Step aside tennis, squash that squash, and put down that racquetball. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. The funny named sport has been around since the 1960s when Congressman Joel Pritchard made up this dynamic game so his entire family could play together in the yard. It got its funny name from his dog, Pickles, who liked to play, too. Wouldn’t Pickles be surprised to learn that over three million people now enjoy playing his namesake game?
Played on a court about one-third the size of a standard tennis court, a game of pickleball is an exciting way to play and build stamina and strength. Like tennis, players can play as singles or doubles, and the first side to score 11 points wins. The racquets are called paddles because they’re more like big ping-pong paddles – there are no strings attached. The ball is more like a Wiffle ball to give the game a bit of a badminton-like unexpected feel. Picklers even have their own governing body called The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA).
When you’re ready to get together with your picklers – the nickname for pickleball players – check out our picks for quality pickleball sets.
Lightweight for low fatigue
These lightweight paddles are filled with a polypropylene honeycomb core for a firm feel, with fiberglass facing that gives them pop and power. Transform your pickleball game with the characteristics of a high-quality pickleball set. The wide-bodied fiberglass paddle is the perfect blend of strength and stiffness. The power delivered by this lightweight racquet is a game-changer. The pickleball set conveniently comes with two paddles, two indoor balls, two outdoor balls, and a sturdy carrying bag. Get your kids and grandparents on board and start learning this fun and exciting sport. Did you know the city of Naples, Florida, is known to be the pickleball capital of the world? They’re definitely onto something.
Price: $59.99
Buy: Niupipo Pickleball Paddles, Fiberglass Surface, Pickleball Set of 4
Plenty of accessories
Start enjoying the exciting sport of pickleball today with the purchase of this top-quality set. You will not be disappointed in this USAPA-approved set for quality, comfort, and design. Grab a friend and head to the court, or even the backyard, and start swinging the paddle and having fun hitting the ball. The pair of fiberglass and polypropylene paddles have an accommodating handle length of nearly five inches. The grip is firm, anti-slip, and designed to help you keep control of your shots. The set contains four indoor balls, two cooling towels, and a convenient carrying case.
Price: $59.99
Buy: Panel Sound USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddle Lightweight Pickleball Paddles Set
Great performance
Get ready for your first competition with this set. The USAPA-approved tournament has two premium high-tech pickleball paddles, three outdoor pickleballs, one indoor pickleball, and a versatile bag. These impressive pickleball paddles are constructed of polymer sandwiched between layers of carbon fiber. This design makes them not only lightweight but also absorbs sound and vibrations. We love this as it makes the whole hitting process more comfortable and quieter. The high-quality graphite paddles will see you past your first dink (a dropped shot in pickleball) through years of games.
Price: $59.99
Buy: Vinsguir Pickleball Paddles Set
Colorful grip
More people can get in on the fun with this set that offers four USAPA standard-size paddles. We love that these pickleball paddles have a large sweet spot to make the most of all your shots. The core is specially designed with polypropylene to reduce noise. The exterior is made of lightweight fiberglass. Kids and kids of any age will enjoy batting these outdoor yellow and indoor orange balls. Carry everything conveniently in the attractive bag. Get the grandparents and grandkids to play a little doubles pickleball at your local court. Since there are no close volley shots allowed in pickleball – that seven-foot area from the net called “the kitchen” – there’s not a lot of wear and tear on joints.
Price: $94.90
Buy: JoncAye Pickleball Set
When we say this is a complete pickleball set, we mean it. This set has everything – even a net. Like our other picks, these paddles are USAPA-approved. Crafted from a combination of carbon fiber and graphite, the paddles have a soft grip, suitable for young and those with more life experience. The four high-quality balls and racquets have their own bag, and the net has a case, too. Grab the family and this set and head to the park, the school, the yard, or even the basement or garage.
Price: $200.40
Buy: 3 in 1 Pickleball Net, 4 Carbon Fiber Paddles and 4 Balls
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called pickleball?
Pickleball inventor Joel Pritchard created the game in his backyard in Bainbridge Island, Wash., as a fun game for the family. While playing the sets, sometimes the family dog named Pickles would grab the “Wiffle”-like ball. Hence, the paddle game became named after Pickles the dog.
How many calories do you burn playing pickleball?
Lots. As with any game, it depends on your size, weight, and the intensity of your play. If playing a three-game pickleball set (about an hour), the average person with casual play will burn about 450-500 calories. A more competitive set may burn up to 700 calories an hour.
What gear do I need to play pickleball?
A pickleball paddle (similar to a big wooden shelled ping pong paddle), a pickleball, and a net or court are all you need. We also recommend some sports shoes to give support to this moderate-high impact sport. Because a pickleball court is considerably smaller and proportioned differently, playing on a tennis court isn’t ideal, so set up a net in your grassy yard.
How long do pickleball paddles last?
That depends on the quality and composition of the paddle and how often it gets out to play. Competitive players may get new paddles every year. For the recreational player, the paddles can last five years, but the average is two to three years. If the ball doesn’t pop off your paddle like it used to or you notice some ‘dead spots,’ it’s time to replace it.
