Project Description:
The primary purpose of this project is to develop a handheld, portable device that allows older adults (aged 55+) to retrieve pickleballs from the court without the need of excessive bending at the waist or knees. Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport in the U.S. with a total of 19.8M players, where approximately 9M are age 51+. This demographic is more likely to face physical limitations such as joint pain, reduced mobility, and balance concerns. The repetitive bending motion required to pickup balls in between rallies introduces strain and disrupts gameplay, creating a barrier to prolonged participation. By extending the user’s reach, this device reduces the physical strain and risk during ball retrieval, allowing for safe and efficient pickup while maintaining upright posture and supporting continued engagement in the sport.
