Guide
The Pickleball Starter-Kit Checklist
Everything a beginner actually needs to play — and, just as usefully, what they don't need yet.
By Stephen V. · Updated July 2026 · How we pick
What a beginner truly needs
Pickleball has one of the lowest starting costs in sport, which is great news for a gift buyer — you can assemble a complete "everything to get started" gift for well under $100. Here is the whole list of essentials, in order of importance:
- A paddle. The core item. A forgiving beginner paddle is ideal; two people need two paddles.
- Balls. Cheap, consumable, and required. A pack of outdoor balls covers most players — see the best balls.
- Court shoes. Not strictly required on day one, but the biggest comfort-and-safety upgrade. Regular sneakers work to start; proper court shoes come next.
- A bag. Once they play regularly, a bagkeeps paddle, balls, water, and keys together. A nice "phase two" gift.
The shortcut: a paddle setbundles the paddle(s), balls, and often a bag into one box — the single easiest way to give "everything to start."
What they don't need (yet)
Just as valuable is knowing what to skip, so you do not overspend or buy something that sits in a garage:
- A net. Most people play on public or club courts that already have nets. A portable net only makes sense for someone with their own driveway or yard and a real commitment.
- A ball machine. A wonderful gift for a devoted player, but total overkill for a beginner.
- An expensive paddle. A $150 pro paddle can actually make the game harder for a newcomer. Save it for later — or never, if a mid-range paddle keeps them happy.
Build a complete beginner gift
Want to give a thoughtful "all set to play" bundle? A reliable formula: start with a paddle set, add a fresh multipack of balls, and — if you know their size — a pair of court shoes. That is a genuinely generous gift for around $60–$120 that leaves them with zero excuses not to play. If you would rather it arrive as one tidy present, browse gifts for a beginner.
Frequently asked questions
What does a beginner need to start playing pickleball?
A paddle, a few balls, and comfortable shoes. That's it. Most courts provide the net, and a bag becomes useful once they play regularly. A paddle set bundles the first two together.
Do beginners need special pickleball shoes?
Not on day one — regular athletic shoes work to start. But court shoes are the top upgrade for comfort and to help prevent rolled ankles during the game's quick side-to-side movement, so they make a great follow-up gift.
Do you need a net to play pickleball?
Usually not. Public parks and clubs have permanent or portable nets. You only need your own net to play at home in a driveway or yard, which is a purchase for a committed player, not a beginner.
How much does it cost to start playing pickleball?
Very little. A complete beginner paddle set runs about $30–$60, balls are a few dollars, and public courts are typically free. You can outfit a new player thoughtfully for well under $100.
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