Recommended Pickleball Gear for Beginners
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You need surprisingly little to start playing pickleball: a paddle, the right ball for your court and a pair of court shoes. Everything else is optional. This page lists simple, widely available starter options, chosen from manufacturer specifications and what a beginner actually needs. We have not lab tested every item, and we do not show prices or star ratings because they change often. Check the current details on Amazon.
Not sure about the rules yet? Start with pickleball rules for beginners.
Paddles
Any USA Pickleball approved paddle is fine to start. Your first paddle matters less than your first few weeks of play, so a starter set is a sensible way in. Demo friends' paddles before you spend more.
Selkirk SLK Neo paddle set of 2, with balls and a sling bag
Why it is here: Everything two new players need in one box: two graphite face paddles, outdoor balls and a bag.
Good for: Couples and friends starting together who want a known brand.
Skip it if: You already know you want a specific paddle shape or weight. Demo a few first.
MTEN fiberglass paddle set (sets of 1, 2 or 4)
Why it is here: A low cost way to get four paddles for family games or a driveway court.
Good for: Families, beginners who are not sure they will stick with it, spare paddles for guests.
Skip it if: You play several times a week. You will likely want a single better paddle soon.
Balls
Match the ball to the court: outdoor balls (about 40 smaller holes) are harder and faster, indoor balls (about 26 larger holes) are softer and slower. The rulebook allows any approved ball indoors or out, but most groups follow this custom.
Franklin X-40 outdoor pickleballs
Why it is here: A widely used outdoor ball, sold in packs, so you can practice serves and drops with a bucket of balls.
Good for: Anyone playing on outdoor courts or a driveway.
Skip it if: You play only in a gym. Use an indoor ball instead.
Franklin X-26 indoor pickleballs
Why it is here: Indoor balls bounce and fly differently, and playing with the right one makes the soft game easier to learn.
Good for: Players at community centers, gyms and indoor clubs.
Skip it if: Your group plays outdoors.
Shoes
Court shoes are the purchase most beginners skip and most coaches mention first. Pickleball is mostly short side steps and quick stops, which running shoes are not built for.
Skechers Viper Court Smash pickleball shoe (men's)
Why it is here: Court shoes support side steps much better than running shoes, which are built for straight ahead motion.
Good for: Men playing two or more times a week.
Skip it if: You have wide feet or foot problems. Try shoes on in a store and ask a podiatrist if needed.
Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 pickleball shoe (women's)
Why it is here: Lateral support and a court sole for quick side steps at the kitchen line.
Good for: Women playing regularly on hard courts.
Skip it if: You need a specific fit. Try several brands in person.
Net and court lines
Only needed if you want to play at home or in a gym without lines. A regulation net is 22 ft wide, 36 in high at the sidelines and 34 in at the center.
A11N portable net system, 22 ft regulation width
Why it is here: Turns a driveway, cul de sac or tennis court into a practice court.
Good for: Families and groups without nearby courts.
Skip it if: Your local courts have permanent nets.
Franklin court marker kit
Why it is here: The kitchen line matters for every rule in our guides, and this marks it without paint or tape.
Good for: Driveway and gym players who need lines.
Skip it if: You play on a painted pickleball court.
Small extras
Nice to have, not required.
Pickleball score keeper wristbands
Why it is here: Keeps the three number score straight during long side outs.
Good for: New players and anyone who loses track of the score.
Skip it if: You are happy calling the score from memory.
Franklin pickleball sling bag
Why it is here: Keeps your kit together for open play.
Good for: Regular open play players.
Skip it if: Your starter set already came with a bag.
TOBWOLF silicone ball retriever (2 pack)
Why it is here: Serve and dink practice means picking up a lot of balls.
Good for: Anyone practicing serves with a bucket of balls.
Skip it if: Bending down is no problem for you.
Selkirk paddle cover
Why it is here: Protects the paddle face and edge guard in your bag.
Good for: Players carrying one good paddle.
Skip it if: You keep paddles in a dedicated bag sleeve.
What you do not need yet
- An expensive paddle. Wait until you have played for a few weeks and tried friends' paddles. You will know much more about the weight and shape you like.
- Training gadgets. Court time and simple drills, like the ones in our dink guide, matter far more.
- A ball machine. Great for some players, but a partner and a bucket of balls works fine at the start.