Pickleball is no different from any other sport when it comes to equipment. At first, you may be content with just a basic workout outfit, a borrowed racket, and a few pickleballs. However, as you begin to play more frequently, you may find yourself wanting to invest in more gear. Whether it's equipment or apparel, we've got you covered with a list of essential items that every pickleball player should have in their arsenal.

Equipment

Let’s start with the essentials. You can’t go anywhere without a good pickleball paddle and some pickleballs. If you didn’t have these, you couldn’t even play the game! Pickleball paddles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. The more expensive, the higher the quality, but you also don’t want to break the bank. At Single Double Pickleball, you have a variety to choose from that are high quality and budget friendly. Our designs include the Biltmore Paddle,  the Montford Paddle, and more. Now that you have your pickleball paddle, you’ll need some pickleballs.

Clothing

The next thing you’re going to need to play pickleball is some athletic wear. 

Women usually wear leggings, shorts, skorts, or dresses. Men typically wear shirts, pants, or shorts. Depending on the weather, you’ll either want to dress warmer or cooler. However, keep in mind that you’re going to heat up and sweat if you play, so it may be best to opt for shirts, shorts, and skorts. 

For women familiar with the challenge of finding functional pockets on clothing items like skirts, skorts, and leggings, these skorts with pockets are a game-changer. Skirted leggings are another great option.

Whatever you decide to wear, as long as you have loose, breathable material you can sweat in, you’ll be good!

Water bottle

The next thing you’ll need is a water bottle. This is incredibly essential to any sport, and pickleball is no exception. You need to stay hydrated throughout the time you play, so always make sure to bring a water bottle. Opting for a bigger water bottle to maintain hydration is best.

Accessories

Accessories aren’t a requirement, but they sure do make pickleball more fun and enjoyable! Whether you’re playing in the hot sun, or an indoor pickleball court, or even your friend's backyard, you should always have at least one of these things. 

Hats

Hats, specifically court hats and visors, are practically essential to pickleball. Not only will they prevent your eyes from getting blinded by the sun, but they’ll also make your hair stay in place and out of your face. They’re also great for a bad hair day if that’s something else you get worried about. 

Sunglasses

Especially if you’re in the hot sun, you’re going to need sunglasses. Sunglasses will not only protect your eyes from UV rays, but they will also protect them from any flying pickleballs. More on the best kind of eye protection here. 

Sweatbands

Sweatbands are one of those things that you don’t really think about needing until you start sweating. It can get uncomfortable as you continue playing to have nothing to wipe your sweat off with. Luckily, we offer sweatbands as well! 

Hair Bands

You may not think too much about hair bands either, until there’s hair in your face. Especially if you’re not wearing a hat, or if you have long hair, this can be inconvenient. When you’re playing pickleball, your hair may be flying everywhere, and hair bands will help keep it in place.

Bag

Finally, you need something to hold all these things in! If you don’t have any kind of sports bag, now is the time to get it, especially if you plan on making pickleball a long term hobby. Some great bag options include: duffle bags, shoulder bags, tote bags, and backpacks.

Conclusion

And those are all your essentials as a pickleball player! All of these things add up so that you can have the most enjoyable time while you’re at the courts. Whether that’s playing recreationally, professionally, by yourself, or with others, there’s so much fun to be had on the courts with the help of all your essentials! Now let’s go play some pickleball!