What Do You Need to Start Playing Pickleball? A Beginner’s Checklist

Everything you need (and nothing you don’t) to get on the court with confidence.

Pickleball has taken the world by storm—and for good reason. It’s fun, fast, social, and easy to learn. But if you’re brand new to the game, you might be wondering:

“What do I actually need to get started?”

Good news: it’s not much. Pickleball is refreshingly simple when it comes to gear. Here's a complete beginner’s guide to the essentials—and how to make smart choices without overspending.

🏓 1. A Good Beginner Paddle

The paddle is the heart of your gear. For new players, you want something that’s:

• Lightweight and easy to handle

• Durable enough for frequent use

• Forgiving on mishits (i.e., a generous sweet spot)

• USAPA-approved if you plan to join recreational leagues or tournaments

Avoid super cheap paddles that feel like toys—they can hurt your learning curve. Also, no need to start with a pro-level paddle built for spin or speed. Focus on comfort and control first.

🟡 2. Pickleballs (Yes, You Need the Right Kind)

Pickleballs aren’t all the same! You’ll want:

• Outdoor balls: slightly harder, more holes (typically 40), built to handle wind and rough surfaces

• Indoor balls: softer, fewer holes (typically 26), better bounce on smooth indoor courts

✅ Pro tip: Start with 2 of each. Balls crack or get lost more often than you'd think.

🎒 3. A Court Bag or Backpack

You don’t need anything fancy, but a bag makes it easier to:

• Keep everything in one place

• Carry extra balls and water

• Protect your paddle from damage

• Avoid showing up to the court juggling gear in your hands 😅

Some bags even have compartments for sweaty gear or water bottles. Square-shaped ones (like court-style totes) are especially convenient for quick-access.

👕 4. Comfortable Athletic Clothing & Shoes

There’s no official uniform—but wear non-restrictive sportswear you can move freely in. That includes:

• Court shoes or cross-trainers with good grip (avoid running shoes with too much heel lift)

• Breathable shirt and shorts

• Optional: hat or sunglasses for outdoor play

You don’t need to dress like a pro. Just wear something you'd be comfortable sweating in.

👯 5. A Willing Partner (or Just Show Up!)

Pickleball is incredibly social. You don’t need to form a team—just show up at a local court and you’re likely to get invited to a game. Many communities host open play or beginner clinics.

Still a little shy? Bring a friend and start your own doubles session. That’s where a starter set comes in handy…

🎁 A Smart Way to Get Everything at Once

If you're starting from zero, you can either buy each piece individually—or go for an all-in-one beginner set that includes everything you need to hit the court right away.

🟢 Joysent's Arcus S1 Paddle Set
This all-inclusive set comes with:

• 2 USAPA-approved Arcus S1 paddles (perfect weight for control & feel)

• 4 balls (2 indoor + 2 outdoor)

• 1 sleek square-shaped court bag for easy carry

No need to shop around. No hidden costs. Just unzip and play.

Of course, you can always upgrade pieces over time—but for a beginner, convenience and consistency matter. A paddle set like this helps you start with confidence and focus on playing, not planning.

🙌 Final Tip: Keep It Simple and Just Start

You don’t need a garage full of gear or a year of lessons to enjoy pickleball. All you need is:

• A reliable paddle

• A few balls

• A court to play on

• And maybe a friend or two who like to laugh, move, and compete a little

Pickleball is one of the few sports where beginners and advanced players can share the same court and have a great time. So gear up simply—and start swinging.

See you out there!