Pickleball
Whack! The sound of plastic on plastic entices a smile as the ball darts toward your opponent. They send it flying back, and you pounce to volley. The neon yellow sphere becomes a blur as it whizzes past your opponent, whistling a congratulation to you. Pickleball has become a new craze, and you can find it in competitive leagues or as a fun option at bars and restaurants. While it may look like pickleball is a giant version of ping pong and a miniature type of tennis, it has its own unique rules. With lighter paddles and shorter courts, it is easier to learn and play than tennis. It’s great for all ages, athleticism, and experience.
Whack! The sound of plastic on plastic entices a smile as the ball darts toward your opponent. They send it flying back, and you pounce to volley. The neon yellow sphere becomes a blur as it whizzes past your opponent, whistling a congratulation to you. Pickleball has become a new craze, and you can find it in competitive leagues or as a fun option at bars and restaurants. While it may look like pickleball is a giant version of ping pong and a miniature type of tennis, it has its own unique rules. With lighter paddles and shorter courts, it is easier to learn and play than tennis. It’s great for all ages, athleticism, and experience.
The Essentials
- Paddle
- Indoor BallsorOutdoor Balls
- BackpackorBag
Optional
- Portable Net
- Overgrip Band
Getting started is simple. All you need is a paddle, balls, and a backpack. If you are an aggressive player who likes to smack the ball, opt for thinner polymer core paddles. If you prefer control over power, then you will likely find success with a thicker paddle. Balls differ based on indoor or outdoor play. Outdoor balls feature 40 smaller holes, while indoor balls have 26 larger ones, making it essential to have the correct one for the game. Renting equipment is an excellent option if you are a first-time player so that you can understand your playing style and get the proper gear. Keep a backpack or bag to keep all your items safe and secure during and after play.
Another thing to consider is purchasing a portable net. A mobile net will allow you to play anywhere you want - even in your driveway! It isn’t necessary, however, since many indoor and outdoor facilities have public nets set up for play.
Clothing
- ShortsorSkortorAthletic Pants
- T-shirtorTop
- Sports Bra
- Pickleball ShoesorTennis Shoes
Optional
- HeadbandorCap
- Wristbands
Comfort is vital when playing pickleball. Even though you are bound to get lost in fun, it is still a workout. Some great options include shorts, skorts, and athletic pants. If you are playing somewhere hot or humid, consider moisture-wicking wear.
Although tennis and pickleball differ in rules, scoring, and skills, the court is similar. Therefore, you can purchase pickleball or tennis shoes for play. Tennis and pickleball shoes often feature a thick toe for scraping and dragging during the game. It usually has a thick sole to disperse the burning hot asphalt temperature. If you are prone to sweating, a headband and wristband can soak up droplets, providing a secure grip.
Health And Emergency
- Sunscreen
- Lip Protection
Emergency
- First-aid Kit
If you are playing outdoors, put on sunscreen and strong SPF lip protection. It’s easy to forget the little things, but nothing is worse than burning in the sun. Include a first-aid kit for minor injuries. The courts are rough, and scraping a knee or developing a blister can be easy. Having a first-aid kit on hand can keep the fun going!
Technology
- Phone
Pickleball is a relatively inexpensive sport. It doesn’t require any high-tech gear or expensive gadgets. The only thing you need is probably already with you! Having your phone is great for pictures, getting a group of people together, and calling for help in an emergency.
Picnic
Food
- Energy Bars
- Sandwiches
- TrailmixorNuts
Drinks
- WaterorHydration Bladder
- Isotonic Drinks
- Thermal Bottle With Beverage
Did you know that 8-10 calories on average are burnt per minute playing Pickleball? That means you can burn 480-600 calories in an hour of play, which is quite the workout! You need to make sure you have fuel to keep your energy up. Sandwiches, energy bars, and trail mix are all great options to keep you ready to serve the next shot.
Make sure you bring more than enough water for your entire play. Sweating is inevitable, so be sure to have isotonic drinks on hand to replenish electrolytes as you use them.
Lob, dink shot, and drop shot volley away; it’s game time! While it may take a few tries to get all the motions down, you will have it mastered in no time. Remember to call the score before, always serve underhand, and that games never end in a tie. Teachable to all ages, it’s the one sport you can play with your kids and grandma!
Think of our curated lists as your base camp - a good starting point, but you must assess the climb ahead yourself.
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