Finding the Right Pickleball Accessories to Supplement Your Game
When starting up your pickleball hobby, you can have the drive to play, the friends to play with, and the location of the court all picked out, but it’s pretty hard to play pickleball unless you’ve got some decent equipment. Knowing where to look for equipment is half the battle, but we’ve got you covered! Finding the right pickleball equipment just got easier, so check out these great examples of pickleball accessories.
What Two Pieces Of Equipment Do You Need For Pickleball?
Once you’re at the pickleball court and ready to go, there are really only two things you need to get going for a basic game: the pickleball paddle and some pickleballs. A good paddle can make a difference in your game, even if you’re a beginning player.
The pickleball paddle can be made from several different materials, including wood, plastic, aluminum, and graphite. The choice of materials can affect the way you serve and volley the pickleball. For instance, wood pickleball paddles were largely used in decades past since they are quite flexible yet firm, though they tend not to last as long as newer models. Plastic pickleball paddles are mostly seen as inferior to higher-quality paddles and few players will recommend using them (though they can be a good budget alternative). Aluminum pickleball paddles are lightweight, incredibly durable and long-lasting, providing plenty of flex and power. The same goes for graphite pickleball paddles and they have become the favorites of players of all skill levels.
The pickleball itself has fewer variations, but there are two completely different pickleballs available on the market: indoor and outdoor.
As you probably guessed, indoor pickleballs are for use in the controlled setting of an indoor pickleball court. They are lighter and less aerodynamic than their outdoor counterparts, allowing for a softer impact and less power to propel the ball in the calm air indoors. Outdoor pickleballs are, in turn, heavier and more aerodynamic. This is because outdoor courts are subject to breezes and other weather variations that could impact the flight path of a pickleball. Indoor pickleballs are only rated for indoor use, while outdoor pickleballs can be used in both environments.
Here are our recommendations for the top two basic pieces of equipment you need for pickleball:
The Rally Flare Graphite Pickleball Paddle from Pickleball Central is an affordable yet incredibly high quality paddle. The graphite core construction allows for a great strength that allows both beginner players to find their groove, intermediate players to hone their techniques, and advanced players to perfect their game.
The ONIX Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleball from Pickleball Central has been designed for all weather conditions that could happen during a pickleball game. The ball is engineered to fly in the direction you intend and last through many bounces and strikes from the paddle. This pickleball will help you improve your game and have a good time.
What Are Some Items Needed To Play A Game Of Pickleball?
Apart from the two most basic pieces of equipment you’ll need for a pickleball game, there are some additional items that can greatly improve your pickleball play and make each game much more enjoyable.
While these items are not essential for the game, they are the next steps that any novice pickleball player should take in improving their game. Here are our recommendations for items you need to play a game of pickleball.
Nets
The net is one of the most important components of a pickleball game. With pickleball courts springing up everywhere, you may be in close proximity to a regulation-sized pickleball court but if not, there are options for setting up your own.
The net needs to extend across the entire 22 foot center line of the court and be no less than 36 inches high at each end. Of course, any wire or rope netting is going to dip in the middle, so the center needs to be no less than 34 inches high. A portable net set such as the one we recommended here is your key to making a game happen whenever a regulation court cannot be found.
The Rally Deluxe Portable Net System from Pickleball Central is your solution to playing a pickleball game wherever life takes you. Sometimes you may be in a situation where there are no regulation indoor or outdoor courts available. This portable net is USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) approved to be exactly the right height and length for a perfect pickleball experience.
Shoes
The shoes you wear to a pickleball game are another key component of a successful game. If you have shoes that don’t have proper toe protection or sole flexibility, your shoes won’t offer good support (which can be hard on the knees in this fast-paced game). Worse, the shoes may even fail in the middle of a game. Make sure that your feet are comfortable and safe as your technique increases over time and the games start to get more fun, intense, and frequent. Many shoe manufacturers have come out with models specific to use in pickleball games.
The Babolat SFX 3 Men’s All Court Shoe from Pickleball Central offers a breathable design with double-layered mesh for when pickleball play starts to make your feet a little warmer. The shoes are reinforced at the toes and contain trademarked Active Flexion tech and the Kompressor System to make for smooth movements and support so you can focus on the game.
The K-Swiss Express Light Wide Pickleball Shoe - Women’s from Pickleball Central prioritizes traction, stability, and comfort for the fast and wide-ranging movements that take place during a pickleball game. This is a wider version of the popular K-Swiss Express Light Women’s Pickleball Shoe. Durawrap technology adds extra strength to the front of the shoes and the soles are reinforced against all the pressures that could rip apart your normal daily shoes.
Bags
Lastly, the bag is an important piece of your pickleball lifestyle. It’s easy for pickleball essentials to get misplaced or left at home. A dedicated pickleball bag will keep your pickleball equipment all in one place. It’s a worthwhile investment to help you keep your attention on the game.
The Game On Sling Bag from Pickleball Central keeps all your pickleball gear in one place as you make your way to and from the fun. It’s available in multiple colors so you can continue to pair with your clothes and shoes as you like.
Eyewear
The Wilson Jet Eyewear from Pickleball Central gives you eye protection for fast paced pickleball games and enhances your peripheral vision during play.
Gloves
The HEAD Airflow Tour Glove from Pickleball Central protects your hand and gives you a solid grip on the pickleball paddle as you make powerful swings. Airflow is prioritized to keep your hands cool during the game.
Clothing
Head over to Pickleball Central’s Clothing section to check out all the pickleball clothing and apparel that can help you improve your technique and of course look great on the court.
What Should I Pack In My Pickleball Bag?
So, you’ve got a pickleball bag and you’re ready to play. The contents of your pickleball bag should be the majority of what you need for a successful pickleball game. Some items will help you stay healthy during normal exercise, others will be specifically targeted to improve your game of pickleball. Let’s check out some of the essentials you should pack into your pickleball bag.
Water and refreshments: Don’t get parched and don’t get hangry! Keeping water bottles and refreshments handy will keep your energy levels topped off during play. Fill your bottles with a sports drink or an electrolyte solution on hot days to replenish minerals lost in sweat.
Sun protection: Protect your skin while you’re out there having fun. Sunburn can happen even on a cloudy day so if you’re playing outdoors, always be sure to have a ball cap and some sunscreen in your bag.
Sweat prevention: Pickleball can be a fast moving game and there’s nothing worse than sweat in the eyes, especially if you wear contacts. A sweatband will keep your eyes sweat-free on the court; and be sure to bring a change of clothes for apres-game fun.
Pickleball paddle: You might need one! Take a backup if you have it.
Pickleballs: Note the plural! You’re bound to want several pickleballs handy in your bag just in case one decides to migrate south during the game.
Pickleball Shoes: Reserve your pickleball shoes for the game. Don’t wear your pickleball shoes on the way to the court in order to keep them clean and in good condition.
Gloves: while gloves aren’t a required piece of equipment, they do help you maintain a solid grip on the paddle especially when things get sweaty.
Eye protection: pickleball- or tennis-specific eyewear helps protect your eyes and cut the glare on a sunny day.
What Is The Best Pickleball Set?
Getting started in your pickleball journey starts with selecting the right equipment. Don’t struggle to find everything you need on various sites. One-stop-shopping of the best equipment and accessories will get you out on the court sooner, because we’ve done all the research for you.
And, you can even get an entire pickleball set sent right to your door. The fabulous Kanga Set from Pickleball Central has everything you need to get started playing pickleball wherever the game takes you. It comes complete with a set of four Kanga paddles, four outdoor pickleballs, and a fully portable pickleball net. You can carry the whole set with you to the park or a friend’s house to have a great time experiencing the joy of pickleball!