Beginner’s Checklist: Essential Pickleball Gear to Start Playing

What Equipment Do I Need to Start Playing Pickleball?

The Essentials You’ll Need to Step Onto the Court with Confidence

Pickleball is one of the most inviting sports for beginners—fun, social, low-impact, and easy to start. You don’t need an expensive membership or a mountain of gear. But having the right equipment from the beginning will help you play better, move safely, and enjoy the game more.

If you're ready to jump in, here’s everything you need to know—clearly broken down, thoughtfully explained, and free of fluff. This is your guide to starting strong.

1. A Pickleball Paddle

This is the single most important piece of equipment. Paddles are solid-faced (no strings), and they come in different shapes, weights, and materials. Beginners should look for something in the mid-weight range (about 7.5 to 8.2 ounces). This offers a balance of control and power without tiring your arm.

Materials vary. Fiberglass and composite paddles offer a nice feel and are affordable. Graphite paddles are lighter and more responsive, but typically more expensive. Make sure the grip size feels comfortable in your hand—too small or too large can cause fatigue or even injury over time.

Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 for a quality beginner paddle. Try to avoid the cheapest big-box store paddles—they’ll work, but they won’t give you a good sense of the game’s feel.

2. Pickleballs (Yes, They’re Different for Indoors and Outdoors)

Not all pickleballs are created equal. Outdoor balls are heavier, made of harder plastic, and have 40 small holes. Indoor balls are lighter and softer, with 26 larger holes.

If you're going to be playing on a tennis court, gym floor, or in a rec center, check with other players to see which kind is used. Outdoor balls are the most common, so if you're buying a starter pack, start there.

A three-pack of balls will cost you about $10 to $15. That’s enough to get going, but you’ll eventually want more—especially once you start hitting with power. These balls crack.

3. Shoes That Are Made for the Court

Don’t wear running shoes. Seriously. They’re made for forward motion, not for the quick side-to-side shifts you’ll use constantly in pickleball. What you need are court shoes—the kind designed for tennis, volleyball, or indoor gym sports.

Look for a stable base, good lateral support, and a sole that grips without being sticky. If you’re playing indoors, non-marking soles are a must. Outdoor players should go with tennis-style shoes built for hard surfaces.

Expect to spend around $70 to $120 for a solid pair of court shoes. And if you’re playing often, consider rotating between two pairs to keep them lasting longer and reduce wear on your joints.

4. Athletic Clothing That Lets You Move

There’s no official dress code in pickleball, but what you wear matters more than you might think. Go for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. You’ll be sweating more than you expect.

For men, a t-shirt or athletic polo and a pair of shorts with pockets will do the trick. For women, tank tops, athletic shirts, and skorts are popular. Choose materials that stretch and won’t restrict your movement when lunging or reaching.

You don’t need to spend big here—just make sure you’re comfortable, cool, and able to move freely. Socks matter too. Cushioned, athletic socks can help prevent blisters and keep your feet happy during long sessions.

5. A Bag to Keep It Together

Once you start bringing balls, water, a towel, and maybe a second paddle, you’ll want something more organized than a plastic grocery bag. A good pickleball bag (or even a tennis or gym bag) makes a big difference in keeping your gear together and protected.

Basic paddle bags are lightweight and affordable. More advanced backpacks have compartments for balls, shoes, and even a laptop if you're heading from the court to the office.

This isn’t a necessity when you’re first starting, but if you’re playing more than once a week, you’ll appreciate having one. Prices range from $30 to $80.

6. Optional, but Worth Considering

There are a few extras that aren’t required but are commonly used by experienced players and might become part of your gear over time.

Eyewear: Some players wear clear or tinted protective glasses to guard against fast shots at the face. Not required, but not a bad idea either—especially in doubles play.

Grip tape or overgrips: If your hand sweats or you want a different feel, adding a grip wrap can help you control your paddle better.

Sweatbands or sun protection: Hats, wristbands, or sleeves can help in hot or humid environments.

Water bottle and towel: Bring them. Courts get hot. Rallies get long.

Portable net or court markers: For those who want to practice or play in driveways or gyms without permanent courts. You don’t need this to start, but it’s a fun upgrade for the truly hooked.

7. Total Cost to Start

So how much does it take to start playing pickleball?

Here’s an honest beginner’s budget:

Paddle: $50 to $100

Balls: $10 to $15

Shoes: $70 to $120

Clothes: $40 to $80 (if you don’t already own athletic wear)

That puts most beginners in the $170 to $300 range, depending on what you already own and how much you want to invest up front. For the experience you’ll get in return—regular exercise, social connection, and a sport you can grow into—it’s a fair trade.

Final Thoughts

Pickleball is a sport where you can show up with almost nothing and still have a great time. But if you’re serious about enjoying it and avoiding injuries, a small investment in the right equipment goes a long way.

Start with a solid paddle, a few balls, good court shoes, and clothes you can move in. The rest can come with time. Pickleball’s appeal lies in how easy it is to start—and how rewarding it becomes the more you play.

Once you’re set up, all you need to do is find a local court and jump in. The game is waiting.