What Do You Need To Play Pickleball? Gear Guide + More

A pickleball paddle is the main piece of gear you’ll need to play. These paddles fall in between the size of a tennis racket and a ping pong paddle.

• They come in different sizes, shapes, weights, and materials.
• Lighter paddles provide faster swing speed.
• Heavier paddles give more power and stability.
• Learn all about choosing a paddle.

A sweat-wicking pickleball outfit is essential for keeping cool on the court (or in your backyard)! Check out our wide selection of pickleball + tennis apparel — including a trendy tennis skirt or a sporty bucket hat.

Casual players might not choose to invest in special pickleball shoes. Wearing tennis shoes (or shoes you already have) is definitely an option. However, pickleball-specific shoes help you play safer and improve your performance.

• Pickleball shoes have enhanced grip and support for quick lateral movements on the court.
• They offer better breathability and comfort as well as help help reduce foot fatigue during extended play.
• They have specialized soles that provide traction on court surface: improving stability on the court.

Wearing athletic socks under your pickleball shoes will keep your feet feeling comfortable and dry as you play game after game.

• Athletic socks wick away moisture, reducing blisters and discomfort during play.
• They’ll provide cushioning and support: enhancing on-court foot stability.
• They also minimize friction between foot and shoe. The reduced friction optimizes your agility and movement on the court.

Don’t let the sun cause you to miss opportunities on the court! If you play on outdoor courts, wear a cap to shade your eyes from the sun so you can always see the ball.

• They shield eyes from the sun, improving visibility and focus on the ball.
• They reduce glare: enhancing precision during play.
• Caps also protect your face and scalp from direct sunlight — maximizing your comfort.

Wearing a headband helps add more than a stylish touch to your pickleball attire. They are great for players with sunglasses or prescription glasses because they offer additional grip for your eyewear.

• Headbands primarily absorb sweat, reducing distractions during play.
• They also keep your hair secured and keep your vision unobstructed while you play.
• They enhance comfort by preventing sweat-induced irritation, too.

You can’t play a good game without a collection of pickleballs! They are made of lightweight plastic and have many distinct circular holes in the surface so they’ll fly through the air.

• Balls are designed for indoor use, outdoor use, and competitive play.
• You’ll find pickleballs in a variety of colors: orange, green, red, etc.

If you’re set on playing pickleball at home, you’ll need a net to fully enjoy that convenience. Pickleball nets are lower than tennis nets, so try to find a pickleball-specific net for the most authentic playing experience.

• They only stand a total height of 36” at the posts and 34” in the middle.
• If you can’t keep a permanent court set up, you can get a portable net for the most flexibility.

Not everyone has access to a pickleball court. That’s why we recommend handy accessories like Gamma Mini Court Lines to help you create your own!

• Portable court lines let you make a pickleball court anywhere that you have a hard surface with ample space.
• These lines help you create an entire pickleball court from scratch and have a nonskid design to keep most playing surfaces safe.

Families looking to spare their more expensive gear and/or introduce kids or friends to the sport might consider grabbing a complete starter set.

• Invest in a portable starter set, so you can play at home, the beach, or the park.
• Portable pickleball gear sets only need a hard or flat surface to get a casual game going.
• These sets will come with entry-level paddles, pickleballs, and a net at minimum.

Pickleball sling bags make it easy to haul your gear from your home to the court. Some items you’ll need to have can get quite expensive. Protecting them is never a bad idea!

• Pickleball-specific bags have ample space to store paddles and balls that might otherwise fit awkwardly in normal backpacks.
• They are often made of water-resistant materials to keep your gear dry.
• These bags feature handy pockets for quick access to balls, water bottles, and other essentials.

If you’re serious about pickleball and you want to keep your paddle in the best shape possible, a paddle cover can be the best investment!

• Paddle covers help keep your paddles protected and free from damage that can occur while on the go or in storage.
• Most paddle covers fit the bulk of pickleball paddles on the market.

Not every pickleball player will need these specialized gloves. However, they’ll definitely come in handy for regular or competitive players.

• Sweat Absorption: Pickleball gloves prevent the paddle from slipping by wicking away sweat.
• Friction/Chafe Reduction: They minimize blisters and chafing during play.
• Finger Protection: Gloves shield fingers from potential injuries.
• Easier Paddle Control: They enhance grip, leading to better paddle control.