5 PICKLEBALL GEAR MISTAKES BEGINNERS ALMOST ALWAYS MAKE

If you’re new to pickleball, chances are you’ve already spent money on at least one thing you didn’t really need — or bought the wrong version of something you did.

That’s normal. Pickleball looks simple, but the gear choices can be surprisingly confusing at the beginning.

Here are five common pickleball equipment mistakes beginners make, and what to do instead.

1. Buying a Paddle That’s Too “Advanced”

Many beginners start by buying a paddle that looks professional — carbon fiber, thin edge, expensive branding — thinking it will help them play better faster.

In reality, advanced paddles assume you already have control.

These paddles tend to be firmer, less forgiving, and less powerful. Without solid technique, they can make the game feel harder than it needs to be.

A better approach:

Start with a forgiving paddle — fiberglass or composite — that gives you easy power and a larger sweet spot.

You can always upgrade later. Most players do.

2. Choosing the Wrong Balls (Indoor vs Outdoor)

This one catches a lot of beginners off guard.

Pickleballs are not all the same. Indoor and outdoor balls are designed differently, and using the wrong one can completely change how the game feels.

• Outdoor balls are harder and have more holes

• Indoor balls are softer and move differently in the air

Using indoor balls outdoors often leads to erratic bounces and wind issues. Using outdoor balls indoors can feel loud, fast, and uncomfortable.

A better approach:

Match the ball to the environment.
It sounds obvious — but it’s one of the most common mistakes.

3. Overlooking Proper Court Shoes

Many beginners show up in running shoes or casual trainers. It feels fine at first… until it doesn’t.

Pickleball involves quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and short sprints. Running shoes are built for forward motion, not side-to-side stability.

That mismatch increases the risk of ankle and knee injuries.

A better approach:

Look for court shoes designed for tennis, pickleball, or indoor court sports.
You’ll feel more stable immediately — and your joints will thank you.

4. Ignoring Grip Size and Handle Feel

Grip size doesn’t seem important — until your hand starts slipping, your wrist feels sore, or you lose control during fast exchanges.

Many beginners buy a paddle based only on weight or material, completely ignoring the handle.

Too small, and you’ll overgrip.
Too large, and your wrist mobility suffers.

A better approach:

Choose a grip size that feels natural in your hand.
When holding the paddle, you should be able to fit one finger between your palm and fingertips — no more, no less.

Comfort matters more than specs.

5. Buying Too Much, Too Soon

This might be the biggest mistake of all.

Extra paddles, multiple bags, accessories you don’t understand yet — it’s easy to overbuy when you’re excited about a new sport.

The truth is, pickleball has a learning curve, and your preferences will change quickly as you improve.

A better approach:

Start simple:

• One paddle

• The right balls

• Proper shoes

Play for a few weeks. Then decide what actually improves your experience.

Final Thought

Pickleball is one of the most beginner-friendly sports out there — but the wrong gear choices can make it feel frustrating for no reason.

The goal at the start isn’t to look professional.
It’s to enjoy the game, build confidence, and keep playing.

Get the basics right, avoid these common mistakes, and everything else will fall into place naturally.