§ Basics & rules
Pickleball Equipment Guide: Paddles, Balls, and What Beginners Actually Need
7 min read · Updated 2026-06-13
Pickleball requires a paddle, a ball matched to the playing surface, and court shoes. Paddles range from entry-level wood to graphite and carbon fiber.
Pickleball requires minimal equipment to start: a paddle, at least one ball, and appropriate footwear. Unlike tennis, you do not need strings, and the paddles are durable. However, equipment choice has a real effect on playability, especially the paddle weight and the ball type. This guide covers everything a new player in the Philippines needs to get on court.
Paddles
Pickleball paddles are solid (no strings) and must conform to USA Pickleball equipment standards if used in sanctioned play. The surface must be non-reflective and the paddle may not impart spin through texture beyond what the surface material naturally provides. Approved paddles measure no more than 24 inches in combined length and width, with no single dimension exceeding 17 inches.
Paddle Weight and Grip
Heavier paddles (8+ oz) generate more power but increase arm fatigue and reduce maneuverability. Lighter paddles (6.5-7.5 oz) offer faster hands at the net but require better technique to generate pace. Most beginners do well starting in the 7.5-8 oz range. Grip circumference matters too: most paddles offer 4-inch or 4.25-inch grip sizes. A too-large grip limits wrist snap; a too-small grip causes over-gripping and fatigue.
Tip
To estimate grip size: place the handle in your palm, wrap your fingers around it, and slide your other index finger between fingertips and palm. One finger width of space is the right fit. Two fingers means too small; no space means too large.
Balls: Indoor vs. Outdoor
Pickleballs are hollow plastic spheres with holes, similar to Wiffle balls. Two main types exist and they are NOT interchangeable for serious play. Outdoor balls have smaller, more numerous holes (typically 40) and a harder plastic so they hold up against rougher court surfaces. Indoor balls have larger holes (typically 26) and a softer plastic designed for smooth gym floors.
Note
Most courts in the Philippines are outdoor concrete or synthetic surfaces. Outdoor balls are the default. If your league uses covered wooden gym floors, ask your league coordinator which ball is used.
Footwear
Court shoes matter. Running shoes have cushioning designed for forward motion, not the lateral cuts pickleball demands. Court shoes (designed for tennis, badminton, or volleyball) have a wider, more stable sole and reinforced lateral support. Playing on smooth indoor floors requires non-marking soles. The wrong shoes increase the risk of ankle rolling during lateral movements.
What a Beginner Actually Needs
Start with a mid-range composite paddle (PHP 2,500-5,000), a pack of outdoor pickleballs (sold in packs of 3-6), and a pair of court shoes you already own or a basic badminton shoe. You do not need a dedicated bag, ball hopper, or graphite paddle to enjoy the game. Add accessories once you commit to a regular league.
Buy local where possible
Several sporting goods stores in Metro Manila carry pickleball paddles (Toby's, R.O.X., and dedicated pickleball shops at Robinsons malls). Buying locally lets you hold the paddle before purchasing, which matters more than brand names at the beginner stage.
Frequently asked
The paddle is the same. Only the ball changes between indoor and outdoor. Any approved paddle works on both surfaces. However, some players prefer a softer touch for indoor dinking games and a heavier paddle for outdoor play against wind.
Outdoor balls last roughly 3-10 sessions on concrete depending on how hard you play. Signs of wear include cracks, flat spots, and a change in bounce. Indoor balls last longer but crack when dropped on hard surfaces or stored in extreme heat (common in Philippine summers).
Wood paddles are fine for trying the sport. They are heavy (11-14 oz) and may fatigue the arm faster, but they are durable and cheap. Once you decide to play regularly, upgrade to a composite paddle for better control and less strain.
Yes. One tennis court can fit up to four pickleball courts. Portable nets are available and lines can be taped temporarily. Many clubs in Metro Manila run pickleball on converted tennis courts. Use outdoor balls on these surfaces.
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