What Do You Need To Play Pickleball: Essential Gear Guide

A paddle, a few balls, court shoes, a net, and a lined court.

If you’ve been wondering what do you need to play pickleball, you’re in the right place. I’ve coached community clinics, tested stacks of paddles, and set up more nets than I can count. This guide breaks down every piece of gear, from the must-haves to the nice-to-haves, so you can start fast, safe, and confident.

The Essential Gear: Paddles, Balls, and a Court

If you ask what do you need to play pickleball, the core list is short. You need a paddle, a couple of balls, court shoes, a net, and a marked court. That’s enough to start and play your first games today.

Start with these essentials:

One paddle per player graphite or composite is ideal for beginners
Two to six balls outdoor or indoor, based on your court surface
Court shoes non-marking soles with lateral support
A net portable or permanent, set to regulation height
A court lined to 20 feet by 44 feet, with a 7-foot non-volley zone

Pro tip from the court: bring extra balls. They roll off fast and crack in cold weather.

Picking the Right Paddle

When people ask what do you need to play pickleball, the paddle is where most choices begin. Paddles vary in weight, shape, face material, and grip size. A good starter paddle balances control and power.

Key factors to choose:

Weight light 7 to 7.5 oz for control, mid 7.6 to 8.2 oz for balance, heavy for power
Material graphite and composite faces offer a good touch and spin
Core polymer honeycomb is the most common and beginner-friendly
Shape standard shapes are more forgiving; elongated paddles add reach but can be less stable
Grip size match your hand size, often 4 to 4.25 inches for many players

From experience, a midweight composite paddle with a medium grip fits most new players. Look for USA Pickleball approved markings for league or tournament play. Replace overgrips as they wear to avoid slipping.

Balls for Indoor vs Outdoor Play

Another common angle on what do you need to play pickleball is the right ball for your court. Outdoor balls are harder, with smaller holes often 40 holes to handle wind and rough surfaces. Indoor balls are softer, with larger holes usually 26 holes and bounce more on gym floors.

Choose based on surface:

Outdoor hard courts use outdoor balls bright yellow is easy to track
Indoor wood or tile floors use indoor balls to avoid skidding
Cold weather can crack outdoor balls more easily; carry extras
High-visibility colors help under different lights and backgrounds

I keep a bag with both ball types. Swapping them to match the surface makes play feel much smoother.

Shoes and Apparel

Wondering what do you need to play pickleball after a paddle and balls Think shoes. Proper court shoes protect your ankles and knees. Running shoes are built for forward motion, not side-to-side moves, and they can catch on pivots.

Look for:

Court shoes with durable, non-marking soles and lateral support
Breathable socks with arch support and blister guard
Sport eyewear to protect your eyes from fast drives
Sun hat, light layers, and sunscreen for outdoor play
A sweat towel and a water bottle for heat and humidity

Comfort equals confidence. My first season was night-and-day better after I switched to true court shoes.

Court, Net, and Space Requirements

What do you need to play pickleball at home or the park A standard court and a proper net. Official rules set the court at 20 feet by 44 feet, with a 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net. Net height is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the center.

Options for setup:

Public courts many parks now have dedicated pickleball lines
Temporary court chalk or tape lines on a tennis or basketball court
Portable net systems regulation size with a center support
Driveway practice use mini nets and foam balls for touch drills

A portable net and court tape let you turn almost any flat surface into a playable space. Always check for permission and safety.

Safety and Comfort Add-ons

You have the basics. Next, ask yourself what do you need to play pickleball comfortably for longer sessions Safety and comfort gear helps you play more and dodge avoidable injuries.

Helpful add-ons:

Protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries from fast shots
Hat, sunscreen, and electrolytes for heat and sun
Overgrips for better hold when your hands sweat
Knee or ankle support if you have old injuries
Small first aid kit for blisters or scrapes

I learned the eyewear lesson the hard way. A quick reflex save once sent a ball to my face. Now I never skip eye protection.

Rules, Scoring, and Basic Setup

It’s fair to ask what do you need to play pickleball besides gear You need a quick grasp of core rules. This keeps games smooth and friendly from day one.

Know these points:

Serve underhand, below the waist, and cross-court
Two-bounce rule the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys start
Non-volley zone no volleys while standing in the kitchen
Scoring rally points come only to the serving team; games often go to 11, win by 2
Server position the first server is on the right, switch sides after each point

Practice saying the score as server score, receiver score, then server number 1 or 2 in doubles. This habit avoids confusion and keeps the game flowing.

Budget Guide and Starter Kits

On a budget and asking what do you need to play pickleball smartly The good news is you can start without spending much. Focus on a solid paddle, good shoes, and a basic ball pack.

Typical price ranges:

Paddle 40 to 100 for quality entry options, 120 to 250 for high-end
Balls 10 to 20 per 4-pack outdoor or indoor
Shoes 60 to 140 for reliable court shoes
Portable net 120 to 200 for sturdy, regulation models
Tape or chalk 10 to 25 for temporary lines

Starter kit ideas:

Value paddle, 2 outdoor balls, basic court shoes
Mid-tier paddle with a carry bag, 6 balls, towel, and overgrips
Home setup portable net, tape, 8 balls, and two paddles for doubles

Spend most on shoes and paddle. Those two choices change your play the most.

What to Pack in Your Pickleball Bag

If friends ask what do you need to play pickleball for a full day, show them your bag. Pack smart and you spend more time playing and less time scrambling.

Bag checklist:

Paddle plus a backup or loaner for a friend
Balls indoor and outdoor, high-visibility colors
Court shoes, socks, and a spare pair
Towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Water bottle and light snacks
Overgrips, athletic tape, and a small first aid kit
Phone tripod if you like filming for feedback

I throw in an extra overgrip and a pair of dry socks. Those two small items have saved many sessions.

Practice Drills and First-Day Checklist

Your last step in what do you need to play pickleball is a few simple drills. These speed up your learning curve and make games more fun.

Try these beginner drills:

Dinks at the kitchen line short, soft shots cross-court
Serves 20 in a row, aim deep targets
Third-shot drops from midcourt, land in the kitchen
Volleys block and punch with short swings
Footwork side steps and split steps to stay balanced

First-day checklist:

Arrive early, warm up with dinks and mini rallies
Agree on rules and scoring before the first serve
Keep swings short, aim deep, and move your feet
Communicate with your partner call mine, yours, out
End with a few notes on what to practice next time

Small, steady reps beat long, random rallies for learning.

Frequently Asked Questions of what do you need to play pickleball

Do I need an expensive paddle to start?

No. A midweight composite paddle under 100 is great for beginners. Focus on comfort, grip size, and control before chasing premium models.

Can I play pickleball on a tennis court?

Yes. You can share space with taped lines and a portable net. Many parks now paint shared lines for both sports.

What is the non-volley zone or kitchen?

It’s the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You can step in to hit a ball that has bounced, but you cannot volley while standing in it.

How many balls should I bring?

Bring at least four. Balls roll off, crack in cold weather, and get lost under fences.

Are running shoes okay for pickleball?

They work in a pinch, but court shoes are safer. Court shoes support quick lateral moves and reduce the risk of ankle twists.

What is a good warm-up before playing?

Start with light jogging, dynamic stretches, and 5 minutes of dinks. Add a few serves and returns to prep your timing.

How do I keep score in doubles?

Only the serving team scores. Games usually go to 11, win by 2, and the score is called as server score, receiver score, then server number.

Conclusion

You now know what do you need to play pickleball and how to set up fast. Start with a solid paddle, a few balls, real court shoes, and a net on a marked court. Add safety gear, learn the key rules, and use simple drills to build skill with each session.

Your next step is simple. Grab the essentials, text a friend, and head to the nearest court this week. Want more guides like this Subscribe or drop your questions in the comments, and I’ll help you get game-ready.