Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Submission Date

12-15-2025

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Nutrition Science (MS)

First Mentor

Stephanie Petrosky, D.C.N., M.H.A., RDN, LDN, FAND

Keywords

pickleball, nutrition, macronutrients, hydration, performance, recovery, supplementation

Abstract

Professional pickleball has expanded rapidly, yet sport-specific nutrition guidance remains absent. Current information available to athletes comes largely from non-professional or industry sources and lacks an evidence-based foundation. This project aims to address that gap by developing a nutrition protocol tailored specifically for professional pickleball players. The approach synthesizes data from pickleball workload studies, racket-sport physiology, and established sports nutrition consensus statements. Key focus areas include fueling strategies, protein distribution for recovery, hydration and sodium planning, heat acclimation and cooling practices, travel and jet-lag management, altitude considerations, and evidence-based supplementation. By integrating findings from racket-sport analogs and intermittent high-intensity training with consensus guidelines, the project generates practical recommendations organized around the unique demands of pickleball play, including singles versus doubles formats and multi-match tournament schedules. The resulting nutrition protocol provides clear carbohydrate and protein targets, hydration strategies, nutrient timing, as well as a plan for recovery and environmental stressors such as heat, altitude, and travel. This resource represents the first structured, evidence-based nutrition framework designed for pickleball athletes. It is immediately applicable for professional players and coaches while also establishing a foundation for future research on recreational participants, older adults, and youth athletes. This work demonstrates that an evidence-based nutrition protocol tailored to professional pickleball athletes is both feasible and necessary, providing immediate practical guidance while establishing a foundation for future research.

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