Pickleball Starter Kit: Everything You Actually Need to Play

You don't need much to play pickleball. That's genuinely one of the sport's selling points. But "not much" still means a few specific things — and knowing what's worth spending money on versus what you can skip will save you a frustrating trip back to the store.

Here's everything in a complete beginner starter kit, in order of importance.

1. A paddle — the one thing worth getting right

Your paddle is the only piece of equipment that directly affects how you hit the ball. For a first paddle, look for something in the $60–$80 range with a polymer core and a widebody shape. The polymer core is forgiving; the wider face gives you a bigger sweet spot while your mechanics are still developing.

A solid pick: the Selkirk Latitude (~$60) hits all those marks and comes from a brand that actually knows pickleball. It won't hold you back as you improve.

Want to compare more options? Our beginner paddle guide breaks down the top picks across every price tier.

What to skip

Avoid $20–$30 paddles from no-name brands. They're almost always too heavy, have small sweet spots, and feel dead on contact. The $60 jump to a real paddle is worth every dollar.

2. Pickleballs — buy for your surface

Pickleballs come in two varieties: indoor (softer, larger holes, quieter) and outdoor (harder, smaller holes, more durable). Make sure you're buying the right type for where you'll play most.

Best outdoor ball: Franklin X-40

The Franklin X-40 is the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships and widely used in outdoor recreational play. It flies true, holds up well on hard courts, and bounces consistently. Buy a sleeve of three to start — you will lose balls.

Alternative outdoor pick: ONIX Pure 2

The ONIX Pure 2 is another tournament-approved outdoor ball with a slightly softer feel. Some players prefer it for recreational play because it's easier on the arm during long sessions. Try both and see what you like.

3. Court shoes — more important than most people think

Running shoes are built for forward motion. Pickleball involves a lot of lateral movement, quick stops, and pivots — and running shoes don't support that well. Playing in the wrong shoes is the fastest route to a rolled ankle or knee pain.

You want court shoes — the same type used for tennis, volleyball, or racquetball. Search for pickleball court shoes and sort by reviews — you'll find reliable options at $60–$90 that will last a season of regular play.

If budget is tight, prioritize the shoes over upgrading your paddle. Your body matters more than your gear.

4. A bag — optional but useful

You don't need a dedicated pickleball bag to start. A gym bag works fine. But once you're playing regularly, a bag designed for the sport is convenient — it keeps your paddle protected and has space for sweaty gear. Bags from Selkirk, JOOLA, and Onix all run $40–$80 and are built to last. Buy this after you've decided you love the sport — not as part of your initial kit.

5. Comfortable athletic clothes

Whatever you wear to the gym is fine. Moisture-wicking fabric helps in heat. Avoid jeans or anything that restricts hip rotation — you'll feel it by game two.

Nice-to-have extras

Grip tape / overgrip

Overgrips let you customize the paddle feel and replace a worn grip without buying a new paddle. They're cheap (under $10 for a 3-pack) and worth keeping in your bag.

Your actual starter budget

• Paddle: ~$60–$80 (e.g., Selkirk Latitude)
• Balls (sleeve of 3): ~$10–$15 (Franklin X-40 or ONIX Pure 2)
• Court shoes: ~$60–$90
• Total to get started: ~$130–$185

That's it. Everything else can wait until you're hooked.

Where to find courts near you

Gear in hand, now you need somewhere to play. Use our pickleball court finder to locate public courts, recreation centers, and clubs near you. Most public courts have open play times where beginners are welcome — no reservations needed, just show up with a paddle and some balls. Looking for specific spots? Check out courts in Los Angeles, CA or Miami, FL as examples of what we cover.