How to Begin Playing Pickleball

How to Begin Playing Pickleball

It emerged seemingly from nowhere a few years ago, a game with a funny name and a reputation for being little more than a dumbed-down take on tennis. Pickleball? Really? You expect me to take any sport called that seriously?

The initial naysayers have been all but shut down these days, as pickleball has emerged as the national sports phenomenon of the 2020s. And its growth shows no signs of abating, as more and more Americans gather on tennis courts every day to pursue their passion. Thinking of joining them? If so, here are a few tips to help ease your transition from outsider to pickleball practitioner.

Find A Mentor: If you are interested, there is a good chance you know someone addicted to pickleball, and they will be your best resource getting started. They will know the rules and the best places to play and, most likely, will have a few different types of paddles you can test out before buying your own. The most beneficial part of having a pickleball mentor is having someone to play with and introduce you to the pickleball community. It can be intimidating showing up at the local courts as a newbie.

Get Equipped: You’re going to need some gear out there. The pickleball paddle is the most important piece of equipment, naturally, and there are three things to consider before purchasing one – weight, grip size and paddle shape. The benefits of a lighter paddle are less stress on your shoulder/elbow and increased ball control; the downside is reduced power. Do the research to determine which paddle will help you maximize your game.

Time for A Shoe Down: Many beginners overlook the importance of their shoes, but it definitely will improve your play by buying proper court shoes. To be sure, there are a lot of pickleball-specific shoes available but that’s largely just a marketing ploy – good tennis shoes will do the trick. Also consider which surface you will be playing on the most before picking out the right shoes.

Where to Play?: As noted, your pickleball mentor will know of all the hot spots and hidden gems in your area. There are also tons of resources online for finding places to play. For example, almost every area has a Facebook group that you can join to find out all about court options, open play times and leagues. Another option is to just show up at the local courts and ask people where the best places to play are for beginners. Some of them may welcome you into their games or offer guidance on when/where are the best places for beginners to hop in.

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