliseconds available to react.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts related to motion and reaction time
  • Familiarity with pickleball rules and gameplay dynamics
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis for interpreting timing data
  • Awareness of age-related physiological changes affecting performance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of aging on athletic performance, focusing on reaction time
  • Explore advanced training techniques to improve reaction time in sports
  • Investigate the physics of ball dynamics in pickleball and other racquet sports
  • Learn about video analysis tools for enhancing gameplay performance
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for athletes, coaches, sports scientists, and anyone interested in the effects of aging on athletic performance, particularly in fast-paced sports like pickleball.

tjmoorpark
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I need someone to review my treatment of how aging affects reaction time in Pickleball. I've included links to videos, and a reaction time vs aging resource.
Out of curiosity, how fast are the hands of the pros? I have timed an exchange between BJ/ALW and JD/JI that occurred at the Baird PPA in September 2022. The ball made the (about) 14 foot trip 11 times over 4.0 seconds, for an average trip time of 363mS (milliseconds). (Average speed of 26.3 mph).

Also, the fastest possible human visual reaction time is 150mS . So the pros have 363-150 = 213mS of movement time, or about 1/5 of a second to move their paddle to strike at the proper location.

How am I doing? The literature varies, so let's use a 4mS decline per year after age of 24.
In my case the decline is 4x(68-24) = 176mS. So I have 363-150-176 = 37mS to move my paddle when a pro blasts it at me. I can move my paddle, from a dead stop, about one-half inch by the time the ball gets to me.
https://gofullbuild.com/post/how-much-does-reaction-time-declines-with-age/
 
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Why not videotape yourself playing? It seems that you have some lead time when your eyes spot the pickle ball being hit and then tracking the ball and getting your paddle in position.

Do you know the speed of a pickleball?

Your mentioning of reaction time, reminds me of the Bruce Lee stories and his incredible reaction speed. He was able to anticipate and counter an opponents action faster than the camera could capture.
 
I am rather old and can stop a falling ruler in about 10 cm. From s=0.5 a t^2 we find that t is 141 ms. My theoretical reaction time from Post #1 should, however, be 366 ms. At that rate I would take 67cm to stop the ruler, which is definitely incorrect.