Quick answer: To start playing pickleball you need just three things: a paddle, the right ball for where you play (outdoor balls have 40 smaller holes, indoor balls 26 larger ones), and non-marking court shoes. Budget around £45–£110 for a decent first setup. Nets, bags and overgrips are optional extras most venues and clubs already cover.
Pickleball is one of the cheapest racket sports to get into, which is part of why it is growing so fast across the UK. But the shops are full of 4-paddle "sets", wooden bats and pro-level carbon paddles, and it is hard to tell what a beginner actually needs. This guide walks through the essential pickleball equipment, what is nice to have, what to skip, and what we would buy if we were starting again tomorrow.
What pickleball equipment do you actually need?
For your first sessions, the list is short:
- A paddle – solid-faced, roughly 16 inches long. This is where most of your budget should go.
- Balls – hard plastic perforated balls. Buy the type that matches your venue (indoor or outdoor).
- Court shoes – flat, grippy, non-marking soles built for side-to-side movement. Running shoes are the most common beginner mistake.
That is it. Most leisure centres, tennis clubs and pickleball groups provide nets and courts, and many beginner sessions lend out paddles. If you are curious about the game before buying anything, read what pickleball is (written for tennis players) first.
Choosing your first pickleball paddle
The paddle is the one item worth getting right. A good beginner paddle has three traits:
Weight: mid-weight is the safe choice
Most adult paddles weigh 7–8.5oz (roughly 200–240g). Mid-weight paddles give you enough stability for drives without tiring your arm during long dinking rallies. Very light paddles feel quick but vibrate more on off-centre hits.
Face material: fibreglass or entry carbon
Fibreglass faces add pop and are forgiving; carbon faces add control and spin. A raw or T700 carbon face at an entry price is now realistic, and it will last longer than a wooden or cheap composite bat. Our carbon vs fibreglass guide explains the trade-off.
Core thickness and grip
A 14–16mm polymer honeycomb core is the sweet spot for most beginners – thicker means softer and more control. Grip circumference matters too: too small and the paddle twists in your hand. For the full process, see how to choose a pickleball paddle or jump straight to our best pickleball paddles for beginners UK.
Indoor vs outdoor pickleball balls
This is the bit that catches most new players out. Pickleball balls are not interchangeable:
- Outdoor balls have around 40 smaller holes, are harder and slightly heavier, so they cope with wind and rough tarmac. They can crack in cold weather – worth knowing for UK winters.
- Indoor balls have around 26 larger holes, are softer and lighter, and give a slower, more controllable bounce on sports-hall floors.
Many UK beginners play indoors in sports halls from October to March, then outdoors on converted tennis courts in summer. A 3-pack of each costs well under £15, so it is worth having both. Bright colours (yellow outdoors, orange indoors on light floors) are easiest to track.
Shoes: the piece of kit beginners skip (and regret)
Pickleball is a game of short lateral steps, quick stops and split-steps at the kitchen line. Running shoes have soft, high, curved soles designed for forward motion – on a court they roll over on the ankle and wear through fast. Proper court shoes have a lower, flatter, wider base and durable rubber outsoles. Indoors, non-marking soles are usually compulsory. Tennis or badminton court shoes work fine to start; dedicated pickleball shoes are increasingly available. See our best pickleball shoes UK guide for current picks.
Nice-to-have pickleball kit
- Overgrips – a cheap way to build up a small handle and add tack in sweaty sessions.
- A paddle cover or bag – protects the edge guard and face, especially on carbon paddles.
- A portable net – only if you plan to play in a car park, garden or on a tennis court without pickleball lines. Regulation net height is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches in the middle.
- Eye protection – recommended for doubles at the kitchen line, where balls come fast and close.
Should you buy a pickleball set?
Sets that bundle 2–4 paddles with balls look like great value, and for a family garden game they are fine. For anyone planning to join a club, most cheap sets use heavy wooden or thin composite paddles that are harder to control and will be replaced within a few months. Our honest advice: buy one decent paddle for yourself and a pack of the right balls. If you are buying for a school, club or community group, get in touch – we can put together a mixed bundle at a better price.
Our picks at Central Tennis
- Aixo CP03 Ghost Series T700 Carbon Pickleball Paddle – £40 – the best-value carbon-faced starter paddle we stock; forgiving and light enough for long sessions.
- Aixo P11A Scorpion Series 3K Raw Carbon Pickleball Paddle – £64 – a step up in spin and control for players who already know they are hooked.
- Head Champ Outdoor Pickleball Balls (3-pack) – £6.50 – durable 40-hole outdoor balls for converted tennis courts.
- Li-Ning PZ26 Indoor Pickleball Balls (3-pack) – £6 – 26-hole orange balls for sports-hall sessions over the winter.
- Wilson Pickle Pro Men's Pickleball Shoe – £62.99 – a purpose-built court shoe with a stable, low base (limited sizes – check availability).
Browse the full range in our pickleball collection.
Pickleball equipment FAQs
What equipment do you need to play pickleball?
A paddle, pickleball balls suited to your venue, and court shoes. A net and court are usually provided by the venue or club.
What's the best pickleball equipment for beginners?
A mid-weight paddle (around 7.5–8oz) with a fibreglass or entry-level carbon face and a 14–16mm core, plus a pack of indoor or outdoor balls to match where you play.
Is there really a difference in pickleball paddles?
Yes. Face material, core thickness, weight and shape all change power, control and comfort. The difference between a £15 wooden bat and a £40 carbon paddle is very noticeable; above around £100 the gains are smaller and matter mainly to competitive players.
Can I use tennis shoes for pickleball?
Yes. Tennis and badminton court shoes are built for the same lateral movement. Just make sure the soles are non-marking if you play indoors.
How much does it cost to start playing pickleball in the UK?
Expect around £45–£110 for a paddle and balls, or £110–£180 if you also need court shoes. Court hire and club sessions are typically a few pounds per person.
The bottom line
Good pickleball equipment does not need to be expensive: one decent paddle, the right balls for your venue and proper court shoes will cover your first year of play. Spend most of your budget on the paddle, skip cheap multi-bat sets if you are serious, and keep both indoor and outdoor balls in your bag for the UK seasons. Once you are playing, brush up with our pickleball rules guide – and when you are ready to kit up, shop pickleball at Central Tennis.
