The best stuff you can get on Amazon for a new Pickleball player
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Pickleball is a game with a funny name and a devout following that has become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. With over 8.9 million players at last count, the sport’s popularity has grown by roughly 159% over the past three years and has the universal appeal of finding popularity with everyone from middle schoolers to senior citizens.
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When so many people have jumped on the pickleball bandwagon, it begs the question: Why haven’t you started playing yet?
►Everything you need to know to learn how to play pickleball.
If it’s a question of not knowing where to start, we have you covered. Here is all of the gear you need to start off strong and bring your A-game to the court.
1. A budget-conscious beginner pickleball paddle that will boost your confidence
If you’re really serious about testing out this sport, we recommend this durable-yet-affordable beginner pickleball paddle. Don't let the budget pricing fool you. While it costs less than $40, it boasts plenty of features that help give you greater control as you test out the sport.
This well-priced beginner pickleball paddle is approved by the USAPA (U.S.A. Pickleball Association) and sports a high-quality grip, a graphite panel and a honeycomb polymer core for a lightweight feel and a controlled swing.
2. An affordable paddle upgrade with premium features
Pickleball paddles can get expensive. You can spend upwards of $150 on a pickleball paddle that will have you swinging like a champion, but this pickleball paddle by Head has a premium feel at a reasonable price.
This well-designed paddle has a graphite frame, a honeycomb core and fiberglass coating. All of these components make for a great choice for both beginner and intermediate players. It’s light enough to allow for dexterity while still being heavy enough to give power to your swing.
The handle is praised for having a terrific feel and grip and the surface is just tacky enough to give a bit of action when you connect to the ball.
3. A sturdy pickleball paddle that’s made just for kids
Did you know that pickleball was originally created as a kids’ sport? There is no reason to let kids sit on the sidelines, especially when there are kid-sized pickleball rackets that will have them conquering the court in no time.
The One Shot Junior pickleball racket comes in two sizes: One for toddlers and one for kids. The lightweight construction is supported by a polypropylene core and a fiberglass surface, to ensure it’s strong but won't weigh down pint-sized players.
4. An excellent set of indoor pickleball balls
Don't get caught buying outdoor pickleballs when you plan to play indoors. This pickleball ball set by PCKL offers small, soft and lightweight balls with more holes to increase airflow and maximize speed. Plus, the bright color is great for lower light conditions.
5. A highly-rated 12-pack of outdoor pickleball balls
Harder, faster and with smart construction to give them added bounce, these outdoor pickleballs by Franklin are long-lasting and will boost your game. These balls are praised for retaining their shape during rigorous play and for standing up to colder temperatures when other balls may crack.
6. A well-priced starter set with excellent construction
Selkirk is a highly trusted name in the world of pickleball, and they deliver an excellent starter pack with this two-paddle and four-ball set.
If you and a friend are looking to test out the game, this is a premium set that comes at an affordable price. You’ll start off strong with two premium rackets that boast multi-layer graphite and fiberglass faces with the honeycomb construction.
7. A grippy and supportive pair of pickleball court shoes
You may think you can get away with regular running shoes or with tennis shoes, but there is actually a reason you need pickleball shoes—and it has to do with not getting yourself hurt! When you’re on a pickleball court, you need shoes that offer extra grip and that support rapid and continual lateral movement.
These supportive pickleball shoes by K-Swiss come in women's and men’s styles and offer the support you need, as well as extra grippy soles to help prevent slips and stumbles.
8. A convertible pickleball bag that’s heavy-duty
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a good bag to protect and carry all of that new gear you just invested in. This top-rated pickleball bag has all the space you need to tote your paddles, balls, water and shoes, and it has smaller compartments to carry other essentials.
Our favorite feature, however, is how this bag can convert from a backpack to a cross-body bag with the pull of a zipper.
Made in a range of cool colors and prints, this pickleball bag is made from extra-thick, tear-resistant, water-resistant and anti-abrasion nylon fabric and sports high-intensity zippers for a bag that’s built to last.
9. A DIY pickleball court-marking kit
A regulation pickleball court is about one-quarter the size of a tennis court. This handy set of removable and reusable marking decals transforms any playing surface into a perfectly sized pickleball court.
These non-slip rubber pads can be used indoors and outdoors (one reviewer attests that they’ve used them on a low-pile rug!), and can be used numerous times, making this an easy and economical way to get your pickleball in, without needing a court reservation.
10. A portable pickleball net
If you want to practice your game without heading to a court, this portable pickleball net will turn any surface into a pickleball court. Lightweight, portable and easy to set up, this take-with-you net is perfect for setting up in the driveway, the backyard or even a vacant parking lot.
11. A wooden pickleball set for the commitment-phobe
If all this great gear isn't enough to convince you to go all in, this beginner pickleball paddle set is easy on the wallet and comes with wooden paddles that are preferred over competitors.
These budget-conscious paddles are lighter than most, while still feeling sturdy. They also offer a higher-end grip than most of its competitors. What’s more: You get two paddles and four balls for under $30, so you have everything you need to convince a friend to test out the game with you.
12. A full backyard pickleball set
Whether you are just starting out or you need a home court to practice on, this half-court beginner pickleball set is great for a low-commitment entry point or for someone that just wants a fun backyard game set in their arsenal.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.