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The Ultimate Guide to Essential Pickleball Equipment

August 05, 2022

Read this ultimate guide to essential pickleball equipment if you’re considering playing the game. You need this gear to improve your overall performance..


Pickleball is a blast. There’s nothing better than running around the court, trying to score a point against your opponent. It’s unwise to step onto the court with zero supplies, though. If you’re a beginner in the sport, read the ultimate guide to essential pickleball equipment. You should check off every item on the list before playing your first match. It’s better to be safe than sorry! 

A Pickleball Paddle

A pickleball paddle might be the most important piece of pickleball gear you need to play the game. Choosing the right paddle is crucial for improving your game. The weight and grip size are the two most vital components for finding the best paddle.

Regarding weight, it’s a matter of preference and ability. Paddles can range from 6 to 14 ounces, with most composite paddles falling in the middle. For someone with pre-existing injuries that could hinder them, going with a lighter paddle is ideal because you have more control. On the other hand, striking the pickleball with a heavier paddle has more ferocity but less control. 

For the grip, it must match your hand like a glove. Having a paddle with an incorrect grip could lead to complications, including the paddle slipping out of your hand entirely. Additionally, it could lead to a nagging tennis elbow, requiring you to rest until the pain subsides. For the best practice, begin using a grip you might feel is too small. A smaller grip gives your wrist some leeway to put spin on shots and deliver powerful serves. A larger grip provides more stability and is kinder to your elbow, assuming it fits your hand well. 

The Pickleball Itself

Of course, you need an actual pickleball to play a match. Pickleballs are unlike any other sport’s ball out there. They’re the same size as a tennis ball, but they’re made of plastic, like a wiffleball. It’s vital that the ball is in good shape. Playing with a cracked pickleball will make the game much more challenging than it has to be. New pickleballs are the most durable and have a superior bounce that older balls don’t have. Consider buying multiple pickleballs at once so that you never run out, and you can switch one out if you’re unhappy with its performance.

A Pickleball Net

Like many racquet/paddle sports, pickleball requires a net on its court. The standard size of a pickleball net is 36 inches high by 22 feet wide, with a slight sag in the middle that puts the net a couple of inches shorter. The net attaches to two 24-inch posts and hangs over the center court.

A pickleball net is smaller than a tennis net by six inches in height, and the service rules differ. In tennis, if a serve taps the net and lands safely on the court, it’s considered a “let,” necessitating the server to hit it again. In pickleball, the ball is live, and the action continues. And if the pickleball strikes the net and goes out of bounds or lands in the kitchen, you lose service. 

Pickleball Shoes

Pickleball or tennis shoes are an absolute must for any court activity. You need traction while playing pickleball. After all, you’ll literally be chasing a ball up and down the court. Opting for running shoes or another pair of kicks not conducive to the surface could lead to tumbles or an unfortunate injury. We at Fromuth Pickleball have many different shoe brands on our site. We carry brands that the pros wear. Wearing the right kind of pickleball shoes can really help you up your game.

Pickleball Attire

Believe it or not, there’s certain pickleball attire you should wear while playing the game. Loose-fitting clothing is best because it won’t restrict you from moving your arms and legs. For women, wearing a skirt is ideal because it allows more movement. Tank tops might also be a good option for those who get sweaty while exercising.

Speaking of sweat, towels and sweatbands are other items on the ultimate guide of essential pickleball equipment. You’re bound to break a sweat running up and down the court. You won’t believe how critical it is to have a towel near you when this happens. The match cannot stop just because you’re sweaty; that would ruin the momentum. Instead, invest in a thick towel you can keep on the sidelines to wipe away sweat when needed. Players can also wear sweatbands to absorb moisture during play. Sure, they aren’t the most fashionable items, but they’ll protect you from getting sweat in your eyes.

A Ball Machine

Ball machines are definitely the most expensive item on the list. However, they might be the most beneficial. These machines spit out pickleballs so that you have a nonstop stream of hits coming at you. The old saying, “practice makes perfect,” is true while playing pickleball. If you’re serious about getting involved in the sport, invest in one of these devices to perfect your game. You’ll be a pro before you know it!

Training Gear

One of the final pieces of essential pickleball equipment is training gear. What do we mean by this? Training gear is anything that can help you feel better while playing or after a pickleball match. For example, we have exercise tape that’ll lengthen your muscles if they get too tight. We also have compression gear and massage equipment that’ll help you feel good after a game. Smaller pieces of training gear include water bottles and bags. You must stay hydrated while playing pickleball because it’s so intensive, and bags make it easier for you to carry your equipment.

Fromuth Pickleball is proud to offer all this pickleball gear on our website. We want people to see how fun playing pickleball can be. We’re passionate about it, and we want to spread the word. So if you’re considering playing pickleball for the first time, look at our site for everything you need. We carry high-quality equipment that the pros wear so your game can improve as much as possible. Additionally, obtaining the correct gear will make it look like you know what you’re doing. People will be impressed that you acquired all the necessary pieces to play the game. But be sure not to boost your ego too much. Other folks on the court may challenge you to a match if they think you’re knowledgeable. While that’s not a bad thing, it’s wise to practice with the ball machine before taking on a far more experienced player. 


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