Starting up pickleball doesn’t require a full wardrobe of gear or a professional kit bag—the beauty of the game lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re playing in a local UK sports hall, a leisure centre in Yorkshire, or on an outdoor court in Brighton, the essential equipment is affordable, minimal, and easy to get your hands on. That’s one of the biggest reasons why pickleball is booming in the UK—it’s accessible.
To get going, you’ll need just a few core items: a paddle, pickleball balls, court shoes, and access to a court with a net. Of course, as you progress through the levels—beginner to intermediate and beyond—your choices become more refined. But to begin with, it’s about finding reliable, entry-level gear that gives you a feel for the game without overwhelming your wallet.
Let’s break down the essentials of what you actually need to get on court and start playing pickleball, including what to look for and what to avoid when starting from scratch in the UK scene.
1. Pickleball Paddle – Your Most Important Piece of Kit
The paddle is your tool, your weapon, and your best friend on the court. Unlike tennis racquets or squash rackets, pickleball paddles have no strings and are typically made from composite materials like graphite, carbon fibre, or polymer cores. Paddles vary in weight, grip size, surface texture, and shape—and all of these things impact your style of play.
What beginners in the UK should look for:
✔ Lightweight to midweight paddle (7.5–8.2 oz) – Easier to control and swing.
✔ Wide-body shape – Offers a bigger sweet spot and more forgiveness.
✔ Comfortable grip size – Most UK players will do well with a standard 4.25″ grip.
✔ Affordable price point (£40–£80) – No need to spend hundreds at first.
✔ Durable materials – Look for paddles labelled “polymer core” or “graphite surface” for balance and control.
For new players joining UK clubs or community sessions, many centres have loan paddles available—but having your own paddle helps you develop consistent feel and build confidence. Brands like Selkirk, Head, Paddletek, and Franklin are widely stocked in the UK now.
🔥 Key takeaway: Your paddle is the most critical purchase—go for balanced, comfortable, and beginner-friendly.
2. Pickleball Balls – Indoor vs Outdoor Makes a Big Difference
Not all pickleballs are created equal. There are two main types: indoor balls and outdoor balls—and the difference is more than just where you use them. They vary in weight, hole pattern, bounce, and how they respond on different court surfaces.
Indoor balls:
✔ Lighter and softer, with 26 larger holes.
✔ Designed for wooden or sports hall surfaces, common in UK leisure centres.
✔ Tend to bounce higher and move slower—great for controlled, beginner-friendly play.
Outdoor balls:
✔ Heavier and harder, with 40 smaller holes.
✔ Made to withstand wind and rough tarmac or acrylic courts.
✔ Fly faster and bounce lower—more challenging but great for realism.
It’s worth checking with your local UK club or venue what kind of court you’ll be playing on. Most indoor sessions use balls like the Jugs or Franklin X-26, while outdoor sessions favour Onix or Dura Fast 40. Always bring a few extras—balls crack, especially in colder temperatures.
🔥 Key takeaway: Use the right type of ball for your playing environment—indoor and outdoor balls behave very differently.
3. Footwear – Proper Court Shoes for Pickleball Movement
Shoes might not be the flashiest bit of kit, but they’re vital. Running shoes and trainers aren’t built for the side-to-side, stop-start movement of pickleball. Using the wrong footwear increases your risk of ankle injuries, knee strain, and general discomfort—especially on hard indoor courts.
What to look for in pickleball footwear:
✔ Court shoes or indoor court trainers – Similar to those used in badminton or squash.
✔ Non-marking soles – Required for most indoor UK sports halls.
✔ Lateral support – Pickleball involves a lot of sideways motion, so ankle and side support are crucial.
✔ Good grip and cushioning – Helps with stability and reduces fatigue.
Brands like ASICS, K-Swiss, Head, and Babolat all offer suitable options available online or in UK sports shops. For outdoor play, consider tennis-specific shoes that can handle rougher surfaces like concrete or painted courts.
🔥 Key takeaway: Invest in court shoes—not runners—for stability, injury prevention, and optimal performance.
4. Court Access and Nets – Where to Play in the UK
You don’t need to buy a net to start playing, but knowing where and how to access courts is crucial. In the UK, pickleball courts are available in leisure centres, school gyms, tennis clubs, and outdoor parks—with more popping up every month.
Options for accessing courts:
✔ Join a local UK pickleball club – Many offer social play and equipment for beginners.
✔ Leisure centres – Bookable courts with net setups already in place.
✔ Portable nets – For home use or outdoor courts, you can buy a decent set for around £90–£150.
✔ Mark out your own court – Use chalk or tape and a pop-up net for DIY practice.
Check resources like Pickleball England, local Facebook groups, and Dink Quest to find nearby courts and beginner-friendly venues. Having a place to play is just as important as having gear in hand.
🔥 Key takeaway: Courts are everywhere if you know where to look—plug into the UK pickleball network and start showing up!
5. Optional Extras – Things That Help, But Aren’t Essential
Once you’ve got the basics, you might want to enhance your playing experience with some bonus gear—nothing essential, but definitely nice to have.
✨ Sweatbands or grip tape – For those sweaty palm moments.
✨ Ball holder or sling bag – Keep things organised on court.
✨ Protective eyewear – Recommended in faster-paced doubles games.
✨ Water bottle and towel – Stay hydrated, especially in warmer indoor halls.
✨ Paddle cover – Keeps your gear in good shape, especially during travel.
In the UK, where indoor space is limited and weather often unpredictable, having a reliable kit bag with all your gear ready to go makes getting on court quick and easy.
🔥 Key takeaway: Once you’ve got the essentials, small extras can really enhance your playing comfort and readiness.
Final Thoughts: Getting Started With the Right Pickleball Equipment
Starting your pickleball journey in the UK is simple, affordable, and incredibly rewarding when you’ve got the right gear. From choosing a solid paddle to wearing the proper footwear and using the right ball, each piece of equipment plays a role in your safety, enjoyment, and performance.
Key Takeaways:
✔ You’ll need a paddle, balls, proper court shoes, and court access to begin.
✔ Pick equipment suited to your environment—indoor vs outdoor matters a lot.
✔ UK clubs are welcoming and often provide equipment if you’re just trying things out.
✔ Investing in the right gear early builds confidence, reduces injuries, and makes play more fun.
✔ Dink Quest and Pickleball England are great resources for finding courts, gear advice, and local communities.
👀 Enjoyed this read? Fancy levelling up your game even more? Keep reading Dink Quest for the best pickleball tips, drills, and news in the UK!
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We’ve got plenty more where that came from! Whether you’re working on your third shot drop, curious about dinking strategies, or just figuring out how to hold your paddle without it flying across the court we’ve got you covered.
👉 Keep reading, keep learning, and keep dinking smart. Let’s grow the game together, one dink at a time. 💚
See you on the court!
The Dinkquest Team UK 🏓
Author: Dink Quest
Dink Quest Pickleball Directory – The home of Pickleball in the UK
