Pickleball is a great game that has been growing in popularity for the last few years. Games are short and fast-paced, making it a fun and competitive way for people of all ages to stay active.

Before you begin, you’ll need the right equipment. We discuss what you will need from gear down to your shoes so that you can have everything ready for your next pickleball game.

Paddle

Smaller than a tennis racquet and more prominent than a ping-pong paddle, pickleball paddles are square. With a variety of materials to work with, paddles are from wood to composite to aluminum.

Test out a few different paddle options to determine what feels best in your hand. Pay attention to the weight, build and material, and grip.

The best choice should be lightweight and balanced because it will allow better control while still giving power behind your swings.

Ball

Like you’ll need a specific paddle, you need a particular ball for a game. Out of durable plastic, pickleball comes with holes – similar to a whiffle ball. Regulation balls have between 26-40 holes.

Outdoor balls are typically heavier and more demanding than indoor balls, with more holes. They can be harder to control than indoor balls but easier to hit with force.

Net and Posts

Pickleball nets are set up similar to badminton net, with posts on either side of the court. The traps at the posts need to be 36 inches high and should stand at least 34 inches in the center.

Court

A standard pickleball court is a rectangular playing field that is 20 feet by 44 feet. Typically, a pickleball court is divided into two service courts on each side of the net called a non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen.

Pickleball courts can be built on their own or as part of a multi-purpose court. Tennis courts also have the potential for a game of pickleball.

Shoes

Like other sports, pickleball comes with specified shoes or sneakers designed for the court. They need to provide good grip, as a player’s shoe can slide on the court. In addition, they offer the proper support for the amount of activity you’ll be doing on the court.