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Pickleball, being one of the most growing sports in the USA, is now getting a lot of attention all over the world. The game is easier to play and people from all age groups can play the game without any stress. At first game, this game was taken as a fun activity, but the levels of the game have changed now. It seems like a racquet sport to anyone who doesn’t have knowledge about the game.
People are practicing the game to master it. It requires fitness and agility. Many players who could not pursue their careers in tennis are more into Pickleball. The game doesn’t require high-quality equipment, e.g. racquets and playing areas.
In this article, we are going to talk about the equipment required to play the game. Let’s give it a read.
What was the First Equipment Used to Play Pickleball?
The game was invented almost six decades ago. The inventors of the game couldn’t find a full set of equipment for tennis, so they started playing the game with wooden racquets called Paddles. They used plastic balls available at that time to make it a more fun game. So, a paddle, ball, set, and portable net were a few of the things needed to play the game at that time.
The Pickleball Inventor Joel Pritchard and his friend
Photo by @ Kiko Adams
Can Anyone Play Pickleball?
People from all age groups play Pickleball. The young kids do play Pickleball to spend their time. Senior citizens or retired tennis or badminton players love to play the game to keep their bodies in good shape. Tournaments are going around the world where adults take part in the game and compete.
You might see people of different ages playing Pickleball at recreation centres. USAPA provides all the luxuries to play the game in different areas around the country. It is what caused the game to be more popular for the last 5-6 years. This game is going to be played in the Olympics. If that happens, Pickleball is going to be played around the globe.
Pickleball for Seniors
Source: https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/travel-recreation/recreation/pick-pickleball-how-and-where-to-play-the-popular-sport/
What are 3 Skills Needed to Play Pickleball Game?
Pickleball is kind of a soft game that doesn’t require too much effort for some people due to the small Playing Field. However, if you’re a professional, you just need to possess a few skills to dominate the game. These skills are listed below.
Baseline Skills
If you want to be a good player, you need to have baseline skills that might include maneuvering the ball. The balls used in this game are made of plastic and lighter in weight, so as a pro player, you need to have an approach to spin the ball while hitting it. You also need to have a clearer idea to hit the ball over the net so that it allows down while approaching the opponent.
Serving Skills
Serving skills need to be at top notch to master the game. You can’t get relaxed while serving the ball as your opponent is already waiting to hit the ball back to you where he wants to. So, playing with the opponent’s mind is quite essential to get a point.
Speed and Fitness
As a pro-pickleball player, you must have the ability to move faster. If you’re playing doubles, then you are a bit relaxed as your partner is there to help you. If you are playing singles, you must take a look at your fitness levels and body movements.
How Does a Pickleball Court Look Like?
A Pickleball field could be a plain hard surface as you are playing it with plastic balls. The plastic balls have a good bounce in them when they are hit on hard surfaces.
However, if you are playing the game in your backyard, you can use that surface, too, but it could have less bounce in it. You can even play it for fun there, just like many people did in Covid Days. People used to play the game in their garden to spend their day with family. However, to get the best experience, the surface of the field must be hard and plain.
What Equipment Do You Need for Pickleball?
There is not a huge list of equipment to play pickleball. All you need is a playing area or surface, which many recreation centres are building to promote the game. Other equipment includes pickleball paddles, balls, kits, nets, bags, and shoes. All of this equipment used in pickleball for beginners is easy to get and available at cheap prices.
One thing that is more important than all is the Playing Field. Pickleball courts are available both indoors and outdoors. The size of the court is not so big, so it is possible to make Pickleball fields easily. One tennis court could easily fit four pickleball courts. So, the size of the court makes it feasible to have more courts in a park or recreation centre.
1. Pickleball Paddles
Paddles are the most important equipment you need to play the game. The shape of a paddle is similar to the ping pong paddle. If you are a beginner, you can use wooden paddles. However, they could get a little heavier due to their wooden properties. Today, pro players use graphite, aluminum, and carbon fiber faced paddles to play the game. They are inspired by ping pong paddles.
The properties of graphite face lightweight paddles provide more flexibility and strength so that you can place your ball where you want it while playing the game. They help you get a spin that can help you dodge your opponents.
How many pickleball paddles do you need?
Usually, Pickleball is a sport played in doubles, and you need four Pickleball Paddles-two Paddles for each. When you are playing in singles, you need two paddles. The first paddles used in pickleball were made of wood, and the modern paddles use graphite material to create more force and spin on the ball. Both paddles are acceptable, though.
Keep three paddles in your bag with different weights to play differently.
How Do I Choose a Pickleball Paddle?
There are multiple properties you need to check while buying a pickleball paddle. The size of the paddle does not change. They have a universal size and can’t go above 17 inches in length. This is the combined length of the core material and paddle handle. However, it has to be some features, like a good sweet spot to hit the ball and a good grip on the handle. The weight of the paddle may vary, but use a lighter paddle at the start.
They are not heavier but come in different weights. However, the balance and control of the paddle are the must-have features.
Weight of the Paddles
Do you think the weight of the paddles matters? Yes, it does for some people. A lot of players use heavier paddles to generate more force on the ball. If you are a beginner, try using lighter paddles so that your hands get used to them and are able to maneuver the ball easily.
Once you go for the heavier ones, you will feel more comfortable. Some people use tape to add some extra weight to their paddles, which helps generate more power. It is allowed, but the size of the paddles couldn’t be changed.
2. Pickleball Balls
There are plastic balls used to play Pickleball. The Pickleball ball has holes in it. The colour of the balls may vary; however, for indoor Pickleball games, light-colour balls are used.
What ball is used in most pickleball tournaments?
The balls used in tournaments may vary, but Fyful pickleballs are considered one of the best. They have perfect bounce, speed and flight. The instructions given by USAPA follow the pattern of the holes.
What is the difference between outdoor and indoor pickleballs?
The indoor ball is a bit lighter in weight and has large holes in it. On the other hand, outdoor balls are heavier so that the air or wind can’t affect the game. They have smaller holes in them to resist air. These balls come faster on the paddle than the indoor balls.
What is the difference between yellow and orange pickleballs?
The colour of the ball doesn’t have much to do with the game. It is totally your personal choice. Some people like to use the yellow coloured balls, and some see the orange balls better. The color of the ball is also picked after checking out the playing field or surroundings.
Are Pickleball balls and wiffle balls the same?
Yes, they are almost identical in size and made with hard plastic. The speed and flexibility are almost the same. However, pickleball balls are slightly heavier than the wiffle balls. Both balls are used for different sports, so a wiffle ball could not be used to play Pickleball.
3. Courtline Tape
The court is equally important as you have to play the game somewhere. A court line tape could be a good choice to have it in your bag. Paint and chalk could be used to make fencing, but if you use court line tape, it could be removed after the games. If you just want to play the game and leave the place, a temporary tape or a chalk could be a better choice.
Photo by @ Honey Built Home
4. Pickleball Shoes and Kits
There is no compulsion to wear a specific pair of shoes while playing Pickleball. You can wear regular tennis shoes that have some extra traction on them. Most people wear regular shoes to play the game, so it doesn’t make much of a difference when you are playing with friends and family. However, if you want to play it professionally, pick a good pair for you to get better movements.
You can even wear leggings if you want. It is allowed for both men and women as it provides comfort, compression and mobility.
Photo by @ Eat This, Not That!
5. Bags to Carry Your Gear
Bags are necessary to be used if you want to keep yourself ready for the game. The bag could hold a lot of things like your kit, shoes, paddles, pickleball net and balls. The net is not too big, so it can also fit in the bag. You can set up your court to play the game. However, pickleball gear could include the following items as well.
6. Pickleball Equipment for Practice
If you’re alone and want to practice, what would you do? There is a solution for you, and you can use the equipment to practice your game.
Ball Machines
A ball machine is a great tool to practice. It can help you face the balls and try different shots. You can adjust the settings of the machine for what kind of shot you want to practice on. You can set your machine shots to volleys, overheads or any other shots. These machines are mostly chargeable and help you practice for hours.
Targets on Courts
Court targets are one of the most important parts of your practice and must be available in your bag if you are aiming to be a pro-Pickleball player. These court targets help you in drilling and playing the ball in certain areas. When you keep doing that and practice a lot, you will get an idea of where to hit the ball perfectly well while playing a game with your opponents.
Ball Hopper and Tubes
Ball hoppers are quite handy tools to have while practicing Pickleball. You always need a good number of balls available to play on the court so that you can continue your drills without stopping. A Ball hopper is a must-have piece of equipment if you’re practicing.
Just like a ball hopper, you don’t want to pick up the balls from the ground one by one. So, a Ball tube could help you with these as well. It collects balls and makes them available again.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YFokSRypGU
Bottom Line
Pickleball is a fun game to play. Anybody can play the game. You can play the game with your mates and family. It is easier to understand and a good exercise for every age group. At the same time, it requires professionalism, too. You need to be focused if you want to pursue as a pro player in the sports.
The essential pickleball equipment used to play includes Pickleball Paddles, few pickleballs, a pickleball net, lead tape, a kit, and shoes. All the equipment is affordable and easy to carry. You can buy paddles and balls at reasonable prices, too. So, get your bag and go out to play this beautiful game. It’ll make your day for sure.