We asked the experts for their picks for the best pickleball paddles, balls, running shoes and more to improve your game as a beginner
Will these $23 socks last my entire life? I took 150,000 steps to find out
Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things
The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.
Maybe it was the contrarian in me, or maybe just the tennis player, but I must confess that I spent years dissing pickleball during its meteoric rise. When I finally decided to give up my grinching and try the sport I had derided as “mini tennis”, I discovered what I’d been missing.
The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.
Learning how to play was fun, simple and affordable. I began my journey with a beginner class at Court 16, a New York-based indoor tennis and pickleball club where I started working with coach Dylan DeBiase, assistant director of tennis.
“Pickleball is simply a great way to explore a thriving and growing community of all ages,” DeBiase told me. “It’s an awesome way to meet people and engage in healthy activity.”
While pickleball doesn’t require much gear, the right equipment can not only improve your game, it can prevent injuries and keep you coming back. I consulted DeBiase and a few other professionals for their suggestions on the basic gear that beginner players need to join the party. Here are their recommendations, along with some personal favorites.
It should be no surprise that the right paddle is the next priority on our experts’ list. “When choosing a paddle, prioritize a weight and grip size that feels comfortable and doesn’t require excessive force to control, especially if you’re a beginner or prone to arm injuries,” says Gallucci Jr. “I recommend trying several paddles with different weights and grip sizes, paying close attention to how your arm feels during and after play.”
There’s no need to spend a fortune on a paddle – especially as a beginner – according to Kyle Hermetz, a pro player for the York Yetis in the Canadian National Pickleball League. He suggests browsing Franklin Sports for an affordable option like this starter bundle, which comes with two lightweight paddles and two outdoor pickleball balls for just under $50. I left this set at my friend’s apartment because her building has an indoor pickleball court, and it’s the perfect way to meet her for a sneaky midweek lunch match.
Gottfried suggests looking for a wide-body, square-shaped paddle, a shape he says “gives you a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness, which is great for newer players”. This Joola paddle fits the bill and is priced right for the beginner. I not only felt comfortable wielding it, but noticed the added power from its fiberglass design.
Don’t look for this one in the pro shop. “This paddle has a cult following and can only be purchased direct and online,” Heller says, “but the price point is well below the higher-end more recognized brands.” Personally, the giant sweet spot helped me volley more easily as I learned the short game.
For a few extra bucks, you can upgrade to this Control paddle, and from my time on the court with it, I can assure you that the name says it all. Selkirk claims to have pioneered this technology in 2017 with the original Amped paddle, but this newer version was created to impart more spin. “It has a large sweet spot, excellent control and is arm-friendly,” Gallucci Jr says.
Luckily, there’s not much discussion on which balls to use. “The ball of choice is the Franklin Sports X-40,” Heller says. “It is the official outdoor play ball and is used in the US Open of Pickleball.”