Pickleball has captured the hearts of both young and old players alike. The 2023 APP Tour’s Pickleball Participation Report has estimated 36.5 million pickleball players in America.
But why is this game so popular? The reason is that almost anyone can play this game, no matter their fitness level or age. You just need the right gear before you step onto the court. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about pickleball equipment for beginners.
Contents
How to Play Pickleball for Beginners?
Even if you have not played racquet sports before, you can easily learn to play pickleball. The basic rules for this game are pretty simple to follow:
- Hitting the pickleballs out of bounds is not permitted.
- Serving the ball must be below the waistline and should be underhand.
- The served ball must bounce once on the opponent’s side before being hit.
- No-volley zone should be avoided while serving.
- Winning points are 11, 15, or 21 points, and the winning team must have a two-point advantage.
Pickleball Gear and Equipment
Are you new to pickleball games? Though a variety of pickleball-specific gear and equipment is out there, you must be aware of the essential pickleball equipment for beginners:
Pickleball Paddles
When choosing pickleball equipment for beginners, paddle material makes a big difference. Composite paddles are known for offering extra power but make it difficult for beginners to keep control. Wooden paddles can also be considered as they offer much control to beginners. However, if you are a regular pickleball player like me, you should avoid wooden paddles as they wear out quickly.
In contrast, a carbon fiber paddle is suitable for beginners as they are lightweight, offer more control, and are durable, but are quite expensive. For me, durability, power, and affordability were must-haves in a pickleball paddle, so I opted for a graphite one.
If you also want a paddle that offers much power without breaking the bank, glass fiber or graphite are suitable materials.
Source: Unsplash
Our Top Pickleball Paddle
A USAPA-approved, lightweight pickleball equipment for beginners with a carbon fiber paddle core. The paddle is incredibly easy to carry and can easily be rolled up and fit into your backpack, making it one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
Pickleball Balls
Before purchasing the pickleball, I always ask myself, “Will I be playing on an outdoor court or indoors? No one wants to miss these pleasant sunny days, so I tend to go for an outdoor ball.
But why am I asking myself this question in the first place? Because the answer will decide the characteristics of the ball that I’ll be needing. The outdoor balls are usually harder than their indoor counterparts, so they can fly better and survive the outdoor conditions.
In addition, the holes of outdoor balls are smaller in size but are greater in number (40 holes per ball). The indoor balls usually have larger holes but are lower in number (26 holes per ball).
Our Top Pickleball Balls
Kofull 74MM Durable Pickleball Balls
A perfect pack of 6 Pcs 74MM Pickleball Balls for outdoor play with 40 holes. With a compelling hardness of 80 to 90, this is the best pickleball set for beginners.
Pickleball Shoes
Though you can hit the court with your old running shoes, experts say you should invest in a pair of shoes made specifically for pickleball. If not pickleball-specific shoes, you should at least wear court-friendly shoes. For instance, they should provide good traction and support for lateral movements.
I tried to save a few dollars by jumping into the court with regular running shoes, but it was such a nightmare. You need to run in every direction in the pickleball game, but the casual running shoes intend to aid forward movement only. So, I had to invest in pickleball shoes as they support movement in all directions. This is definitely one of the most important pieces of pickleball equipment for beginners.
Source: Pixabay
Tips to Find the Right Pickleball Equipment for Beginners
Before stepping on the court, knowing about the tips and tricks of the game matters a lot. Likewise, you should be aware of the essential tips to purchase the best pickleball set for beginners. Here are some great tips to make informed purchase decisions:
Know your Skill Level
Choose your pickleball paddle according to your skill level and preferences. For instance, if you are a beginner, USAPA suggests a lightweight paddle with an ideal weight between 7.3 and 8.3 ounces as a suitable choice.
In addition, individual preferences also matter a lot when deciding on pickleball equipment for beginners. For instance, I prefer speed over control, and a lightweight paddle is unable to provide me with the required power. But if you are new to the racquet game, I recommend choosing the lightweight paddle because it offers more control to beginners.
Buy USAPA-Approved Products
You should invest only in USAPA-approved pickleball equipment for beginners. Such equipment has undergone lab testing to ensure its deflection, size, and roughness specifications are met.
Measure your Grip Size
Before you invest in a pickleball paddle, you should be aware of your ideal grip size. You can measure your grip size by calculating the distance between the top of your ring finger and the bottom lateral crease of your hand. This is essential before getting yourself pickleball equipment for beginners.
FAQs
How big is a pickleball court?
The court comprises 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a 36-inch net positioned in the center. Alternatively, you can also use a tennis or any other available court with a net for playing pickleball.
How do you serve in pickleball?
A player of one team will serve the ball diagonally into the court of the other team, which must reach the other side with one bounce.
Is pickleball good for seniors?
Yes, pickleball is a great game for seniors as it is low-impact and is easy to learn. Besides, this game offers a great way to stay active and socialize with your seniors.
Wrapping Up
Pickleball is an easy and affordable way to stay active. But the suitable pickleball equipment for beginners is essential to truly enjoy this game. Keep your skill level and preferences into account while investing in the right pickleball gear for beginners and elevate your gaming experience.
Next up, let’s look into the best 5 pickleball doubles strategies for beginners!