Beginner Guides
What to Buy, Borrow or Skip When You Start Pickleball
A short list of what to buy first, what to borrow and what to leave until later.
You need less equipment than you think. Buy the essentials in a sensible order, and wait on the rest until the sport sticks.
Borrow before buying
Clubs, community centers and parks often lend paddles and balls. A few sessions with borrowed gear tells you which weight and feel suit you before you commit.
Purchase order
- Court shoes. Lateral support keeps you safe, and shoes deserve the most care. Read why court shoes beat running shoes.
- A paddle. Choose a mid-priced model from a known brand. Buying your first paddle walks through it.
- Balls for your surface, indoor or outdoor. See picking the right pickleball.
- Water and sun protection for outdoor play.
- Eye protection. Balls fly fast near the net, and goggles are inexpensive insurance.
Skip for now
- Fancy bags and paddle covers
- Sport-specific clothing
- Spare paddles
- Ball machines and training gadgets
Holding off on purchases keeps the first month cheap. When you do shop, browse the coupon page and read where real discounts hide.