If you have been meaning to give pickleball a shot, there’s no time like the present! April is National Pickleball Month, and with many areas across the country enjoying milder weather this month: It’s the perfect time to get outside and try your hand at pickleball.
You’ve likely heard that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America—and it’s true! Pickleball is gaining lots of players every year because it appeals to such a wide range of ages and abilities. The game can be played at a pace that suits all participants, and it lends itself to friendly cooperative play as well as aggressive, competitive play. It can also be played outdoors or indoors, so it really can be molded to suit your individual preferences—and it can be played year round!
Pickleball is kind of like a mashup of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The USA Pickleball Association approximates that roughly 300 new pickleball courts pop up every month across the United States—either as their own standalone courts or as overlays on existing courts (basketball, tennis, volleyball, etc.). Chances are high there’s a place to play pretty close to you! You can discover nearby pickleball locations on the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) website, on community message boards or chats, or by asking family and friends who play.
Don't know where to start? Phone a friend!
The easiest way to start playing pickleball is to have (or find) friends who already play. They likely have some spare equipment you can try out; they already know where the best courts are; they know the rules; and they would probably love to bring another teammate/opponent into the fold.
So, take a quick scroll through your social media feeds and see if you’re lucky enough to know a pickleballer or two.
Ready to play on the regular? Let's talk gear!
If you fell in love with pickleball after trying it out, you're in luck! Pickleball can be an inexpensive pastime. Not much equipment is required to play, but there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you have before showing up to your next game.
Paddle
Your paddle can have a big impact on how well you play, and it can be a bit of an investment depending on how much you're willing to spend. We’ve already detailed how to select the perfect paddle, so be sure to check that out when you're ready to shop!
Shoes
Many people think they can just show up in any old sporty-looking shoe, but they are mistaken. While it’s true that pickleball can be much easier on the body than other sports, it is still a physical activity with a lot of movement and, therefore, potential for injury. You can drastically reduce your chance of injury with proper footwear.
Running or walking shoes won’t cut it because they were made for forward motion. Your best bet for pickleball is a sturdy pair of tennis shoes (or indoor court shoes, depending on where you’ll be playing) that will offer lots of support for all the lateral movements you’ll be making.
Balls
Pickleballs come in two varieties: indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are typically softer with larger holes, while outdoor balls are harder (for better bounce) with smaller holes (so the wind doesn’t carry them off).
Clothing
Some folks prefer to wear tennis clothing on the pickleball court. Others wear their running or walking apparel. And still others just throw on shorts and a tee. Any athletic wear that breathes, wicks sweat, and moves with your body is perfect. (Bonus points if it offers UV protection for outdoor play!)