What do you actually need to start playing pickleball? Significantly less than you might think. A pickleball paddle, a few balls, and access to a court are enough to get started – but the right equipment from the beginning can make the game both easier and more fun.
In this guide, SwePickleball will go through pickleball equipment for beginners step by step. We'll look at what you really need, what can wait, and what you should consider when choosing paddles, balls, shoes, clothing, and accessories.
If you want to see all the equipment immediately, you can visit our pickleball shop, or continue reading and we'll help you build your first pickleball kit from scratch.
What do you need to play pickleball?
One of the advantages of pickleball is that you don't need to buy a lot of equipment to start playing.
The most important equipment is:
- pickleball paddle
- pickleball balls
- suitable shoes
- comfortable athletic wear
- access to a pickleball court and a net
If you play at a club or facility, the court and net are already in place, and at many try-out events, you can even borrow paddles and balls.
So you don't need to buy a whole equipment bag before your first match.
Pickleball Paddle – the most important equipment
If you're going to buy just one thing to start playing, it's a pickleball paddle.
The paddle affects the feel of almost every shot you hit and comes in a variety of shapes, weights, thicknesses, materials, and price ranges.
As a beginner, however, you don't need to choose the most expensive or advanced paddle.
A good first paddle should primarily be:
- easy to play with
- forgiving on off-center hits
- comfortable to hold
- sufficiently maneuverable
- balanced between control and power
An extremely power-oriented competition paddle is therefore not automatically better for a new player.
If you want to go deeper, we recommend our guide to pickleball paddles for beginners. You can also read Which pickleball paddle should I choose? for a complete review of the characteristics.
How much should a first pickleball paddle cost?
You don't need to buy a professional premium paddle to learn how to play pickleball.
For a beginner, it's more important that the paddle is of reasonable quality and suits the player than that it has the latest technology.
A very cheap paddle can work for trying out the sport, but if you already know that you intend to play regularly, it might be smarter to buy a paddle that you won't outgrow immediately.
Therefore, think good value and easy to play with rather than cheapest possible.
What type of pickleball paddle suits a beginner?
For many beginners, an all-around oriented paddle is a good first choice.
You're still developing your technique and may not yet know if your future playing style will be more focused on control, power, spin, or something in between.
A balanced paddle allows you to develop several aspects of the game before you later choose a more specialized paddle.
If you're unsure about the differences, you can read our guide Pickleball Paddles – Control or Power?.
You can find all current models in our range of pickleball paddles.
Pickleball Balls – choose according to where you play
The next piece of basic equipment is the pickleball ball.
Many beginners make the mistake of thinking that all balls are the same. Pickleball balls come in different constructions and are primarily divided into balls for indoor and outdoor play.
But the playing surface is also important.
If you play on traditional sports flooring in a Swedish sports hall, a classic indoor ball is often used. If you play on hardcourt instead, a harder ball of the type often categorized as an outdoor ball can be used even if the court itself is indoors.
The simplest advice for a beginner is therefore:
Find out which ball is used where you intend to play.
If you want to understand the differences in more detail, you can read Which pickleball balls should you choose? and our comparison of pickleball balls for indoor, outdoor, hardcourt, and sports flooring.
You can also find our pickleball balls here.
How many pickleball balls does a beginner need?
For regular match play, you don't need many balls. A few are sufficient to start.
However, when you start practicing technique, the need changes.
For example, if you want to practice 30 serves, drops, or other repetitive shots, it's much more convenient to have several balls than to run and retrieve the same ball after each attempt.
A larger ball pack can therefore be one of the first upgrades when you start practicing pickleball more regularly.
What shoes do you need for pickleball?
Shoes are a piece of equipment that beginners sometimes underestimate.
Pickleball involves many short accelerations, stops, and changes of direction. Therefore, it's wise to use athletic shoes that are designed for multi-directional movement.
Racket sport shoes, for example for tennis, can be a natural alternative.
Regular running shoes are primarily designed for forward movement and are therefore not necessarily the best choice for a sport where you often move quickly sideways.
Prioritize:
- good lateral stability
- good grip on the surface
- comfortable fit
- cushioning that suits you
- a shoe designed for the type of surface where you play
Do you need special pickleball clothing?
No. You don't need any special clothing to start playing pickleball.
Regular athletic wear that allows good freedom of movement works perfectly.
However, when you play more regularly, functional clothing adapted for racket sports can make the game more comfortable.
The most important thing is that the clothes:
- provide good freedom of movement
- are comfortable
- manage heat and sweat well
- suit the environment where you play
You can find our range of pickleball clothing, including pickleball clothing for women and pickleball clothing for men.
What pickleball accessories does a beginner need?
Accessories are just that – accessories – you don't need to buy everything from the start.
However, once you've played for a while, certain products can make both practice and match play smoother.
Examples might include:
- paddle cover
- bag
- extra overgrips
- sweatbands
- cap or visor for outdoor play
- water bottle
- training aids
What is useful depends entirely on how and where you play.
See our range of pickleball accessories and pickleball personal accessories for more options.
What do you NOT need to buy as a beginner?
It's easy to think that you have to buy everything immediately when starting a new sport. You don't have to do that in pickleball.
For example, you don't need to start with:
- one of the most expensive paddles on the market
- several different paddles
- an advanced pickleball bag
- loads of accessories
- specialized training equipment
Start simple. Play a few times and learn what you actually need.
When you know more about your playing style, it will be much easier to determine which upgrades will really make a difference.
Pickleball Equipment for the First Time – our checklist
| Equipment | Needed immediately? | What should a beginner consider? |
|---|---|---|
| Pickleball Paddle | Yes | Choose an easy-to-play-with and forgiving all-around paddle |
| Pickleball Balls | Yes | Choose based on court, surface, and playing environment |
| Racket Sport Shoes | Recommended | Prioritize grip and stability for lateral movements |
| Athletic Wear | Yes | Comfortable clothing with good freedom of movement is sufficient |
| Bag | No | Practical when you acquire more equipment |
| Extra Overgrips | No | Good when the original grip becomes worn or slippery |
| Training Aids | No | May become interesting when you start training more structured |
Should you buy a ready-made pickleball set?
A ready-made pickleball set can be an easy way to get started, especially if several people in the family or group of friends want to try the sport at the same time.
A set might, for example, contain several paddles and balls and offer a lower starting price per player.
The disadvantage is that the paddles in simpler starter kits are not always something you'll want to continue using as you develop.
If you already know from the beginning that you intend to play regularly, it might therefore be better to choose your paddle separately.
Should beginners buy a competition-approved pickleball paddle?
If you think you'll want to compete in the future, it's wise to check that the paddle meets the rules that apply in the competitions you intend to participate in.
This doesn't mean that an approved paddle is automatically better than all other paddles. The approval means that the equipment meets current requirements for competitive play.
For a purely recreational player, playing feel, comfort, and suitability are at least equally important factors.
Used or new pickleball paddle?
A used paddle can be a way to get more paddle for your money, especially if you know the player selling it and know how it has been treated.
Check for, among other things:
- cracks or other damage
- the condition of the edge guard
- the grip
- the condition of the paddle face
- if the paddle still feels stable
For a beginner, a good used quality paddle can be a better purchase than a very simple new paddle – provided it is in good condition.
Which equipment should you upgrade first?
After you've played for a while, you'll likely discover what you value most.
For many, the paddle becomes the first major upgrade.
As your technique develops, you may start to feel that you want, for example:
- more control
- more power
- more spin
- a larger sweet spot
- faster maneuverability
- a different shape or balance
Then it's time to choose a paddle according to your actual playing style instead of what is generally recommended for beginners.
Feel free to compare the alternatives in our guide to the best pickleball paddle 2026.
How to get started with pickleball at the lowest cost
If you want to try the sport with as little investment as possible, you don't need to buy everything on the list.
- Find a club, hall, or group where you can try pickleball.
- Ask if there are paddles to borrow.
- Use regular comfortable athletic wear.
- Use suitable athletic or racket sport shoes you already own.
- Play a few times before choosing your first own paddle.
This way, you'll get a better idea of the sport before investing in your own equipment.
From first paddle to complete pickleball equipment
The great thing about pickleball is that you can start simple and build up your equipment as your interest grows.
Step 1: Paddle and balls.
Step 2: Good shoes and functional athletic wear.
Step 3: Extra balls, overgrips, and practical accessories.
Step 4: A more specialized paddle when you know your playing style.
So there's no reason to buy everything from day one.
Find pickleball equipment at SwePickleball
At SwePickleball, we want to make it easier to both learn pickleball and choose the right equipment. That's why we combine our assortment with guides that help you understand what the products actually do and who they suit.
You can start in our pickleball shop or go directly to:
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleball balls
- Pickleball accessories
- Pickleball personal accessories
- Pickleball clothing
If you want to learn more before you decide, you can find all our pickleball buying guides here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pickleball Equipment for Beginners
What do you need to start playing pickleball?
To start playing, you primarily need a pickleball paddle, a pickleball ball, and access to a court with a net. Comfortable athletic wear and shoes that provide good stability for lateral movements are also recommended.
Which pickleball paddle should a beginner buy?
For many beginners, an easy-to-play-with and forgiving all-around paddle that combines control and power is suitable. You can find more help in our guide to pickleball paddles for beginners.
Does a beginner need an expensive pickleball paddle?
No. The most important thing is that the paddle suits you and provides good conditions for learning the game. However, if you know you will be playing regularly, it might be wise to choose a paddle that you won't outgrow immediately.
Which pickleball ball should a beginner use?
Primarily choose the ball based on the playing environment and surface. Traditional indoor balls are often used on sports flooring, while harder outdoor types are often used on hardcourt. Read our guide to choosing a pickleball ball for more information.
Do you need special shoes for pickleball?
You don't need to buy pickleball-specific shoes for your first match, but shoes designed for racket sports are a good choice because pickleball involves many quick stops and lateral movements.
Can you play pickleball in running shoes?
It's possible, but running shoes are primarily designed for forward movement. For regular pickleball play, a shoe with good lateral stability and grip is normally a better option.
Do you need special clothing for pickleball?
No. Regular athletic wear with good freedom of movement works perfectly. When you start playing more regularly, functional racket sport or pickleball clothing can be comfortable.
Is a ready-made pickleball set good for beginners?
A starter set can be a cost-effective option if several people want to start playing at the same time. If you already know that you will be playing regularly, it might be better to choose a better paddle separately.
How many pickleball balls do you need?
A few balls are enough for regular match play. If you want to practice serves, drops, or other shots repetitively, it's practical to have significantly more balls.
Where can I buy pickleball equipment?
You can find paddles, balls, clothing, and other equipment in SwePickleball's pickleball shop.
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