New to Pickleball? Start Here.
Pickleball looks easy—and that's part of its appeal. But when you're brand new, there can be a lot to figure out: What do I need? What should I wear? How does the game work? Where do I start? What kind of paddle should I buy?
You don't need to know everything before you step onto a court. You just need to know a few basics.
I'm Coach Linda, and I'm known for making pickleball simple, approachable, and less intimidating—especially for beginners and adults 50+.
Here's what you need to know before your first game.
1. You Don't Need a Lot of Equipment
For your first game, keep it simple. You'll generally need:
- A pickleball paddle
- Pickleballs
- Comfortable court shoes
- Comfortable clothing that lets you move
- Water
Many facilities provide pickleballs, and some offer paddles to borrow or rent. Check before you arrive so you know what to expect.
Your first goal isn't to buy everything. Your first goal is to learn the game and decide what works for you.
Coach Linda's Picks
Beginner gear: When you're ready for a first paddle, look for something comfortable and manageable rather than simply buying the most expensive option.
Coach Linda's recommendation: Start with the lightweight JOOLA Dash.
2. Wear the Right Shoes
Pickleball involves starting, stopping, changing direction and moving side to side. That means your shoes matter.
Look for a court shoe with:
- Good support
- Lateral stability
- A comfortable fit
- A sole appropriate for the surface where you play
Running shoes are designed primarily for forward movement, so a court shoe can be a better choice for regular pickleball play.
Coach Linda's Trusted Gear picks: JOOLA R4LLy Women's Shoe | JOOLA R4LLy Men's Shoe
Note: Product fit, comfort and individual needs vary. These are recommendations, not medical advice.
3. Don't Overthink Your First Paddle
There are a lot of pickleball paddles. Different shapes, weights, materials and price points can make the choice confusing.
For a beginner, you don't need the most expensive paddle on the market. Start by thinking about:
- Weight
- Comfort
- Grip size
- Control
- How the paddle feels in your hand
The best paddle for you isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that feels comfortable and gives you confidence.
Coach Linda's pick: See the beginner paddle recommendation: JOOLA Essentials Dash 10mm.
4. Bring the Basics You'll Actually Use
A first-day bag does not need to be packed like a tournament bag. Start with the essentials.
- JOOLA HC-40 Pickleballs (3-pack) — if you are joining a regular group, you may eventually want a larger supply of balls.
- JOOLA Water Bottle — hydration matters, especially during longer or warmer sessions.
- JOOLA RJX Lite Eyewear — optional safety consideration for players who want dedicated eye protection.
5. Learn a Few Basic Rules Before You Arrive
You don't need to memorize the entire rulebook. Start with these basics:
- Pickleball can be played singles or doubles.
- The serve starts the rally.
- The ball must clear the net and land in the correct service area.
- The kitchen, also called the non-volley zone, is the area closest to the net.
- You will need to learn how scoring and serving work.
Don't worry if it feels confusing at first. That's normal. The goal of your first few games is to learn by doing.
Next: Visit TPE's "Learn the Game" resource hub for scoring, serving, the kitchen and more.
6. Expect to Make Mistakes
You will miss balls.
You will forget the score.
You may stand in the wrong place.
You may wonder why everyone suddenly moved.
That's okay.
Every experienced player was once the person trying to remember which side to stand on. Give yourself permission to be new.
The fastest way to become comfortable is to keep playing.
7. Know What to Expect at the Court
Your first experience may be very different depending on where you play.
You might join:
- Open play
- A beginner session
- A clinic
- A recreational game
- A league
Before you go, find out:
- Do I need to reserve a court?
- Do I need a paddle?
- Are pickleballs provided?
- Is there a beginner session?
- What skill level is expected?
Knowing these things ahead of time can take away a lot of unnecessary stress.
8. Don't Worry About Looking Like a Beginner
One of the best things about pickleball is that people come into the sport at all different ages and experience levels.
You don't have to arrive knowing everything. You don't have to have the perfect paddle. You don't have to understand every rule. You just need to be willing to learn.
Start where you are.
Your First-Day Pickleball Checklist
- ☐ Paddle
- ☐ Pickleballs, if needed
- ☐ Court shoes
- ☐ Comfortable clothes
- ☐ Water
- ☐ A place to play
- ☐ A willingness to learn
Ready to Go Deeper?
Once you understand the basics, the next step is learning how the game, courts and pickleball culture actually work.
That's exactly why I wrote:
The Pickleball Essentials: Navigating the Game, the Courts, and the Culture
It's designed to help beginners understand what to do, where to go, and what to expect as they get started.
Keep Learning With Coach Linda
Want to see the basics explained? Watch Coach Linda on YouTube for practical beginner-friendly pickleball guidance.
WATCH COACH LINDA ON YOUTUBE →
Explore More TPE Resources
- Learn the Game — rules, scoring, serving and the kitchen
- Navigate the Courts — open play, rotations, etiquette and finding games
- Understand the Culture — pickleball language, customs and community
- Trusted Gear — Coach Linda's recommended products
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, or believe provide value to pickleball players.
