The Ultimate Pickleball Cross-Training Guide for Pros: Hannah Blatt's Routine

Angela Caltagirone Angela Caltagirone
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Master Pickleball with Hannah Blatt's Essential Cross-Training Tips

Want to know how top pickleball players stay ahead of the competition? We're about to spill the beans on Hannah Blatt, a rising star in the pro pickleball scene, known for her killer serves and lightning-fast reflexes. Hannah's ace up her sleeve? A well-rounded fitness routine that keeps her in top form. From building power to boosting agility, let's explore Hannah's approach, which offers something for players at every level.

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Professional pickleball training: Hannah Blatt's cross-training secrets

Hannah Blatt's professional pickleball training extends beyond the boundaries of the court. "As a professional pickleball player with my history in squash and other sports, there was always a strong priority and importance for me in the off-court training," Hannah explains. 

Hannah's approach blends gym workouts and cardio exercises, with a consistent schedule of 3-4 weekly gym sessions combined with twice-daily court practices when possible. She places special emphasis on strengthening her shoulders and back, key areas that support powerful swings and maintain proper form during intense matches. This focused approach enhances her on-court resilience and helps her stay match-ready throughout the season.

Building power and resilience

While Hannah maintains her personal training routine, here are some strength-building exercises that you might consider incorporating into your workouts:

  • Master split squats to enhance leg strength and stability

  • Embrace lawnmower rows to sculpt upper body power

  • Conquer goblet squats to fortify your lower body

  • Tackle dumbbell chest presses to boost upper body strength

These exercises not only enhance on-court performance but also serve as a shield against injuries. Focus on proper form and progressively challenge yourself as you build strength. Remember, pickleball offers a full-body workout, so your fitness routine should complement the dynamic nature of our beloved sport.

Training Tip: Whatever exercises you choose, Hannah emphasizes the importance of consistency: "Just trying to make sure that I keep my body working at its highest capability."

Cardio for pickleball

Hannah's cardio routine includes a mix of activities. "I got a road bike, so some of my cardio I do riding my bike," she shares. She also incorporates running, particularly focusing on short-distance miles. This varied approach helps maintain endurance for tournament play. 

For players looking to enhance their cardio fitness, here are some recommended activities:

  • Power through high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions to match the quick energy bursts needed during rallies

  • Take on cycling workouts to strengthen your lower body and improve overall stamina

  • Pick up a jump rope to boost footwork, coordination, and heart health

  • Go for distance runs to build a strong aerobic foundation, perfect for those long tournament days

  • Tackle stair climbs to develop leg power and explosiveness for crucial on-court moments

Training Tip: Follow Hannah's lead in mixing up your cardio routine to keep it engaging and effective.

Daily routine of a pro pickleball player: A glimpse into Hannah Blatt's day

Ever wondered what it takes to be a pro pickleball player? At 24, Hannah Blatt has developed a rhythm that harmonizes rigorous training with a fulfilling personal life. Her daily routine exemplifies the dedication required to excel in the dynamic world of professional pickleball. From early morning workouts to strategic practice sessions, Hannah's day is carefully crafted to optimize her performance on the court.

Morning practice and workout: Setting the foundation for a successful day

Let's explore what a typical morning looks like for a dedicated player like Hannah:

  • Morning drilling (2 hours)

  • One-hour workout

  • Recovery (cold plunge, rolling out, stretching)

  • Lunch break

  • Business tasks (emails and content creation)

  • Afternoon pickleball session (2 hours)

  • Evening recovery and preparation for the next day

For recreational players looking to create their own routine, consider starting with this modified morning practice schedule:

  • Begin with gentle stretches to wake up your muscles and prevent injuries

  • Start a 30-minute cardio session, mixing light jogging with short bursts of higher intensity

  • Practice serves and returns, focusing on accuracy from various angles and speeds

  • Work on finessing those tricky shots like dinks and third-shot drops

  • Round off with some strength exercises targeting your core, legs, and upper body

Pro Insight: As Hannah points out, "Finding routine and habits and exercises in the gym and on court and really focusing on how you can implement that whether you're at home or at a tournament" is crucial for consistent improvement.

Thinking about creating your own morning pickleball cross-training routine? Remember, it's all about finding what works for you. Start small, stay consistent, and gradually challenge yourself. And don't forget, having the right gear can make your practice sessions even more enjoyable. Our performance-driven apparel is designed to support you from those early morning warm-ups right through to your match-winning shots. Let's get ready to conquer the day together!

Recovery and personal time: Balancing training with well-being

In the fast-paced world of pickleball, recovery isn't just a luxury—it's a game-changer. Hannah emphasizes the importance of recovery in her routine, particularly during tournaments: "I'm trying to really prioritize making sure that I'm able to do a lot of stretching and recovery at tournaments because I'm not able to be in the gym.

Hannah's core recovery practices include:

  • Cold plunge therapy

  • Rolling out muscles

  • Comprehensive stretching

For players looking to develop their own recovery routine, consider these additional practices:

  • Mix it up with active recovery like gentle yoga or swimming

  • Use foam rolling for muscle maintenance

  • Try mindfulness or meditation

  • Prioritize quality sleep

  • Stay well-hydrated

Pro Tip: As Hannah emphasizes, "What might work for you doesn't always work for everyone," so experiment to find your optimal recovery routine.

These recovery tricks aren't just about feeling good—they're your secret weapon against those pesky pickleball injuries like sprains and strains. By giving your body some TLC, you're setting yourself up for awesome performance every time you step on the court.

Take your pickleball game to new heights

Hannah Blatt's training philosophy shows us that excellence in pickleball comes from dedication both on and off the court. Her commitment to comprehensive training—from strength work to cardio to recovery—demonstrates what it takes to perform at the professional level. By following her lead and adapting these principles to your own routine, you can build the power, endurance, and resilience needed to enhance your game.

Ready to step up your game? At PB5star, we're all about helping you feel amazing and play your best. Our gear is designed with your performance in mind, supporting you through every serve, rally, and cool-down. Why not join our community of passionate players who are always looking to improve and have a blast doing it? Check out our latest collection, and let's make your next match your best one yet!

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