11 Must-Have Pickleball Accessories for Every Player
Pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport, and popular among all age groups. A racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, the game is easy to learn and fun to play. But, before you hit the court, know what pickleball accessories every player should have.
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What Pickleball Accessories Do I Need?
There are accessories every player needs to be fully prepared for a game of pickleball. Some aim to protect against injury, like court socks and shoes. Others provide training support to keep improving your game. Here’s our complete list of 11 essential pickleball accessories to have on hand.
Pickleball Paddle
The Pickleball paddle is the most important accessory for any Pickleball player, and it’s vital to have a paddle that fits your hand size, playing level, and style.
There are many types of paddles available on the market, and while some players prefer heavy paddles, others prefer a lighter paddle. The shape, grip size, and weight of the paddle are also features to evaluate based on your preferences and playing style.
To help you narrow the choices, check out our list of best pickleball paddles.
Photo: Amazon
Pickleball Balls
Another key accessory for pickleball players are pickleball balls. Official pickleball balls are made of plastic and have several holes on them. They come in different colors, mostly bright shades of orange, yellow, green and other neon colors.
You’ll want to pick the brightest color to stand out against your playing surface. Orange and yellow are popular colors for outdoor pickleballs, while indoor pickleballs are often white or another bright color. Whatever color you choose, think about the contrast between ball and court to ensure the ball is easy to spot in your playing environment.
Photo: Amazon
Pickleball Court Shoes
Pickleball involves a lot of side-to-side movements, so it’s crucial to have shoes that support your feet to avoid injuries. Forget wearing your favorite pair of running shoes, as those are designed specifically for the forward movement of runners and not for the lateral movement of pickleball.
Pickleball court shoes, on the other hand, provide more stability and grip on the court than regular tennis or badminton shoes. They also have non-marking soles, which is essential while playing on indoor courts. So, investing in a good pair of Pickleball shoes can help improve your game and prevent unwanted injuries. Not sure where to start in vetting pickleball shoes? Check out our buying guides for both men’s and women’s pickleball shoes.
Hat
A pickleball hat is a piece of gear that protects you from the harmful rays of the sun while playing outdoors. It’s wise to choose a hat that has a wide brim, like a visor, to shield your face, neck, and ears from the sun. You can choose from a variety of colors, materials, and styles depending on your preference.
Pickleball Gear Bag
If you’re a serious Pickleball player, having a Pickleball bag can make it easy to carry all your accessories, including your paddle, balls, shoes, and water bottle.
A Pickleball gear bag is spacious and can have multiple compartments to keep your things organized. Pickleball bags are available in different sizes, colors, and materials, making it easy to choose one that fits your needs.
Grip Wrap
A comfortable paddle grip is essential to prevent slipping and to allow for proper control over the paddle. Because hand sizes vary, not every paddle will feel perfect in your hand right out of the box. This is where grip wrap comes into play.
Pickleball grips come in different materials like rubber, synthetic, and leather. The grip tape wraps around the handle of your paddle, providing extra cushion and a better feel in your hand.
Keep extra grip tape in your gear bag as one of your pickleball accessories so that you can fine tune your paddle grip on the spot if needed.
Note that It’s important to replace the grip every so often to ensure its effectiveness.
Pickleball Portable Net
If you enjoy playing Pickleball with friends or family, having your own portable pickleball net set can make the game easier to set up and play. Pickleball net sets are relatively affordable and can be easily transported, disassembled, and stored. Or, better yet, leave your net up in the backyard for family practice and fun.
For details on the various options available, check out our roundup of the best portable pickleball nets.
Photo: Amazon
Quality Socks
A good pair of pickleball socks is an overlooked accessory, but they can prevent blisters and dampen the impact of quick and sudden movements on the court. Pickleball or court sport socks not only provide comfort, they also provide support to the arch and heel of the feet.
Sport Sunglasses
If you’re playing outdoors, sunglasses are an accessory that can protect your eyes from UV rays. The area around the eyes is sensitive to UV rays and are vulnerable to sun damage. Medical experts recommend that we wear sunglasses outdoors and it’s advice well worth taking.
In choosing a sunglass model, aim for one with a polarized lens and UV protection like Oakley’s Drop Point Shades or Oakley Women’s Cohort Rectangular Sunglasses. Also pay attention to grip on your nose, to avoid slippage during the warmer and more humid conditions of summer.
Sunglasses are small and easy to add to a pickleball gear bag, making them a no-brainer when it comes to essential pickleball accessories.
Pickleball Training Aids
For those looking to improve at the game, training equipment like a pickleball ball launch machine or training paddle can help practice in an organized and controlled manner.
Such training aids can help players enhance their skills, speed, and accuracy. We believe their spot on the essential pickleball accessories list is well earned, especially for players who want to grow in the game.
Photo: Amazon
Beverage Cooler or Insulated Water Bottle
An insulated water bottle or cooler for beverages or snacks is a pickleball essential, especially if you are playing outdoors.
Coolers don’t have to be boring, either! Some of the best insulated coolers offer both great function and plenty of style when it comes to color choices. RTic’s Soft Cooler Bag has more than 8,000 5-star Amazon reviews. And, if you’re in the mood for a splurge, Yeti’s Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler is a favorite when it comes to keeping things cold on the go.
Photo: Amazon
Wrap Up
Pickleball is an exciting, fast-paced social sport, and its accessories help protect you on court and take your game to new heights.
A comfortable paddle, a good pair of shoes, and a Pickleball bag can make it easy to carry your things around and improve your gameplay. Portable nets and training aids can support practice in between matches, improving your game even faster.
Don’t leave home without protective gear like sunglasses, hat and cool beverages.
As always, it’s essential to choose the best gear to suit your individual needs. With these top 11 Pickleball accessories, you’re sure to play comfortably and improve your Pickleball game.