What Pickleball Equipment Do You Need to Play Pickleball?

Pickleball equipment might not look fancy at first glance, but don’t be fooled—having the right gear can completely change your experience on court. Whether you’re just getting started or playing regularly at your local UK club, using kit that suits your style and ability makes everything feel smoother, more comfortable, and way more fun. From your very first paddle to shoes that actually support your side-steps, the right equipment isn’t about spending a fortune—it’s about feeling confident, safe, and ready to play.

It was a typical Thursday evening at the community courts in Bristol. Dave had been invited by some mates to try pickleball for the first time. “It’s easy,” they said. “You’ll love it,” they promised. Dave showed up wearing running shoes, an old tennis racket tucked under one arm, and a football shirt for good measure.

Fast forward twenty minutes and he was slipping on the court, mis-hitting every shot, and generally wondering what he’d gotten himself into.

The truth is, pickleball is famously beginner-friendly, but like any sport, a few key pieces of the right equipment make all the difference between a frustrating first session and a day you can’t wait to repeat.

If you’re wondering what you actually need to play pickleball in the UK—and avoid a ‘Dave moment’—keep reading.

At Dink Quest, we’re here to help you figure out exactly what you need (and what you don’t), so you can focus on what really matters: playing, learning, and loving the game.

🏓 First Things First: The Pickleball Paddle

Forget your tennis racket, your squash bat, or your rounders bat—pickleball paddles are their own thing. They’re smaller than tennis rackets but bigger and sturdier than table tennis bats, often made from composite materials like graphite or fibreglass.

A good beginner paddle will be:

• Lightweight enough to control easily
• Wide enough to forgive a few mishits
• Balanced for power and precision

When you’re starting out, you don’t need a £200 pro model. But grabbing a decent mid-range paddle (£50–£80 in the UK market) will massively improve your experience. You’ll feel the difference in your shot control, your wrist comfort, and your confidence after just a few games.

🔥 Dink Quest Tip: Look for paddles labelled “all-around” or “beginner-friendly” to start—something that won’t punish you for still finding your swing.

🎾 You’ll Also Need: The Right Pickleball Balls

Yes, they’re different too! Pickleballs are plastic, light, and full of holes—and crucially, there’s a difference between indoor balls and outdoor balls.

• Indoor balls have larger holes and tend to be softer, giving you more control.
• Outdoor balls have smaller holes, are slightly heavier, and can handle wind and rough surfaces better.

In the UK, with our famously unpredictable weather, most clubs carry outdoor balls even for inside play—simply because they last longer. But it’s worth asking what your local club prefers.

🔥 Dink Quest Tip: Always keep a few spare balls handy. They crack faster than you might expect, especially in colder weather.

👟 Don’t Forget Your Court Shoes

We said it before, but it bears repeating: wear the right shoes.

Court shoes—not running shoes—are designed for side-to-side movement. They grip properly on smooth indoor courts and outdoor tarmac alike, and they protect your ankles when you shuffle, stop, and pivot.

Look for:

• Non-marking soles if you’re playing indoors
• Supportive, stable designs for lateral movement
• Good arch support if you have any foot issues

Spending £40–£80 on a good pair of court shoes is an investment in your longevity on the court. Slipping around because you’re wearing your gym trainers isn’t just embarrassing—it’s an injury waiting to happen.

🔥 Dink Quest Tip: Badminton, volleyball, or tennis shoes all work well for pickleball if you can’t find something labelled specifically.

🎒 Other Bits You’ll Be Glad You Brought

Once you’ve got your paddle, your balls, and your shoes sorted, here are a few extra essentials that’ll make your pickleball life a lot smoother:

• Water bottle (pickleball will have you sweating faster than you think)
• Towel (for those slippery hands mid-match)
• Small sports bag or backpack (to carry your gear and spare balls)
• Cap or visor (especially for outdoor games)
• Layers (the weather changes fast, and so will your body temperature)

None of these are mandatory—but trust us, being prepared makes a massive difference between struggling and loving your session.

🔥 Dink Quest Tip: Pack light but smart. The less you worry about gear, the more you’ll focus on dinking that ball right past your opponents.

🏆 Final Thoughts on Pickleball Equipment: You Don’t Need Much—Just the Right Stuff

One of the best things about pickleball—and something we love shouting about at Dink Quest—is how accessible it is. You don’t need a shed full of expensive kit. You don’t need specialist trainers or custom paddles to start.

All you really need is:

• A decent paddle
• A few balls
• Proper shoes
• A willingness to laugh at yourself once or twice (especially when you miss a sitter)

Get those basics right, and you’ll be amazed how quickly you’re hooked.

🏓🇬🇧 Ready to hit the court? At Dink Quest, we’re here to help you find the best beginner gear, clubs near you, and even paddles you’ll love as you level up.

Stay tuned for our upcoming Dink Quest Paddle Reviews—because finding the right kit shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. It should feel like the start of something brilliant.

👀 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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Author: Dink Quest

Dink Quest Pickleball Directory – The home of Pickleball in the UK