Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, which means now is the perfect time to get started. It can be intimidating looking at the price tags for upper end pickleball paddles that can go upward to $200 and above. However, there are plenty of ways to get your essential pickleball gear without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best ways to start pickleball for beginners.
Pickleball Starter Sets
Getting your hands on a starter set is one of the highest value purchases you can make while shopping for pickleball gear. More often than not, these sets offer a pair of pickleball paddles plus some balls to get you and a partner right into the action.
Gearbox Ultimate Pickleball Starter Kit
Just as the name implies, Gearbox’s Ultimate Pickleball Starter Kit comes equipped with everything you need for you and a friend to start playing. Remembering the contents of this set is as easy as 3-2-1: 3 pickleballs, 2 paddles, 1 bag. Partner up with a friend or go head-to-head with the two paddles. They’re made with quality fiberglass materials and feature a generous sweet spot for easy control and consistent hits. The GB1 pickleballs were made for outdoor play and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Pack it all in with the included sling bag and you’ll be ripe and ready for fun.
Joola Ben Johns Pickleball Set
The Joola Ben Johns Pickleball Set has a similar offering to Gearbox’s starter kit. This set comes with a bag and a pair of matching paddles with 2 pairs of pickleballs, 1 pair designed for indoor play and the other for outdoors so you’ll be ready to play anywhere, any time. The pickleball paddles feature a striking blue lightning design. Their fiberglass hitting surfaces deliver power and control while maintaining a lightweight and durable profile. Between the 2 pairs of pickleballs, it’s important to know which type was designed for which environments. The 26-hole balls are ideal for indoor play, while the 40-hole balls are for outdoor play. Though it won’t ruin your day to use the wrong ball for the wrong situation, the different ball types will have better flight patterns when used in the right settings and feel more fun to play with.
Franklin Sports 2 Player Set
If you’re more on the fence about picking up the sport, then the Franklin Sports 2 Player pickleball paddles set offers a friendlier entry point. Although this set lacks a carrying bag, it does have a pair of paddles and balls. The dual-plated aluminum paddles are incredibly durable and feature padded grips that feel comfortable to handle. Reinforced edges further improve the paddles` lifespan to maximize your value. The X-40 balls are perfect for outdoor play and officially approved by the USA Pickleball Association for tournament play.
Other Pickleball Paddles
Master Athletics Training Pickleball Paddle
Looking to take your game to the next level? Then try out the Master Athletics Training Pickleball Paddle. This petite paddle emulates the feel of hitting a regular paddle on the sweet spot. It even uses the same premium materials that you would expect from some of the best paddles on the market. Once you get used to hitting with this paddle, then you should see your efforts pay off once you switch to a real paddle. Hone your skills to show off to your friends or perhaps even a big tournament.
Pickleball Paddles on Sale
When in doubt, you can always check out our discounted pickleball paddles. Although last season’s paddle may not have the latest technology, you can still find high-quality paddles at unbeatable prices.
Pickleball Rules for New Players
Now that you’ve got your hands on some starter gear, the next step is to learn the basic rules. Thankfully we have the perfect video to help you get started!
Be sure to read our how to play pickleball blog to get the full details. Learn how scoring works, the two-bounce rule, and more basics to take your first steps on your pickleball journey. Subscribe to the Tennis Express blog to stay updated on the latest racquet sports news, reviews, and more!
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