Pickleball

Pickleball Gear Starter Guide for Beginners in India

Getting into pickleball? Here is the complete beginner gear starter guide for India — paddle, balls, shoes and ready-to-play sets from ₹1,311.

Instasport Admin

• 3 min read
Puls8 Wave V2 pickleball paddle set with paddles, balls and bag

Pickleball gear starter guide for beginners in India

Pickleball is the fastest-growing racquet sport in India, and part of the appeal is how little you need to start. A paddle, a few balls and a pair of court shoes will get you playing, and shared community courts are popping up in cities across the country. This starter guide breaks down exactly what a beginner needs, what to skip for now, and which in-stock sets make getting on court simple.

The paddle: your one essential

The paddle is the heart of your kit. Beginner paddles come in wood, composite and carbon; wood is cheapest and heaviest, composite offers the best all-round balance of price and feel, and carbon is lighter and pricier. For a first paddle, a mid-weight composite is the forgiving sweet spot — stable, easy to control and easy on the wrist. If you are not sure yet, a bundled set is the smartest way to start because it pairs paddles and balls at a friendly price.

Ready-to-play sets: the easiest way to start

For most beginners and families, a set beats buying pieces separately. The Konex Sportster Pickleball Set (₹1,311) gives you two paddles and four balls — everything two people need for a first hit — at an unbeatable entry price. Stepping up, the Maverick Pickleball Paddle 7410 Set (₹2,599) and the Puls8 Wave V2 Set (₹3,500) — which adds a carry bag — offer better paddles for players who know they will keep going. Serious starters who want premium gear from the off can look at the Joola Agassi-Graf Set (₹10,949).

Balls: indoor vs outdoor

Pickleballs are not all the same. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller, more numerous holes to cut through wind, while indoor balls are lighter with larger holes and a softer feel. Most starter sets include suitable balls to begin with; once you know where you usually play, buy a few spares to match — they crack with use and are an inexpensive consumable.

Shoes: do not play in running shoes

The one thing a paddle set will not include is footwear, and it matters. Pickleball involves quick lateral shuffles and sudden stops, and running shoes — built to roll forward — offer poor sideways support and can roll an ankle. A proper court shoe (the same kind used for badminton or tennis) grips the surface and supports the foot. If you are buying one extra thing beyond a set, make it court shoes.

What you can skip for now

You do not need a premium carbon paddle, a bag full of gadgets or a portable net to start — community and club courts usually have nets set up. Begin with an affordable set and proper shoes, play a few sessions, and upgrade the paddle once you understand what you like. Starting cheap and simple is exactly how most Indian players get hooked on pickleball.

A few extras that help once you are hooked

After a handful of sessions, a couple of cheap additions make play more comfortable. An overgrip lets you fine-tune the handle thickness and soak up sweat in the heat, a small towel and a water bottle keep you going through longer games, and a simple sling bag saves you carrying loose paddles and balls by hand. Sun protection and a cap matter on open-air courts during the day. None of this is essential on day one, but each is inexpensive and worth adding once pickleball becomes a regular fixture in your week rather than a one-off try.

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Frequently asked questions

What gear do I need to start playing pickleball?

Just three things: a paddle, a few pickleballs and proper court shoes. A bundled paddle set covers the first two affordably, and community courts usually provide the net.

What is the best beginner pickleball paddle?

A mid-weight composite paddle is the forgiving sweet spot for beginners — stable and easy to control. Buying it as part of a set, like the Konex Sportster or Puls8 Wave V2, is the most economical way to start.

Can I wear running shoes for pickleball?

It is not advised. Pickleball has quick sideways movements and stops that running shoes are not built for, which risks rolled ankles. Use non-marking court shoes made for badminton or tennis.