If you and your friends decided to play tennis, badminton, and ping-pong all at the same time, you would get pickleball.

Pickleball started as a backyard game in 1965 and has seen a meteoric rise in popularity in the last decade. Now, you can even play in professional tournaments if you’ve got what it takes.

However, tennis balls, badminton birdies, and ping-pong paddles aren’t going to do you any good. What do you need to play pickleball?

What Do You Need To Play Pickleball?

In order to play pickleball, you’ll need some pickleball must-haves: something to hit (a ball), something to hit it with (a paddle), and definitely something stylish to wear. Plus, don’t forget about critical accessories like a net. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a deep dive into standard pickleball gear.

1. Comfortable Athletic Clothing

First of all, if you’re playing pickleball in public (which, let’s face it, you probably are), what you’re wearing is a priority. While there is no strict dress code for pickleball, you’ll want the right clothing that supports agility with unrestricted movement. Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms keep sweat from distracting you, and stretchy fabrics like spandex won’t hinder your flexibility.

In cool weather, you may want a lightweight jacket or a long-sleeve shirt made from breathable materials that keep you warm without affecting your performance. Leggings or joggers can replace skirts and shorts.

Many brands now carry pickleball-specific apparel with features like extra pockets for extra balls.

2. Pickleball Paddle

When you decide to pick up pickleball, you’ll improve your game the most by buying the most expensive paddle you can find. If you don’t believe that’s true, here’s what you need to know.

When it comes to paddles, what you need to play pickleball includes one made from wood, composite, and graphite. They come in various shapes, weights, and sizes, and all of them affect your playing style. A smooth or textured paddle face influences ball control and spin. You also need to consider that larger grips give you more stability, while smaller grips offer better wrist control and spin.

As a beginner, you may prefer a paddle with a protective edge guard. You should also look for one with a balanced weight, typically around 7.5 to 8.0 ounces.

3. Pickleball Balls

Of course, every individual sport needs to have its own ball, and pickleball is no exception. Pickleball balls are perforated plastic balls, and the type you choose significantly affects your game.

Indoor balls are softer and quieter and bounce lower, which allows more finesse and longer rallies. Balls designed for outdoor play are heavier and have smaller holes to handle harsher conditions like wind or a cracked driveway (not everyone can go pro from the start).

Balls are typically bright yellow, orange, or green to be more visible against different court backgrounds. The best balls resist cracking and keep their round shape longer, which is necessary if you want consistent dinks and volleys.

4. Court Shoes

Next on the list of pickleball gear is a great pair of shoes. What you need to play pickleball are court shoes that have soles that won’t mark up the playing area and provide traction for movement in any direction. Reinforced sides and heels give you extra support as you make that quick pivot, and the soles grip both indoor and outdoor surfaces well, so you don’t slip around and get hurt any more than absolutely necessary.

Breathable mesh panels keep your feet cool during long matches. If you have particular issues like flat feet or high arches, you can usually find court shoes with custom insoles that address those concerns while improving your comfort and performance.

5. Net

Dedicated pickleball clubs are popping up all over the place, and gyms are starting to include pickleball facilities. However, unless there’s one nearby, you’ll be setting up your own court. What you need to play pickleball on the street or grass is a regulation pickleball net, which is 22 feet wide and 36 inches high at the sidelines. A center strap keeps the middle height at 34 inches.

Portable nets are lightweight and often include frames that snap together without tools. Some have wheels for mobility, and others feature durable, rust-resistant frames. Some recreational nets adjust to various heights for practice rounds or completely different sports altogether.

If you don’t have anywhere else to play, you can usually modify a tennis court so it's suitable for pickleball. Don’t do this unless the owner says it’s OK.

6. Water Bottle

As you learn to play pickleball, you’re going to get a lot of advice. Some of it will be good, some will be bad, but that guy who tells you you’re going to get thirsty is right. A high-quality, durable water bottle is a pickleball must-have. Choose an insulated stainless steel or BPA-free option that won’t bleed harmful chemicals into your hydration source.

Bottles with flip-tops or straws are popular because they’re quick and convenient during gameplay. Larger bottles with time markers help you make sure that you’re drinking enough water. You might even invest in a smart water bottle that flashes or sounds an alert at regular intervals, reminding you it’s time to hydrate.

7. Sun Protection

Imagine the sun shining on your pickleball game; it’s beautiful and warm and everything is going perfectly until you get a sunburn. Start with a wide-brimmed hat or a visor with a sweatband to keep moisture from getting in your eyes as it shields you from sun exposure. Choose lightweight, adjustable headgear that will stay secure as you move around the court.

Your sunscreen should be water-resistant and broad-spectrum to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen lotions will give you more thorough, longer-lasting coverage, but a spray is easy to reapply as you take breaks. If you’re especially sensitive to sunlight, look for thin, long-sleeved athletic shirts with UPF ratings.

Gather What You Need To Play Pickleball and Dress the Part

In actuality, what you wear should not be the primary focus when you’re gathering what you need to play pickleball. Still, fashion is fun, and everyone likes to look good. Whether you need tops, skirts, or pants, inPhorm has what you need to perform in style.