Okay, so the word “actually” here is a little subjective because you can certainly just pop onto any old court and play, but if you’re in love with the game and also a beginner (ish), and you’re curious about what you need to set yourself up for the easiest path to success, check out the list below.
Court Shoes. I cannot stress enough the importance of court shoes. They are flat-bottomed, ankle-supportive shoes because this game requires a lot of quick side-to-side movements. Think of shuffling, as well as quick forward and backward steps. You want a strong foundation for your body, and court shoes are exactly that.
Protective Eyewear. I know it looks dorky. I know it feels a little unimportant, but I’ve been playing for 9 months and seen many, many people get hit in the eye/face with the ball. This game is played at the kitchen line, which means you are very often separated by your opponent by only 14 feet. The pickleball ball is a HARD Wiffle ball, and the destruction it could do to your eye can be life-changing. I felt like a loser wearing protective eyewear at first, but now it is so automatic, and I’m seeing more and more people on the courts wearing “rec specs”.
A “good” paddle (aka not a $20 wooden one). There is such a different feel and response in a foam or honeycomb core paddle versus a wooden one. If you started with a wooden one and plan to continue playing the game, go ahead and get a good foam core paddle. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly paddle, check out this honeycomb core one! If you’ve got a little more to spend, look at some foam core options. I played for the first few months with a recess paddle, then shifted to the Recess Advanced paddle. I was noticing that I was hitting the ball a lot toward the bottom of the paddle, so Justin recommended I use an Apes V paddle with a larger “sweet spot”. I love the Apes paddle; it’s a great fit for me.
Buy a canister of pickleballs, and get the yellow kind. I know there are a lot of colors, but if you’re going to be playing with other people at an open play setting, it’s likely that every single person there will prefer to play with a yellow ball. There is a difference between an indoor and an outdoor ball. Even when I play indoors, like at Pin Point for example, I play with an outdoor ball because I’m playing on an “outdoor” court.
Beyond that, the biggest tip I can give you is to be positive and friendly! I was so nervous in open play settings at the beginning, and as someone who 1. doesn’t put themselves in vulnerable positions 2. isn’t someone who ever played a sport, and 3. is someone who gets embarrassed easily, I had a hard time with this. I felt so dumb playing against better people. I have turned the corner, learned about myself, and now feel very grateful to play with whoever I’m able to play with– and I *love* the opportunity to play “up”. The only way to get better is to play against better people. In the beginning, it’s natural to try to hit every single ball with as much power as you can possibly muster, but as you have more time and experience, you know that power is not the only way to play. There are so many more strategic shots to take, ways to set you and your teammate up for success, and “resets” to get the ball into a competitive mode.
Playing pickleball has become something I absolutely love to do, and it has introduced me to so many people! It’s such a social activity, and as an extrovert I really love it.
p.s. Some of my favorite gear and outfits to wear can be found here!
