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Have you played Pickleball yet? I picked up pickleball a few years ago, and now it is one of the greatest sources of recreation I have in my life. If you are thinking about getting started in this super fun and social game, you may be wondering about all the things you may need in order to play, such as gear and clothing. Here, I’ll tell you about the actual products I used as a beginner and what I used as I transitioned into an intermediate player.
These are our pickleball paddles and a typical outdoor pickleball we use. My paddle on the left is what my friends refer to as “black magic”.
To get started with Pickleball, do these things
Sign up for lessons or a beginner clinic
To get started with Pickleball, make sure you sign up for some lessons at a local club, gym, or group. Lessons are a wonderful way to meet other players at your level. Some cities have free lessons for new pickleball players to promote the sport. If you have some willing friends, they could teach you too. It is super easy to learn but there are more skills and rules involved then you think. There is new terminology such as the “kitchen”, dinking, and volleying. It has a somewhat complex scoring system, a new type of court, and a wiffleball-like ball, etc.
Get a Pickleball Paddle
In the beginning, if you can, try to borrow one. If you are playing at a club, most clubs will loan you a paddle to get used to the game, before you invest in one. If you are playing at a public court, you may want to buy one. Perhaps owning your paddle makes you more committed to the game. There are loads of Pickleball paddles and it can really be confusing as to what to use.
If you buy one as a new player, I would recommend buying a paddle that can take you from a beginner to an intermediate stage. Start with more of a beginner paddle that is typically thin and light and makes movement easier. Don’t start with a thick, heavy advanced power paddle, as it may make early maneuvering difficult. Later, when you are more intermediate player, you can switch to the thicker paddles.
Good Paddle for Beginners
As a beginner here is the paddle that I borrowed from the club where I first learned to play.
This was a wonderful paddle for me to transition from beginner into intermediate-level play. It is reasonably priced to get you started and move you into the game. Most of our club players had started with this loaner paddle. It really helped to get started with Pickleball to see if I liked the game and would continue.
Good Paddles for Intermediates
After I played for about 6 months, I researched intermediate paddles and bought a paddle. It has really upped my game. Paddles can be made of many materials and have various thicknesses that can change your game. They are usually classified as “control” paddles or “power” paddles.
Since I was a tennis player, I have a tendency to “drive the ball” like forehands in tennis, and hit the ball long. So I opted for a “control” paddle which really has helped me to direct the ball where I want.
Vatic Pro Prism “Flash”
My pickleball friends (now super good friends!) named it ‘black magic’ and is really helped my game. It is made of carbon fiber, known to be a durable material. It comes with a nice cover. I received it as a Christmas gift from my husband. May not be the paddle you get right out of the gate. I would definitely recommend for Intermediate or Advanced players and would not be good for someone just starting.
My husband was a pretty advanced tennis player when I introduced him to Pickleball. So for his birthday I bought him a good intermediate paddle. He has loved it and really excelled in the game. This is the paddle that I bought for him. I have owned Head tennis rackets and so had confidence in the brand. It was a fairly budget-friendly option for me. It really helped him to get started with pickleball and transition from tennis.
Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle
Wear comfortable activewear you can really move in
Pickleball is really a “down to earth” game. You don’t need to show up in your Chanel or Wimbledon whites….unless you want to LOL. You can easily repurpose what you already use for other workouts. However, it is a quick, active game and you can really get sweaty. In the winter I wear leggings, I use for running/walking. I also, play tennis, so in the summer I am able to wear my tennis skirts. You can also wear shorts or skorts if that is your style. On top, I usually just wear a tank top or t-shirt and an exercise jacket or fleece if it is cold.
You can choose a different skirt for different moods or styles. Check out these different types of pickleball skirts.
Here are some additional options for spring and summer play.
Wear court shoes
If you have shoes you wear for tennis or other court sports you can use them for pickleball. The main things is you want lateral side-to-side movement. Unlike running shoes, which are designed for moving you forward, with pickleball you have to be able to move in all directions. They also do sell pickleball shoes. I wear the same shoes for tennis and pickleball so that I don’t have to own two pairs and it has worked out just fine.
My friends swear by this comfortable shoe for Pickleball.
This is the shoe I actually wear to Pickleball.
Grab a few pickleballs
In pickleball, you will usually play with 4 people and one out of the four will usually supply the ball. It is courteous every once in a while to be the person that supplies the ball. So you should always have one on hand. However, just starting with a few is fine. I have a few friends who made the mistake of buying 100 balls to begin with. As you play, you may get picky about the type of ball and you don’t want to get stuck with too many that you dislike.
Remember to keep track of your pickleballs. Some people like to put their initials with a permanent marker on the ball. The one thing to watch for is if the ball is for outdoor or indoor use. This will make a big difference. The club players I play with like the Onyx pickleballs for outdoor use. So I have gotten used to these and like them as well.
Locate a bag
You can use a backpack, tote or gym bag that you already have to cart your paddles, balls, water bottle, etc. Although, I have also been known to use a jacket with pockets as a makeshift bag.
However, you may want to get a pickleball backpack. They are more compact than typical backpacks and they have a hook on top that latches onto a fence. You also look cool coming in to play. Make sure to put a water bottle, sunblock, towel, and sunglasses in your bag. Consequently, pickleball is an active game so you will need all of these things.
This elegant bag has tons of pockets to store pickleballs, a water bottle, paddles, your phone, a towel, etc. It has the hook to latch onto a fence. Check out the different colors.
So ladies, grab your stuff and get in the game! Here is a checklist of pickleball outfits and accessories you may find useful. So what are you waiting for? Get started with Pickleball and add to the joy in your life.
