Pickleball Basics · 2 of 10
Pickleball Equipment
Two things. That's the whole kit.
What Do You Need?
You only need a paddle and a ball to play pickleball. That's it — no racket strings, no special shoes required for your first game (court shoes do help once you start moving hard).
The paddle is lightweight with a solid surface — think of a bigger, smoother ping-pong paddle. The ball is plastic with holes in it, which slows it down and makes the game friendly for beginners.
Balls come in indoor and outdoor versions. Either one works for a first game; outdoor balls are built a little tougher for rougher surfaces.
The Two Essentials
- ✓Paddle: lightweight, with a solid surface (no strings)
- ✓Ball: plastic, with holes — indoor or outdoor
- ✓Borrow before you buy: most courts and clubs have loaner paddles
Quick Facts
- ✓Gear needed: 2 things — a paddle and a ball
- ✓Paddle surface: Solid, never strung
- ✓Ball: Plastic with holes
Go deeper · from the blog
Best pickleball paddle for beginners →The long-form guide on this topic — more detail, more examples, same plain words.
Curious what level you'd be?
Answer 12 quick questions and get your level (2.5 to 5.0), your weakest shot, and a plan built around both. Free, about two minutes.