Starting out in an sport brings with it a cost. However, pickleball is a sport that costs very little starting out. All you really need is a paddle, some athletic shoes and ball to begin learning the sport – Your Personal Pickleball Equipment.
Then there is the court and the net. I will touch on the parts of the court and net, but most people play at facilities that provide these.
We also have some practice equipment at home that are easy to purchase and help you improve your game.
Personal Pickleball Equipment:
As I mentioned in My How I was Introduced to Pickleball, taking a “Learn to Play”, whether it is just a one time session or a multi-session course, is a great way to find out what may work for you as far as equipment. Often these courses will have paddles and balls available.
As with any sport, equipment plays an integral part in how well you play and how much fun you have. That being said, I know my needs and wants have changed as my pickleball journey has continued. While clothing is definitely a part of pickleball equipment, that’s a whole other topic for me that you can read about at My Pickleball Outfits.
I will go through the personal equipment list with suggestions for beginners and how my journey has developed my selection of equipment.
THE PADDLE: It is easy to get overwhelmed with the selection.. Click here for my take on considerations when purchasing a Paddle when you are just getting started and when to replace your paddle.
BALLS: There are basically two types of balls used in pickleball. Click here for an explanation on the types of balls and suggestions to purchase.
SHOES: Shoes are a core piece of equipment to play safely and for long term play without injury. While it may seem to be part of your pickleball outfit, it really is basic equipment for pickleball play. Click here for suggestions on what to look for in shoes and some shoe suggestions.
WATER BOTTLE: It is important to keep hydrated while playing pickleball – Click her for tips and suggestions for water bottles and cleaning tips.
PICKLEBALL BAG: And what are you going to put your court shoes, accessories, waterball, balls and paddle(s) in when you are heading out to the Court. Click here for some options and tips for what to look for in a Pickleball Bag. Look for a new post about what to put in your Pickleball Bag.
TIP: Label everything. Name tag and address on your bag, initials on your balls, shoes and waterball. Custom name tags for your paddles are available and better than marking your paddle if you intend to sell or change your paddle.
Pickleball Court and Net:
It helps to have a basic knowledge of the features of the pickleball court when you start to play pickleball.
Check out these posts to learn some basic features, purpose of the features, court surfaces and the net.
Practice Equipment:
Practising outside of play helps improve muscle memory, feel for your pickleball paddle and the pickleball connection. Often we would practice dinks together but it is also great to have a practice area that I can go by myself to practice dinks and quick hands. Target practice helps with improving ball placement. Check out these selections of Pickleball Practice Equipment that offer training under solo conditions or with a partner.
