Pickleball Equipment Checklist for Beginners
One of the best things about pickleball is how little you need to start playing. Two pieces of equipment are truly required — a paddle and some balls. Everything else is either situational or optional. This guide covers what you actually need, what you can skip, and how to spend your first $50 vs. your first $150.
Required: paddle and balls
Paddle: the only piece of equipment specific to you. Every other player on the court has their own paddle — you can't share. See our paddle guide for how to choose one.
Balls: you'll often play with balls that belong to the court or the organiser, but it's worth having your own for practice and open-play sessions. Balls come in two types — indoor (26 holes, softer, better on wood or gym floors) and outdoor (40 holes, harder, wind-resistant for hard courts). Know which type your primary court uses.
Footwear: court shoes vs. running shoes
This matters more than most beginners realise. Running shoes are built for forward motion — their cushioning and heel structure make lateral movements (the dominant motion in pickleball) unstable and hard on ankles.
Court shoes (designed for tennis, squash, or pickleball) are built for lateral stability: flatter sole, reinforced sides, better traction pattern for hard courts. They reduce the injury risk that comes from the sport's characteristic side-to-side shuffling.
You don't need pickleball-specific shoes — any good tennis court shoe works. Avoid running shoes, basketball shoes, and anything with heavily cushioned heels.
Apparel: what to wear
There's no required pickleball attire — anything you'd wear for tennis or gym activity works. The key is moisture-wicking fabric over cotton: cotton absorbs sweat and gets heavy, while polyester/nylon blends stay light and dry.
Shorts or athletic skirts, a moisture-wicking shirt, and for outdoor play, a hat or visor for sun protection. That's it.
Avoid jeans, formal clothing, or anything that restricts movement at the hip or shoulder.
Optional but useful
Paddle bag or cover: keeps your paddle protected from temperature extremes, which can warp some cores over time.
Overgrip tape: cheap, extends the life of your grip, and lets you adjust the thickness by adding a layer.
Eye protection: not required, but recommended — a fast ball to the face at close range is a real risk at the kitchen line.
Knee brace or elbow support: if you have existing joint issues, proactive bracing is cheaper than rehabbing an injury.
Budget tiers
Under $50: Borrow or use a club paddle, buy a tube of outdoor balls (~$10–15), find a court in court shoes you already own. You can try the sport with almost no investment.
$50–$100: Budget paddle (polymer core, fiberglass face — plenty of good options in this range), two tubes of balls, court shoes.
$100–$150: Mid-range paddle with better feel and construction, a dedicated paddle cover, three tubes of balls, purpose-bought court shoes.
$150+: Premium paddle, dedicated paddle bag, both indoor and outdoor ball sets, high-end court shoes, optional eye protection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a borrowed paddle to start?+
Absolutely. Many clubs and recreation centres have loaner paddles. Start with a borrowed one to make sure you enjoy the sport before spending money on your own.
Do I need pickleball-specific shoes?+
Not pickleball-specific, but court-specific. Any tennis court shoe with lateral stability and a non-marking sole works. Avoid running shoes — the cushioning makes lateral movements unstable and increases ankle injury risk.
How long do pickleball balls last?+
Outdoor balls crack — typically after 3–10 hours of hard play, sooner on rough surfaces or in cold weather. Indoor balls last longer because softer gym floors are less abrasive.
Ready to pick your first paddle? Our Paddle Finder quiz gives you a personalised recommendation based on your budget and playing style.
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