Pickleball is a bit of badminton, tennis, bowling, dodge ball, paddle tennis, corn hole, ping pong and I would even say pogo sticking. It has a whimsical name that invokes the fun spirit and social aspect that brings players to the courts for hours at a time. There is a disclaimer as the sport is addicting. Here are a few tips before you choose to jump in.
The clothing
It varies according to your personal style, so anything from tennis apparel to long pants for hiking and long-sleeved sun shirts. You will be moving, so make sure they are a comfortable fit. In the winter, you are likely to see people playing with gloves, scarves, caps, and leggings or sweatpants. Having a hat or visor is also great for sun protection. Eye protection is a MUST! The ball can easily hit you, so it is imperative to protect your eyes, even if you are indoors or playing at night. Have a clear pair and one for the sun on at all times.
The paddles
Paddles are specially made for the sport. They come in all sorts of materials, such as composite, graphite, hybrid, carbon… Finding a store that will let you take several home to demo for a few days is a great option. See what grip/handle feels comfortable in your hand and hit some balls. At first, you may not feel a difference in how the ball feels when it hits the paddle; however, that feeling will come after many hits. I would recommend not buying a wooden paddle or the cheapest one on the market. Most players end up with many different paddles in their bags.
