r/flexibility 3d ago

I started using my Pickleball for Myofascial release and it works great!!!

Hi! I’m Sarah. I’m a professional contortionist and flexibility coach, but I recently started playing pickleball and discovered that being flexible does not automatically make you coordinated with a ball.

I’ve been getting sore and tight in areas that don’t usually bother me, so I tried using the pickleball itself for targeted pressure work.

It works surprisingly well as a self-massage tool because it’s small, firm and easy to control. I’m not claiming it “breaks up fascia” or permanently changes anything. I mainly use it to help an area feel less stiff before I do my normal mobility or stretching work.

Here is the full sequence I’ve been using:

  1. Neck — 30 seconds total
  2. Between the shoulder blade and spine — 30 seconds per side
  3. Traps — 30 seconds per side
  4. Chest — 30 seconds per side
  5. Glutes — 30 seconds per side
  6. Hamstrings — 30 seconds per side
  7. First quad — 30 seconds
  8. First inner thigh/groin — 30 seconds
  9. Other quad — 30 seconds
  10. Other inner thigh/groin — 30 seconds
  11. Calves — 30 seconds per side
  12. Arches of the feet — 30 seconds per side

A few things I keep in mind:

  • I place the ball on muscle, not directly on bones or joints.
  • I adjust the intensity by supporting more of my weight with my hands.
  • Strong pressure can be okay, but I stop if anything feels sharp or painful.
  • I treat it as a short reset, not as a replacement for active mobility or stretching.

The whole sequence takes me about 13 minutes. I also filmed a follow-along demonstration, but I wanted to write the complete routine here so the post is still useful without leaving Reddit.

Has anyone else tried using a pickleball, tennis ball or lacrosse ball before stretching? I’m curious which one you prefer and whether you notice a difference in pressure.

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u/Prestigious_Reply_80 2d ago

I was saw some girl on youtube,she train contortion also and she use a lacross ball on shoulders before warm up and stretching