Everything You Need to Play Pickleball

With an estimated 4.8 million participants across the U.S., pickleball is the nation's largest sporting lifestyle market in 2023.

The sport is largely viewed as a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong, was founded in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Wa. by three neighbors looking for something to do on a rainy day.

The name comes from the “pickle boats” pervasive to local rowing competitions, at the time where local island residents would race each other after the college crew races were over.

From the beginning, pickleball was purported to be the domain of older Americans looking for something to do to burn calories before heading out to the nearest early bird special. However, the sport has attracted folks of all ages including a growing segment of folks 24 and under.

If you've been hearing more about pickleball and want to take a whack at the sport yourself, you've come to the right place. Ahead we're sharing the essential tools you'll need to hit the courts like a champion.

What You Need to Play Pickleball

Joola Pickleball Set ($64.70, originally 79.95 at Amazon)

Much like tennis, pickleball play is enhanced with the use of a durable, quality racket—or in this case, paddle. While it’s not uncommon to see pickleball paddles that go for $100 or more, you can find a good paddle for less money.

You’ll want to start by looking for one with a firm grip and a carbon fiber base. While there’s nothing wrong with a wooden paddle, you’ll get a more powerful “pop” out of carbon paddles that you’ll notice once you start playing pickleball more regularly. 

This Joola Pickleball paddle set is our pick. It features a honeycomb polymer core that looks and feels great. Furthermore, it comes with two indoor and outdoor pickleballs that can all carried in the included bag.

40 Franklin Sports Pickleball Balls ($23.99, originally $29.99 at Amazon)

If you’ve ever played wiffle ball, you’ll immediately recognize the lightweight plastic sphere. The pickleball ball is similar with small holes all around that allow for a higher and stronger ball flight.

For $24 you can get enough balls to last for a bevy of games with this set of 40 from Franklin Sports. The X-40 Pickleball is designed for outdoor use and features 40 machine-drilled holes to deliver a tight, reliable spin.

A11N Pickleball Net ($129.99 at Amazon)

Think of the pickleball net as the younger sibling to the bigger and wider tennis net. It make sense since a typical court is about a third of the size of a regulation tennis court.

Picking up a net is a great way to get your pickleball on anywhere. It’s handy for the backyard, beach or a spot without a net. This option features a net made from a strong PVC fabric and works in a conjunction with a sturdy metal frame. It all weighs in at about 20-pounds and comes with a handy carrying bag for easy portability. 

Cortable Temporary Pickleball Court Lines ($114.79 at Amazon)

Along with a proper net, you may want to map out your court and that is where marking tape comes in handy. While you can get by with tape, it's not the best for a non-permanent court.

This complete marking kit from Cortable is not only portable but it features a one-piece strap system that can be used on any flat surface. The key advantage is that you can go mobile with your pickleball game—to the park, the beach, or across the block to your neighbor’s driveway.

All-in-One Pickleball Kit ($223.75 at Amazon)

Why not launch your pickleball career the easy way with a three-in-one set that comes with everything you need?

That’s exactly what you get with this Anything Sports kit. It features a regulation-size pickleball net, four carbon fiber paddles and four regulation balls. It’s great for either indoor or outdoor play and comes with a one-year warranty.

Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.