JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into pickleball

Welcome to the fastest-growing sport in America. The good news: pickleball is one of the cheapest sports to start, and you can be playing real games within a week. Here's exactly what you need, and just as importantly, what you don't.

By Colin B. · Published May 8, 2026 · Last reviewed June 5, 2026
Man playing pickleball on a blue court.

Photo by Bhong Bahala on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. Selkirk Rev Core — A solid Selkirk starter paddle: forgiving, well-balanced, and from a brand that won't let you down.
  2. Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs (3-pack) — The standard outdoor ball you'll see at every public court.
  3. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 — Court shoes matter. Running shoes will roll your ankle on lateral moves.
Budget total
$90
Typical total
$180
Pickleball is one of the cheapest sports to start. You can be fully kitted out for under $200, and the gear lasts.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
PaddlesSelkirkSelkirk Rev Core$$ See on Amazon →
BallsFranklinFranklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs (3-pack)$ See on Amazon →
Court ShoesK-SwissK-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2$$ See on Amazon →
BagFranklinFranklin Sports Pickleball Backpack$$ See on Amazon →
AccessoriesTournaTourna Grip Original Overgrip (10-pack)$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Don't buy a $200 paddle yet. Beginner paddles in the $60-90 range are genuinely good, and you won't be able to tell the difference until you've played 20-30 games. Spend less now, then upgrade once you know what you actually like: heavier vs. lighter, more power vs. more control.

Borrow before you buy if you possibly can. Most public courts have a few people happy to lend a paddle for a game. Five minutes of holding a real paddle tells you more than an hour of reading reviews.

Indoor and outdoor balls are different. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes; indoor balls are softer with larger holes. Buy for where you'll actually play. Most beginners play outdoors, so start there.

The gear

What you actually need

Paddles

Your paddle is the one piece of gear that genuinely affects how you play, but not as much as the marketing wants you to believe. For your first paddle, you want something forgiving (a larger sweet spot), mid-weight (around 7.8-8.2 oz), and with a comfortable grip. Almost any paddle from a real brand in the $60-100 range will do this. The differences between mid-tier paddles are real but small. Small enough that you should not agonize over the choice.

Paddles — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Standard / Wide-body

Forgiving, balanced. The default starter shape.

Length
~16″
Width
~8″
Sweet spot
Largest

Best for Beginners, dink-heavy play, most recreational players

Tradeoff Slightly less reach than elongated

↓ See our pick
Elongated

More reach, more power, smaller sweet spot.

Length
~16.5″
Width
~7.5″
Sweet spot
Smaller

Best for Taller players, singles, drive-heavy play

Tradeoff Smaller sweet spot means more mishits while you adjust

↓ See our pick
Hybrid

Splits the difference. The "I don't know yet" pick.

Length
~16.25″
Width
~7.75″
Sweet spot
Medium

Best for Players unsure between standard and elongated

Tradeoff Compromise pick; never best in class for either reach or forgiveness

Selkirk Rev Core Best starter
Selkirk

Rev Core

$$

Our rating

Selkirk is one of the most respected names in pickleball, and the Rev Core is a solid starter from their lineup. Generous sweet spot, comfortable grip, and a price point that won't sting if you decide to upgrade later. It's the paddle we'd hand a friend on day one.

What we like

  • Made by one of the most trusted brands in the sport
  • Generous sweet spot forgives off-center hits beginners make
  • Polypropylene honeycomb core, the modern paddle standard

What to know

  • Grip runs slightly large; small-handed players should size first
  • Power-leaning face means you'll work harder on soft-game touch
See on Amazon → Also at Dick's →
Niupipo Pro Pickleball Paddle Budget pick
Niupipo

Pro Pickleball Paddle

$49.99 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

Under $50 and surprisingly competent. The fiberglass face gives you decent power, and the honeycomb core is standard for the category. Not as refined as the Selkirk, but if you're not yet sure pickleball will stick, this is the smart way in.

What we like

  • Under $50 and shockingly capable for the price
  • Fiberglass face produces real power for a budget paddle
  • Often includes a cover and balls for an instant ready-to-play kit

What to know

  • Edge guard wears faster than premium paddles
  • You'll outgrow it within 6 months if you play twice a week
See on Amazon →
Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Upgrade pick
Joola

Ben Johns Hyperion CFS

$159.95 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

When you're ready to spend real money, this is where most players land. Carbon fiber face, elongated shape for reach, and the paddle of the world's #1 player. Wait until you've played for a few months before pulling the trigger; your game will tell you whether you want power or control.

What we like

  • Endorsed by the #1 ranked player (what serious amateurs end up on)
  • Carbon fiber face holds spin better than fiberglass
  • Elongated shape adds reach without losing balance

What to know

  • Elongated shape has a smaller sweet spot, punishes off-center hits
  • Premium price ($250+), overkill until you're truly committed
See on Amazon →

Balls

Pickleballs are cheap and they crack. Plan on replacing them. Outdoor balls (harder, 40 small holes) are what you'll need for most public courts. Indoor balls (softer, 26 larger holes) are for gym floors. Buy a 6-pack to start; you'll lose two and crack one within a month.

Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs (3-pack) Best starter
Franklin

X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs (3-pack)

$9.97 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

The X-40 is the official ball of USA Pickleball and the de facto standard at public courts and tournaments. Consistent flight, durable enough, and you'll be playing with these in a league eventually anyway. Just buy these.

What we like

  • Official ball of USA Pickleball, the tournament standard
  • Consistent bounce and flight across packs
  • You'll see them at every public court, easy to match play

What to know

  • Crack faster in cold weather (under 50°F); bring extras
  • Not approved for indoor wood floors; get indoor balls for that
See on Amazon → Also at Walmart →
Indoor Pickleballs (3-pack) Specialty pick
Pickleball Marketplace

Indoor Pickleballs (3-pack)

$9.99 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

If you're playing on indoor gym floors, you need indoor balls. The harder outdoor ball will skid and bounce wrong on wood. Indoor balls have larger holes and a softer feel. This 3-pack gets you started without overcommitting to a brand.

What we like

  • Softer plastic with larger holes, designed for wood floors
  • Won't skid on gym surfaces the way outdoor balls do

What to know

  • Less durable than outdoor balls; lifespan is months, not seasons
  • Don't take these outside; the wind plays havoc with them
See on Amazon →
Two people are playing pickleball on the court.

Photo by eedgar ivann on Unsplash

Court Shoes

This is where we beg you not to cheap out. Pickleball is full of sudden lateral movement, the kind of cuts that running shoes are not designed for. Running shoes have soft, tall heels that roll your ankle when you change direction. Court shoes (tennis shoes count) have flat soles, lateral support, and won't betray you. Ankle injuries are the #1 way new pickleball players end up on the couch for a month.

K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 Best starter
K-Swiss

Hypercourt Express 2

$130.00 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating

Reliable, comfortable, well-priced tennis shoe that works perfectly for pickleball. Good lateral support, durable outsole, and won't break the bank. A safe, no-regret first pair.

What we like

  • Lateral support sized right for pickleball's sideways game
  • Durable outsole holds up on outdoor concrete
  • Sizes consistently true, fewer return-shipping headaches

What to know

  • Heavier than minimalist court shoes
  • Limited colorway selection compared to newer releases
See on Amazon → Also at Walmart →
Adidas GameCourt 2 Budget pick
Adidas

GameCourt 2

$49.00 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

Often available under $70, and Adidas's outsole holds up well on outdoor courts (which chew through cheap shoes fast). Not flashy, just dependable.

What we like

  • Often under $70 and the Adidas outsole survives outdoor courts
  • Wide toe box accommodates orthotics or wider feet comfortably

What to know

  • Cushioning thins out noticeably after a 90-minute session
  • Adidas tennis sizing; go a half-size up if between sizes
See on Amazon →
ASICS Gel-Dedicate Upgrade pick
ASICS

Gel-Dedicate

$69.95 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · Only 2 left in stock - order soon.

ASICS's pickleball-specific shoe (same brand the pros wear in tennis), tuned for our sport. The forefoot reinforcement and lateral stability are noticeably better than a generic court shoe, and the cushioning holds up to back-to-back sessions. A real step up once you're playing 3+ times a week.

What we like

  • Forefoot reinforcement protects exactly where pickleball wears shoes out
  • ASICS build quality you'd find in their tennis line

What to know

  • Runs snug; order a half-size up if you're between sizes
  • Firmer court feel than their running shoes, not for casual wear
See on Amazon →

Bag

You don't strictly need a dedicated pickleball bag; any backpack will hold a paddle, balls, and a water bottle. But if you start playing regularly, a proper paddle bag has dedicated paddle sleeves (so they don't get scuffed), a fence hook, and a vented shoe compartment. Worth it once you're playing weekly.

Franklin Sports Pickleball Backpack Best starter
Franklin

Sports Pickleball Backpack

$24.99 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

Two paddle compartments, a vented shoe pocket, and a fence hook. Everything you need, nothing you don't, at a fair price.

What we like

  • Two paddle compartments plus a vented shoe pocket
  • Fence hook clips to court fencing while you're on the court

What to know

  • Materials feel less premium than the price suggests
  • Smaller than full-size tennis bags, tight if you carry 3+ paddles
See on Amazon →
Athletico Pickleball Sling Bag Budget pick
Athletico

Pickleball Sling Bag

$39.99 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

If you only carry a paddle, a few balls, and a water bottle, a sling is plenty. Athletico's is well-made, under $30, and the right answer for casual play.

What we like

  • Under $30 and surprisingly well-constructed
  • Slim profile that doesn't look overly athletic off-court

What to know

  • One paddle compartment only, not for couples or extra paddles
  • No shoe pocket; pack street shoes elsewhere
See on Amazon →

Accessories

A few cheap items that meaningfully improve your experience: overgrip (your paddle's grip will get sweaty and slippery; replaceable overgrip fixes it for $1 a wrap), a sweat towel (the small one that clips to your bag), and an electrolyte mix if you're playing in heat. Total cost under $25.

Tourna Grip Original Overgrip (10-pack) Best starter
Tourna

Grip Original Overgrip (10-pack)

$

Our rating

Tennis players have used Tourna Grip for decades for one reason: it works in sweaty hands better than anything else. Replace your overgrip every 2-4 weeks of regular play and your paddle always feels new.

What we like

  • Racket-sport standard for sweat handling, used for decades
  • 10-pack gets you through a season; replace every 5-8 sessions

What to know

  • Feels less tacky when dry than competitors (that's by design)
  • Thin material; won't add cushion like premium overgrips
See on Amazon →
Gamma Sports Sweat Towel Specialty pick
Gamma

Sports Sweat Towel

$4.13 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

Small, clips to your bag, and surprisingly absorbent. Sounds silly until you're drenched at the kitchen line.

What we like

  • Clips to your bag and stays put through a full match
  • Microfiber soaks up sweat without saturating quickly

What to know

  • Small enough that humid days outpace it
  • Not absorbent enough to dry a paddle face mid-game
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first 10 hours of pickleball

Most people overthink the start. Here's what actually happens, hour by hour, between picking up a paddle and feeling like a real player.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A $250 carbon fiber paddle — You won't feel the difference until you've played 20-30 games. Save the money for now.
  • A ball machine — Fun toy, but you'll learn faster playing actual games with people who are slightly better than you.
  • Custom-fitted grips — A $5 overgrip wrap solves the same problem and lets you experiment with thickness.
  • Pickleball-specific apparel — Any athletic shorts and t-shirt work. The 'pickleball' branded stuff is mostly a markup.
  • A portable net — Public courts are everywhere and free. Buy a net only if your driveway is your court.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Find your nearest public pickleball courts. · Action
  2. Order a starter paddle so it arrives before the weekend. · Buy
  3. Order a 6-pack of outdoor balls. · Buy
  4. Learn the rules. You really only need the kitchen, the two-bounce rule, and serving. · Learn
  5. Show up to a public court during 'open play' hours. Most courts have them and players rotate in. It's the fastest way to learn. · Action
  6. Play three sessions in your first week. Pickleball clicks faster than almost any sport, but it clicks through repetition, not study. · Action
  7. Wrap a fresh overgrip on your paddle after the first session. It'll already feel slick. · Buy
FAQ

Common questions

How much should I spend total to start playing pickleball?

You can be fully equipped for around $90 with budget picks (paddle, balls, court shoes), or around $180 with our recommended starter picks. The gear lasts; most beginners don't replace anything except balls for the first year.

Can I just use my running shoes?

We strongly recommend against it. Pickleball involves constant lateral movement, and running shoes have soft, tall heels that roll ankles on cuts. Court shoes (tennis shoes work) are the single most important gear purchase for injury prevention.

What's the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs?

Outdoor balls are harder with 40 small holes and are designed to fly straight in wind. Indoor balls are softer with 26 larger holes and grip gym floors better. Buy for where you'll actually play; most beginners play outdoors.

Do I need lessons, or can I just show up?

You can absolutely just show up. Pickleball is one of the most welcoming sports for beginners, and 'open play' sessions at public courts will rotate you in with players who'll teach you on the fly. A single lesson after a month of play is more useful than one before you start.

Is pickleball hard on your body?

Less than tennis, more than walking. The most common injuries are ankle rolls (preventable with court shoes) and overuse issues from playing six days a week in your first month. Build up gradually.

What paddle should I buy as a complete beginner?

A mid-weight (~8 oz) paddle in the $60-100 range from a real brand. Our starter pick is the Selkirk SLK Halo Control. The differences between paddles in this range are small enough that you shouldn't agonize over the choice; pick one and start playing.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • USA Pickleball — The sport's national governing body. Official rules, sanctioned tournaments, ratings system. Bookmark the rules page; you'll come back to it.
  • Places2Play — USA Pickleball's official court finder. The most complete database of public courts in the US, by city.
  • Pickleheads — Player-built directory with reviews, schedules, and open-play times. Often more current than Places2Play in major metros.
  • The Dink — Daily newsletter and news site. Pro tour coverage, gear reviews, beginner content. The closest thing the sport has to its own ESPN.
  • Pickleball Magazine — Long-running print and online publication. Slower pace, deeper interviews, less tournament-grind.
  • Briones Pickleball (YouTube) — One of the most-watched coaching channels for beginners. Patient, well-structured, no fluff. Start here for technique.
  • Primetime Pickleball (YouTube) — Tony Roig's channel. Doubles strategy and shot selection at intermediate-and-up levels. Watch after Briones, not before.
  • PrimeTime Pickleball — Strategy (YouTube) — Long-form podcast with pros. Skip until you've played 20+ hours; before that, the language won't land.
  • PPA Tour (YouTube) — Free pro-tour matches in full. Watching a finals match is genuinely educational; the patterns are clear once you know what to look for.
  • r/Pickleball — Active subreddit. Skip the gear-recommendation threads (everyone's biased). Search for technique posts and the wiki.
  • At the Line — Adam Stone — Recent strategy book. More useful than any beginner book once you've got the basics down. Skip if you're under 10 hours of play.
A man playing pickleball with a woman in background

Photo by Bhong Bahala on Unsplash

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