Serve Up Success on the Pickleball Court With These Accessories

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Pickleball was invented by Congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington after returning home following a round of golf. The on-the-fly invention—inspired by their bored families, a usable badminton court, but a dearth of proper rackets—was, for years, a game that a very, very small group of people took very, very seriously.

But over the decades, word spread. The world’s first pickleball tournament took place in Tukwila, Washington in 1976, and the buzz increased. Slowly, so slowly. It wasn’t until 1990 that pickleball was played in all 50 states, and in 1992, Pickle-Ball Inc. began its important work, manufacturing pickleballs with a custom drilling machine.

By 2019, the slowly building enthusiasm exploded, and a nationwide craze commenced and has not died down. Declared one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. that year, there were 3.3 million active participants. As of 2023, pickleball counts about 8.9 million players among its ranks, up from 4.8 million in just one year.

Which is all to say, what are you waiting for? And what are you bringing to the court to up your game? Whether you’ve played a million rounds, or have yet to grace the court, we have everything you need—from paddles, to balls, to netting systems and outfits.

What to Consider

While pickleball is still a relatively new sport, it inspires deep love, almost awe, in its participants.

“Playing pickleball with other beginner and intermediate folks feels like a great way to exercise and do something that involves coordination and balance,” says Laura Tilton, a working mother who is in her 40s, and also runs, and does yoga and Pilates—though none with as much passion as pickleball. “I love that it’s social, and a great way to meet and hang out with other adults, with plenty of options for beginners. Nothing feels unachievable, and it’s hard to feel out of place when playing pickleball.”

She is a fan of the just more than basic upgraded paddle set and balls, and adds that anything else should really be about your personal goals and comfort. Keep your personal goals in mind, and the following to ensure satisfaction and success:

• USAPA-Tested and -Approved: If you feel like you may go pro—or just want to look pro—make sure your gear is USA Pickleball Approved. We indicate the gear that is.

• Outdoor or Indoor: You need different balls for outdoor play, and indoor play. And because the great outdoors is by definition quite big, you may want a few extra gadgets (such as a portable net or a pickup tube) if you’re going to be playing outside or on the go.

How We Selected

Pickleball is a sport and a conversation that can’t be avoided—even if you want to! Between my own sporadic attempts at mastering pickleball, and being blessed or cursed (depending on the day) by pickleball-obsessed friends, I have had a great deal of experience using and thinking about all things pickleball. I also consulted the wise counsel of writers and reviewers at USA Pickleball, the Daily Beast, Travel + Leisure, and read through hundreds of online reviews. Read on for the best picks for every type of player.

Pickleball Paddle and Balls Set

If you’re ready to get your pickleball game on, this is a super starter set. The paddles are USAPA tested and approved for tournament play, and the set of two paddles also includes four balls and a bag to carry them around in.

The paddle is lightweight (8 ounces), and the durable fiberglass material means they can stand up to any challenge, and are built to last. The paddles are also designed to deliver power and strength, with less noise thanks to the honeycomb cells in the polypropylene core.

This paddle also allows for longer play with less stress on the elbow and shoulder. The edges are protected for ground hits, and the premium comfort grip prevents slippage.

Reviewers say this is an “excellent” set “for beginners,” and that they “hold up great.” Others say the “grips were better than I expected,” but if “you are very serious or plan on being involved, I would look for a more advanced paddle.”

Women’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe

Finally, a shoe specifically made with pickleball in mind! The K-Swiss is super lightweight, for a comfortable feel that won’t drag you down. K-Swiss designed an ultra durable shoe with excellent mid-foot stability, an effective moisture-management system, and abrasion resistance in the high-use pickleball zones of the toe and heel.

The shoes fit true to size, but can be stiff at first. Once you wear them for a few games, they will be broken in and flexible enough to hop and jump in comfortably. If you have sensitive ankles, wear mid or high-rise socks to prevent irritation.

Reviewers write that there “is a noticeable difference between tennis, all-court, running, and pickleball shoes.” This one has great “court-focused traction,” “good cushioning,” a “wide pad of stability,” and add that they “come in several colors that don’t look like garbage.”

Portable Pickleball Net System

If you have a will and a way to play, but no net, step right up. This full-size net, when erected, is 22 feet wide and 36 inches high (34 at the center). It is made to last from a painted steel frame and durable net, but can be snapped together and put up on the go in about 10 minutes. The net should be set up on a hard playing surface (20 by 44 feet).

When you’re finished, simply take it down (another 10 minutes) and stow it in the bag that it comes in. At just 24 pounds, it’s not too heavy to carry.

Reviewers love this net and say they can even “use it indoors on a gym floor” with padding. “The instructions were simple,” and the assembly is “easy and quick.” It’s not a cheap net, but the quality makes it well worth the price.

12-Pack of Outdoor Pickleball Balls

Game on! This premium set of outdoor pickleballs comes in sets of 3, 12, 36, or 400, and four colors. Weighing in at 26 grams each, these meticulously crafted and rigorously tested pickleballs feature 40 precise, machine drilled holes for a balanced flight pattern and tight spin.

The no-seam, one-piece construction resists dents and cracking. For pickleball players who play hard, one ball will stay perfectly intact for at least 10 games.

These are USAPA-approved balls that can be used in tournament play. They were even picked as the official ball for the US Open Pickleball Championships and USA Pickleball.

Reviewers say this ball has improved their game compared with “slower and much bouncier” alternatives. Others say it’s great for both “beginners” and “seasoned pros.”

Pickleball Pickup Tube

If bending down to pick up your pickleball is just too much after a big tourney, there’s a tube for that. All you have to do is press the tube over the ball, and instantly, the ball gets whooshed up and held into the tube. The Tourna tube holds 17 balls in all, and will pick up both indoor and outdoor balls. When it’s time to empty the balls, just turn it over and dump it into a hopper or bucket.

The built-in fence hook makes it easy to keep the tube handy and out of the way when not in use. It’s lightweight enough for anyone to pick it up and use it, and the durable construction means it’s okay to leave it outside.

This Tourna tube earns five out of five stars from 83% of reviewers on Amazon who say it “does what it is supposed to do.” Others say it has “saved their back,” and has lasted through months of games and thousands of balls. “It’s a solid buy.”

12-Pack Performance Indoor Pickleballs

If you love to play pickleball, and it’s usually inside, you need to snag a set of these USAPA-approved balls. You can buy them in three-, 12-, or 100-packs, and they are available in turquoise, lemon yellow, and off-white.

They are value-priced and built to last—even with enthusiastic and hard use, each ball will last a minimum of 12 games. The 26-gram, 2.9 inch diameter balls feature 26 machine-driven beveled holes, which gives them excellent flight.

The EVA construction ensures a superb flight pattern and superior balance. Reviewers say they “love these pickleballs!” Others praise their “great bounce,” and say they’re easier to track than competitors.

Pickleball Visor

If you want to display your love for pickleball while simultaneously keeping the sun off of your face, this visor is the killer accessory you’ve been waiting for. The visor is 100% cotton with a Velcro, adjustable closure so it will fit every picklehead.

The premium materials and design—and the embroidered Pickle Ballin’ words and logo—means it’s built to last. The built-in sweatband absorbs moisture and wicks sweat away, so you don’t have to worry about getting painful salty droplets in your eyes.

It’s also a great option for those with sun-sensitive eyes who feel that sunglasses throw off their game. More than 89% of reviewers on Amazon give this visor 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers say it’s “cute,” “fits well,” and stays on during play.

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