Pickleball Equipment Guide
Everything you need to know about choosing the right gear
Equipment Priorities
Must Have
- • Pickleball paddle
- • Pickleballs (indoor/outdoor)
- • Non-marking court shoes
- • Comfortable athletic wear
Nice to Have
- • Paddle cover/bag
- • Sweatbands
- • Sunglasses (outdoor)
- • Water bottle
Pickleball Paddles
Your paddle is the most important piece of equipment. Unlike tennis rackets, pickleball paddles are solid (no strings) and come in various materials, weights, and sizes.
Paddle Materials
Wood
Composite
Graphite
Paddle Specifications
Official Regulations
- • Maximum length: 17 inches
- • Maximum width: 8 inches
- • Maximum thickness: 1.5 inches
- • No weight restrictions
- • Solid surface (no holes)
Choosing Weight
- • Light (6-7.5oz): More control, less power
- • Medium (7.5-8.5oz): Balanced play
- • Heavy (8.5oz+): More power, less maneuverability
- • Beginners often prefer medium weight
💡 Paddle Selection Tips
For Beginners:
- • Start with composite paddle
- • Medium weight (7.5-8.5oz)
- • Large sweet spot
- • Budget: $60-100
Try Before Buying:
- • Borrow different paddles
- • Check grip size (4¼" most common)
- • Consider your tennis background
- • Ask experienced players
⚪Pickleballs
Pickleballs are plastic balls with holes, similar to wiffle balls but designed specifically for pickleball. Different balls are used for indoor vs outdoor play.
🌞 Outdoor Balls
- • 40 holes (smaller, more numerous)
- • Harder plastic construction
- • More durable in wind/weather
- • Slower play, less bounce
- • Examples: Dura Fast 40, TOP
🏢 Indoor Balls
- • 26 holes (larger, fewer holes)
- • Softer plastic construction
- • Better for controlled indoor play
- • Faster play, more bounce
- • Examples: Jugs, Onix Pure 2
📝 Ball Buying Tips
- • Buy balls appropriate for your court type (indoor vs outdoor)
- • Tournament-approved balls for competitive play
- • Buy in bulk - balls wear out and crack
- • Bright colors (yellow, orange) are easier to see
- • Keep spare balls - you'll lose some!
👟Court Shoes
Proper footwear is crucial for performance and injury prevention. The quick lateral movements in pickleball require shoes with good support and traction.
✅ What to Look For
- ✓Non-marking soles: Required on most courts
- ✓Lateral support: For side-to-side movement
- ✓Low to ground: Better stability
- ✓Good traction: Prevents slipping
- ✓Comfortable fit: Room for toe movement
❌ Avoid These Shoes
- ✗Running shoes: Designed for forward motion
- ✗Basketball shoes: Too high, restrict movement
- ✗Casual sneakers: Lack proper support
- ✗Worn-out shoes: Reduced traction/support
👟 Shoe Recommendations by Type
Court Shoes
Tennis or racquetball shoes work well. Designed for lateral movement.
Cross Trainers
Good all-around option. Look for lateral stability features.
Pickleball Specific
Growing market of shoes designed specifically for pickleball.
👕Clothing & Accessories
Clothing Essentials
Athletic Wear
Moisture-wicking fabrics, comfortable fit, freedom of movement
Shorts/Skorts
Above knee length for movement, built-in compression recommended
Breathable Tops
Lightweight, sweat-wicking materials, comfortable fit
Useful Accessories
💰Budget Guide
Budget Starter Kit
Intermediate Setup
Premium Kit
🧽Equipment Care
Paddle Maintenance
- • Clean after each use with damp cloth
- • Avoid extreme temperatures in car
- • Use edge guard tape to prevent chips
- • Store in paddle cover
- • Check for cracks before play
General Equipment
- • Rotate shoes to extend life
- • Wash athletic wear in cold water
- • Store balls in dry location
- • Replace cracked balls immediately
- • Keep spare equipment in your bag
Ready to Learn Techniques?
Now that you have the right equipment, learn the basic shots and techniques