Top 5 equipment choices mistakes when starting out in pickleball

You may have heard that pickleball is an easy sport to pick up, yet many new players make mistakes when buying their equipment .

In clubs, coaches often observe the same mistakes among beginners: an unsuitable paddle, inappropriate balls, or unnecessary purchases dictated by marketing. It's difficult to determine the necessary equipment when starting out in pickleball.

The result: wasted money and sometimes a less enjoyable gaming experience than expected. In this article, we'll see why most beginners buy the wrong equipment and, more importantly, how to avoid it.

Mistake #1: The "pro" paddle is too expensive and oversized

It's paradoxical, but many beginners think they're doing the right thing by buying a high-end paddle right away, convinced it will help them play better. Often advised by an unscrupulous salesperson or swayed by an advertising claim, they end up leaving with a paddle designed for advanced players (sometimes costing over €150).

The problem? These "pro" paddles are designed for performance, sometimes at the expense of comfort and forgiveness . A beginner equipped with a very stiff or overly sharp paddle is likely to make more mistakes, not feel the ball properly, and become discouraged. Furthermore, the investment is significant financially, even though it wasn't necessary.

Why this mistake? Due to a lack of information, and because in many sports people believe that top-of-the-line equipment "makes" the player. In pickleball, as in tennis, it's not the paddle that makes the champion, especially at the beginning. The solution: start with a mid-range paddle designed for control.

As we've mentioned in other articles, a paddle like the Foundation Paddle is ideal: powerful enough for good play, but primarily designed for learning and progression. Save your dream of a pro paddle for later, once you've mastered the basics – and who knows, you might even realize that your starting paddle suits you perfectly after all!

Mistake #2: Balls unsuitable for the field

Another common "mistake" among novices is the balls . Pickleball has its specific characteristics, notably the existence of indoor and outdoor balls.

An uninformed beginner might buy a random pack of balls online or in a store without realizing there's a difference. As a result, they end up with balls unsuitable for where they're playing: for example, indoor balls when they're playing outdoors, or vice versa.

Why this mistake? Pure and simple ignorance. Beginners only discover the existence of indoor/outdoor balls after the fact, often by seeing other players' equipment or reading guides. The solution: do your research (which is what you're doing right now by reading this!).

If you're starting out at a club, ask for advice: the coach or other players will tell you which balls to use. And remember, the Smart Start Kit includes two indoor and two outdoor balls, a simple way to avoid making a mistake.

Playing with the wrong type of ball might seem harmless, but it affects your game (control, feel) and can prematurely break your balls. It's best to start off on the right foot with the right choice from the beginning.

Mistake #3: Too many gadget accessories or the wrong ones

The market is overflowing with all sorts of accessories : protective eyewear, score counters, special gloves, practice cones, and so on. An enthusiastic beginner might be tempted to buy everything, "just in case." Conversely, some forget to buy a useful accessory like replacement grips and end up with a slippery paddle after a few sessions.

Why these mistakes? Either through over-eagerness (wanting to be prepared for everything and unnecessarily overloading your bag), or through ignorance of actual needs (not realizing that a grip wears out quickly and that a spare is necessary). Brands and marketing sometimes push the consumption of accessories supposedly capable of magically improving your game, which isn't always justified for a beginner.

How can you avoid these mistakes? Keep it simple at first. The essential equipment is limited to a paddle, balls, good shoes, and possibly an overgrip and a bag. Everything else is optional.

Don't get distracted by gadgets until you've mastered the basics. Buy accessories based on your actual needs: if after a month you see that your grip is worn, buy a new one; if the sun bothers you, a cap will do the trick. There's no need to anticipate every improbable scenario from the start.

Mistake #4: No advice, no trials

Finally, the biggest mistake is often making purchases without advice or prior testing . Many beginners order equipment online or take whatever is on the shelf without consulting anyone. They don't benefit from the experience of other players or specialized retailers, and they miss out on crucial information (like that mentioned above).

Why this mistake? Impatience or lack of access to advice. We're eager to play, we click "buy" online based on marketing descriptions. Or we don't dare ask for advice. Sometimes, we also don't have the opportunity to test equipment with others.

How can you avoid it? Take the time to talk with experienced players or a coach if you know one. Read some guides (you're already on the right track!). Better yet, if you have the opportunity, try out different paddles: during a trial session, you can often borrow a paddle from the club.

This gives you an idea of what suits you best. And above all, don't hesitate to ask questions. The pickleball community is generally very welcoming to newcomers and will be able to guide you. This is also where a complete kit can help, as it's designed by experts to avoid these mistakes: for example, the Smart Start Kit was created precisely to meet the needs of beginners without any unnecessary extras.

Getting off to a good start means avoiding these pitfalls.

Many pickleball beginners buy the wrong equipment simply because they lack reliable information to begin with. Common mistakes—oversized paddles, the wrong balls, unnecessary accessories—can be avoided with a little advice and common sense.

Remember that for your first steps in this sport, simplicity and suitability are paramount. A modest but appropriate paddle is better than an unmanageable technological marvel, and basic but good quality balls are better than poor-quality, high-end ones.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll not only save money, but you'll also enjoy your games more, with equipment that truly helps you improve. To find out exactly what equipment you need, also check out our comprehensive beginner's gear guide, which summarizes the essentials.

If you're unsure about your choices, turn to tried-and-tested solutions: expert advice or kits designed for beginners. This way, you'll start your pickleball adventure off on the right foot, with a smile and no regrets!

FAQ

Why is a high-end paddle not recommended for a beginner?

Because high-end paddles are often more technical, stiffer, or more powerful, making them less forgiving of mistakes. A beginner might struggle to control their shots with a very high-performance paddle and won't be able to take advantage of the benefits it offers advanced players. Furthermore, the high cost isn't justified when a mid-range paddle (much less expensive) will do just fine for learning.

What happens if I use indoor balls outdoors or vice versa?

Playing outdoors with indoor balls can be problematic: they can fly unpredictably in the wind and wear out quickly on hard surfaces. Conversely, playing indoors with outdoor balls can make the game too fast and less controllable for a beginner. This isn't a major issue on occasion, but the playing experience will be less enjoyable, and you might have to replace the balls more often. It's best to use each type of ball in the appropriate environment.

What accessories should a beginner really have?

The bare essentials for a beginner are limited. A spare grip is useful (handles wear out quickly), and a paddle cover to protect it is a good idea. The rest—protective glasses, a hat, gloves, etc.—depends on your personal preferences and the playing conditions (sun, etc.). There's no single essential accessory. Focus first on the paddle and balls; other accessories can come later if needed.

How can you be sure you're choosing the right equipment when you're starting out?

The best way is to do your research and ask for advice. Read guides (like this one), talk to experienced players or coaches. If possible, try out a paddle before buying. Otherwise, opt for reliable brands known for beginners (those with good reviews). You can also consider a beginner kit designed to eliminate common mistakes. If in doubt, it's better to postpone your purchase than to rush into buying unsuitable equipment.

How does the Smart Start Kit help to avoid hardware errors?

The Smart Start Kit was specifically designed to meet the needs of beginners without any guesswork. It includes a suitable paddle (neither too basic nor too advanced), both types of balls (so it's impossible to go wrong), and useful accessories (grip, protector, cover). By choosing this kit, a new player is sure to avoid common mistakes: they won't overspend on unnecessary equipment, and they won't be missing anything essential. It's a smart shortcut to getting off to a great start.