Pickleball

Pickleball in India: A Beginner's Gear Guide to Get Started (2026)

India's fastest-growing racquet sport needs almost no kit. Here is exactly what to buy to start playing — and what you can safely skip at first.

Instasport

— 3 min read
Puls8 Wave V2 pickleball paddle set for beginners in India

Pickleball in India: the beginner gear guide to get started

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, with new courts appearing in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune. Part of the appeal is how little you need to play: the rules are simple, the court is small, the ball moves slower than in tennis, and most beginners pick up the basics in a session or two. If you have been meaning to try it, this guide covers exactly what to buy — and what you can happily skip while you are learning.

The paddle is the one thing that matters

Your paddle is the heart of your kit. As a beginner you want a mid-weight paddle — roughly 7.5 to 8.2 ounces — which is easy to swing and reduces arm fatigue while giving you control. Fibreglass and soft-carbon faces are forgiving and perfect for learning. The simplest way to start is a set: the Puls8 Wave V2 Pickleball Paddle Set (₹3,500) comes with two paddles, four balls and a bag, so two people can play straight out of the box — ideal for couples, friends or family getting into the game together.

Once you are hooked and your game develops, upgrading to a performance paddle like the Tecnifibre TF-Blitz 2025 (₹13,299) gives you more spin, control and a larger sweet spot. There is no need to spend that much on day one, though.

Balls: indoor vs outdoor

Pickleballs come in indoor and outdoor versions. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller, more numerous holes to handle wind; indoor balls are lighter with larger holes. Buy the type that matches where you play most. A starter set like the Puls8 Wave V2 includes balls to get going, so you can figure out your regular court before buying more.

Shoes: don't play in running shoes

The one piece of gear beginners underrate is footwear. Pickleball involves quick lateral movements and sudden stops, and running shoes are built for forward motion, not side-to-side. Court shoes with good grip and lateral support protect your ankles and knees. If you already own tennis or badminton court shoes, those work perfectly while you decide how serious you are getting.

What you can skip at first

You do not need premium gear to start. Many courts lend paddles to first-timers, so try before you buy if you can — weight and grip feel vary a lot between paddles. A dedicated pickleball paddle case (₹1,199) is a nice-to-have that protects your paddle once you own one you love, but it is not essential on day one.

Your starter budget

All in, a genuine beginner can get on court for around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 with a paddle set and balls, using court shoes you may already own. That is a small price for a sport you can play at any age and any fitness level.

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Frequently asked questions

What gear do I need to start playing pickleball in India?

Very little: a beginner-friendly mid-weight paddle, a few balls (indoor or outdoor to match where you play), and court shoes with good grip and lateral support. A starter paddle set that includes paddles, balls and a bag is the easiest and most affordable way in.

How much does it cost to start pickleball in India?

A realistic beginner budget is around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. A two-paddle starter set with balls costs about ₹3,500, and you can use tennis or badminton court shoes you may already own until you decide to invest more.

Can I use running shoes for pickleball?

It is not recommended. Pickleball involves quick side-to-side movements and sudden stops that running shoes are not built for, which raises your injury risk. Court shoes designed for tennis, badminton or pickleball give the lateral support you need.

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