What you need to start: a paddle, court shoes, and water. Venues and open play sessions usually provide balls. Many venues rent paddles, so you can try before you buy.
Shoes. Wear court shoes (badminton or tennis shoes), not running shoes. Pickleball is full of side-to-side movement, and running shoes don't support your ankles for that.
Balls.
| Outdoor ball | Indoor ball | |
|---|---|---|
| Holes | About 40, smaller | About 26, larger |
| Feel | Harder, faster, heavier | Softer, slower |
| Use | Most open-air and covered courts in Pune | Indoor wooden or synthetic floors |
Tournaments name their official ball. Practise with the same one if you can.
Choosing a paddle
| Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light to mid: 210–230 g (7.4–8.1 oz) | Mid: 220–235 g | Mid to heavy, chosen for your style |
| Core thickness | 16 mm: softer, more control, bigger sweet spot | 14–16 mm | 13–14 mm for more power and pop, or 16 mm for control |
| Shape | Standard / wide body: most forgiving | Standard or hybrid | Elongated for reach and power, or hybrid |
| Face | Fibreglass or basic carbon | Carbon fibre for spin and feel | Raw or textured carbon for maximum spin; thermoformed edges for stability |
| Rough price | ₹2,000–5,000 | ₹5,000–12,000 | ₹12,000–25,000+ |
Prices are a rough guide for India in 2026.
Five tips:
- Start in the middle. A mid-weight, 16 mm, standard-shape paddle suits most beginners for their first year.
- Heavier = more power, slower hands. Lighter = faster hands, less power. If you have elbow or shoulder trouble, avoid very heavy paddles.
- Grip size: most adults fit a grip of 4 to 4.5 inches around. If in doubt, choose the smaller one and add an overgrip.
- For tournaments, your paddle should be on the USA Pickleball approved list (look for the approval mark on the paddle).
- Try before you buy. Borrow paddles at open play. The right paddle is the one that feels comfortable, not the most expensive one.
Also useful: an overgrip (replace it every few weeks), a cap, and sports glasses. Eye injuries at the kitchen line do happen.