Pickleball Accessories Complete Guide | A Coach Explains What Beginners Should Get First

"I bought a paddle! Alright, let's go to the court!" — and then you get there and realize, "Wait, where's the ball? My water? A towel?" This was a mistake I actually made when I first started playing pickleball.

I'm Coach Yoshi. I've played tennis for 15 years and discovered pickleball in 2026. Many people spend a lot of time choosing a paddle, but other items – the so-called pickleball accessories – often get overlooked. However, a small difference in preparation can change your comfort level on the day and even your pace of improvement.

This article will answer the beginner's question of "What should I get first?" by organizing essential items and convenient ones, along with why they are necessary.

"Essential" items to get first

From here, I'll list the minimum items you should have to step onto the court. USA Pickleball explains that pickleball is a simple sport consisting of "paddles, plastic balls, a court, and a net." However, to play safely and comfortably, there are a few more things you'll want to have.

Paddle

Needless to say, this is the main event. While this will be covered in a separate article, choosing your first paddle based on "ease of use" will likely lead to fewer regrets. An overview of how to choose a paddle can be found in How to choose a paddle.

Court Shoes

After the paddle, I feel that footwear is the next highest priority. Pickleball involves a lot of lateral movements and sudden stops. Running shoes, optimized for forward motion, can make you prone to twisting your ankle during lateral movements. I believe that court-specific shoes are extremely important for injury prevention. For a detailed explanation of why running shoes are not suitable and the differences in outsoles for indoor and outdoor play, please refer to How to choose pickleball shoes.

Ball

Pickleball uses a special plastic ball with holes. While balls are often provided at clubs or lessons, if you're practicing on your own or playing with friends, it's reassuring to have a few on hand. It's said that indoor and outdoor balls are constructed differently, so it's a good idea to choose based on the environment you play in most often. This difference is explored in Differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls.

Comfortable clothing for movement

While specialized apparel isn't mandatory, comfortable activewear that absorbs sweat and dries quickly will enhance your experience. Since pickleball involves a lot of movement, choosing stretchy, non-restrictive clothing will help you focus on your game.

Useful accessories

From here, we'll cover items that aren't necessary to start playing but will make your experience significantly more comfortable and secure. These are the unsung heroes whose value you'll appreciate more as you continue to play.

Paddle bag / Backpack

Being able to carry your paddle, balls, towel, and drinks all together makes traveling much easier. A bag designed to protect your paddle is also beneficial, as it helps prevent scratches and chips on the paddle face. If your gear accumulates, a dedicated backpack style will help keep things organized.

Overgrip

The grip is a consumable part that can become slippery with sweat. Wrapping an overgrip provides a stable, non-slip hold, and replacing it allows you to maintain a fresh feel. Grip thickness (size) affects playability and wrist strain, so if you're concerned about the feel of your grip, be sure to read How to choose grip size. Overgrips can also be used for fine-tuning thickness.

Towel

In addition to wiping away sweat, a towel is useful for drying your hands and paddle grip. Slippery hands can disrupt paddle control, so having a towel on hand for frequent wiping provides peace of mind.

Water bottle

Pickleball involves more exertion than you might expect. You'll sweat a lot both outdoors and in summer, as well as indoors, so it's important to be prepared for hydration. A bottle with enough capacity to drink frequently will help you maintain focus.

Eyewear / Sunglasses

This is an item that is surprisingly often overlooked in terms of safety. In fast volleys near the net, the ball can sometimes come flying towards your face. Some people use lightweight eyewear for sun protection outdoors, and for eye protection even indoors. If you're concerned, consider it.

Hat / Sunglasses (for outdoor play)

On outdoor courts, glare can be a major adversary to play. Losing sight of the ball against the sun can lead not only to misses but also to the risk of being hit in the face. A brimmed hat and sunglasses help with both visibility and sun protection.

Sunscreen

If you're playing outdoors for extended periods, sunscreen can be considered an accessory. Sweat-resistant types reduce the hassle of frequent reapplication.

Band-Aids / Taping

New shoes or grips can cause blisters or chafing. Having a small Band-Aid or some tape in your bag can prevent you from having to play through pain. It's a reassuring item to keep on hand.

Items that change depending on indoor/outdoor play

Pickleball is played both indoors, such as in gymnasiums, and on outdoor courts. The accessories you prioritize will vary slightly depending on where you primarily play.

Using indoor balls or soles outdoors may lead to quicker wear and tear. The differences between indoor and outdoor balls and shoes are covered in detail in Ball Differences and Shoe Selection, respectively. Please choose based on the environment you play in most often. It's a good idea to have the understanding that how you equip yourself with accessories will change slightly depending on where you primarily play.

Summary

Finally, let's summarize the key points for pickleball accessories that beginners should prioritize.

• Essentials are paddle, shoes, ball, and comfortable clothing. Shoes, in particular, are a high priority for injury prevention.
• Useful items include a bag, overgrip, towel, water bottle, and eyewear. These contribute to comfort and safety.
• For outdoor play, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are effective.
• Choosing balls and shoe soles that are indoor- or outdoor-specific to your environment will help them last longer.

You don't need to get everything at once. Start with the essentials, and as you continue playing, gradually add accessories that you feel would be beneficial. For an overview of what to get started with, see How to Start Pickleball, and for an estimate of initial costs, see the Cost Guide.

If you're unsure what to buy, feel free to contact us on LINE. If you tell us whether you play mainly indoors or outdoors, and how often you plan to play, we'll help you figure out the best way to get equipped.

Related Products

Related Articles

• How to Start Pickleball — Gear and First Steps
• How to Choose Pickleball Shoes — Footwear is Key for Injury Prevention
• Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Balls — Ball Selection Changes with Environment
• How to Choose Grip Size — Grip Thickness and Wrist Strain
• Cost Guide — Estimated Initial Expenses

References

1. USA Pickleball — What Is Pickleball (Getting Started & Basic Equipment)
2. USA Pickleball — How to Play Pickleball (Basic Play)