Chapter 4
Pickleball Equipment
The Gear Locker: Pickleball Equipment from Beginner to Varsity
One of the many fantastic things about pickleball is that it doesn’t require expensive or bulky equipment. Taking up pickleball doesn’t mean dedicating your garage or spare room to an equipment locker, and it doesn’t require dedicating one month’s pay to pickleball gear and accessories.
To get started, all you really need is access to a court, a pickleball paddle, and a ball. That’s it! As you become an avid pickler, you may find that few things will make your life easier or your game stronger, but pickleball equipment for beginners can be just those three items. Let’s look more closely at pickleball gear to help you understand what you need and what additional items you may want.
Pickleball Court
The first thing we mentioned on our list of things you need is a court. With the explosive growth of pickleball, finding places to play is becoming easier and easier. Many public tennis courts have converted to pickleball. If you have tennis courts in your town or community, check to see if any of them are now pickleball-ready. The two sports require the same kind of surface, but pickleball courts are smaller, have different lines, and require a lower net.
Some avid pickleball players even install home courts. Because the area needed is much smaller than for tennis, having a home court is viable for many people. The bulk of the initial cost would be having the surface laid. Then, you could either install a net or use one of the many portable pickleball nets on the market.
Pickleball Paddle
If you’re nervous about investing before you’re sure you love the game, you can borrow a pickleball paddle to get started. Or, you can make a modest investment into beginner pickleball paddles, which can be surprisingly affordable.
As your game advances, you may investigate whether a carbon fiber or composite pickleball paddle best suits your playing style or experiment with different shapes. However, starting out, any basic paddle will suffice to give you a feel for the game and your preferences and needs.
Ball
A pickleball ball is similar to a wiffle ball. It’s a small, plastic sphere perforated with holes. However, it isn’t identical to a wiffle ball, so you do need a specific ball for pickleball. It will be firmer and have more holes than its wiffle counterpart. These changes affect how the ball bounces, interacts with the paddle, and moves through the air, so resist the temptation just to use your kid’s old wiffle ball. Pickleball balls are inexpensive, so getting the proper ball for the game is worth it. When you are ball shopping, you will see indoor and outdoor pickleball options.
Because balls can crack or get lost, bringing at least three to any pickleball game is best. There are few things more frustrating than getting to 11-10-1 (if you aren’t sure what that means, check out our chapter on pickleball scoring), only to lose or crack your ball and be unable to finish the game. With balls being so inexpensive—often available in bulk for less than $1.00 per ball–it’s easy to have a few extras ready to go, just in case.
That covers the Big Three of pickleball equipment. Let’s look at a few more options for when you are ready to bring your game up another notch.
Pickleball Apparel
Given the sport’s popularity, most major sports-clothing companies offer pickleball-specific clothing. Well-known athletic-wear labels like Nike, Adidas, and Fila have pickleball offerings, as do many smaller companies. If you check out tennis great Venus Williams’ apparel line, you’ll see she has a stylish selection called “The Pickleball Edit.”
Most female players wear tees, sports bras, or tanks made of sweat-wicking fabric. They pair these with shorts or skirts with built-in fitted shorts underneath. In cooler weather, popular options for women include skirts with leggings. Men tend to favor tanks and t-shirts with shorts and joggers when the temperature drops.
Pickleball Shoes
As a beginner, showing up to the pickleball court in any sneakers or athletic shoes is perfectly acceptable. As you play more frequently, consider switching to shoes made specifically for pickleball. They will have cushioned support that absorbs the energy as you quickly start, stop, and change directions on the court.
Proper shock absorption will reduce the impact you feel in your knees, back, and feet. Pickleball shoes can also help with balance and ensure you can quickly shift your weight, which is essential in a fast-paced game.
Pickleball Bags
Now that you’ve acquired all the items you need for pickleball, you need a way to keep them contained and transport them to the court. Pickleball bags come in various shapes, designed specifically for pickleball equipment. Whether you opt for a backpack, sling bag, or tote style, your pickleball bag will easily accommodate your paddles. Additionally, most bags have a sleeve or pocket for balls. Some options included a ventilated area for clothes and shoes or thermal insulation to protect your gear from intense heat and keep your extra water cool.
Start your pickleball journey with a paddle, a few balls, and access to a pickleball court. From there, you can branch out and acquire your own net or court, pickleball shoes and clothes, and a pickleball-specific bag to help you carry everything comfortably and stylishly.