Beginner’s Gear Guide
If you’re just starting to play pickleball, trying to figure out what gear you need can be tricky, and a little overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve created this gear guide specifically for beginners. To play pickleball, you will need:
- 1 paddle per person
- Pickleball(s)
- Shoes
- A place to play or a portable net
As a beginner, decide what you need, how much you’re willing to spend, and what kind of quality you want. Most beginners will only need a few paddles and a ball, while some may need a net as well. As for shoes, most closed toe athletic shoes will work, although there are specialized court shoes if you want to get fancy.
If you already have a place to play and you only want the bare minimum to start, this set of wooden paddles is a great cost effective option.
While these are great, inexpensive, and durable options, it’s important to realize that these paddles are on the lower end; great for beginners, not so great for intermediate/advanced play. As you get more into pickleball, you’re going to want to invest in a higher end paddle. Higher end paddles will normally be composite, meaning they will be made out of multiple materials, a core and a face.
If you’re ready to make the jump and invest in a better paddle, you can check out our guide on what to look for in a paddle here. Remember, there is no “best” pickleball paddle, it’s all about personal preference and play style. A good paddle can run anywhere from $70-$200, but is definitely worth it if you plan on playing more than a couple times.
Now to Move onto nets
While some areas may have pickleball courts or adjusted tennis courts, buying a portable net can be a great way to get into the sport.
2 paddles with a mini net (Net is only half the regulation size)
Here is a higher end regulation net equipped with wheels
USAPA’s court guide if you want to make your own court
Ready to take it to the next level?
See the our more advanced gear recommendations.