How Many Paddles Do You Need For Pickleball?

So, you have been reading through our extensive library of articles regarding pickleball, and you have decided to give it a try. The first thing you are going to need is a pickleball paddle. The question is, how many pedals do you need for pickleball? Let’s take a look.

For yourself, you only need one pickleball paddle. However, the sport is relatively new, so you might spend some time convincing your friends and family to try the sport out. That means you might have to provide the paddles, and for a single’s match, you need two paddles and four paddles for a double’s game.

Talking about how many pickleball paddles you need might seem like a simple subject. However, I understand that many of you will have a few more questions that you want to be answered. My goal is to tell you everything you need to know while also giving you a few recommendations on pickleball paddle sets.

What Gear Do You Need For Pickleball?

Pickleball has a very low entry barrier in terms of cost. That said, the better equipped you are, the better your initial experiences will be. Now, everyone will tell you that you need the paddles and the balls, but there are a few other things you might need:

  • Pickleball paddles.
  • Trainers (I find that tennis shoes work the best.)
  • A ball.

You would also need to have access to a pickleball court. If you do not have access to one, you can improvise with a tennis court or a badminton court. I have written a recent article about using a badminton net for pickleball. If you need to improvise, I highly recommend giving that one a read.

What If You Do Not Have A Pickleball Paddle?

I always recommend getting your own equipment because while many places will provide the equipment if they have the court, you can’t always rely on that.

Where there is a pickleball court, there should be a contact number for the organization or company that runs that court. All you have to do is find that number, and if they can provide the equipment, you don’t necessarily need to invest in your own pickleball paddles just yet.

How Many Players Are In A Pickleball Match?

You can play singles or doubles when playing pickleball like tennis or badminton. There are two people on the court playing against each other for singles. For doubles, there are four players divided into two teams.

So, if you are providing the paddles, you would need one for yourself and one for your opponent. If you are playing doubles, you would need an extra three paddles, totaling four when you include yourself. 

Is It Worth It To Buy A Pickleball Paddle Set?

As mentioned, you only need one pickleball paddle, and you can play the game. However, having a pickleball paddle set means you can let your friends and family try the sport without them risking any investment in a sport they might not like (they will most likely enjoy it, though.)

Having a set will also mean you have spare paddles constantly available. Getting a set of paddles doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank and if you decide to start taking pickleball more seriously in the future, buying one or two professional paddles to compliment your set is not a bad idea.

Where Can You Buy A Pickleball Paddle Set?

If you don’t like online shopping, you can go down to your local sports store. If the store is big enough, like Dick’s Sporting Goods, they will likely have pickleball paddles, set, balls, nets, and even trainers.

With that said, here are a few of my favorite pickleball paddle sets.

Niupipo Pickleball Paddles Set: 2 Paddles

These paddles are approved by the USAPA (United States of America Pickleball Association). So, you won’t need to worry if you decide to start taking the sport a bit more seriously. The outside of the paddle is made from fiberglass, and the honeycomb center is made from Polypropylene. So, the paddles are durable.

The paddles are perfect for players at any level. If you are a beginner, the paddles are easy to use because they are light which means less fatigue. Niupipo managed to make a lightweight paddle without sacrificing performance, which is not easy to do.

JoncAye Pickleball-Set: 4 Paddles

Any piece of sports equipment that you use to hit a ball, such as a tennis racket, baseball bat, and a pickleball paddle, has a sweet spot. The fiberglass pickleball paddle from JoncAye has a relatively large sweet spot, maximizing your performance. The grips are standard size, but the soft edges and nonslip grip make these relatively comfortable.

Pickleball can be pretty loud, but thanks to the design of this paddle, all of your shots will be softer than they would have been on a different paddle. Also, the paddles are USAPA standard. Finally, these are some of the best-looking paddles I have seen. They have a very futuristic look.

How Long Does A Pickleball Paddle Last?

You might wonder whether it is good to keep a spare paddle. I always recommend having extra equipment, whether your paddle or your trainers.

With that said, on average, a pickleball paddle should last around two years. However, many factors come into play, such as:

  • The quality of your paddle.
  • How frequently do you use it?
  • How hard you play.
  • How well do you take care of the paddle when not playing.

A wooden pickleball paddle will not last as long as a paddle made from graphite or fiberglass.

Take care of your paddle by storing it in a safe place. It would be best to wipe it down at least once a week with a dry cloth. Remember, the grips might become damaged if you submerge the paddle in water.

How Often Should You Get A New Pickleball Paddle?

Just because your pickleball paddle will last around two years doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t replace it sooner. The more you use your pickleball paddle, the weaker it becomes, thus affecting your performance.

I recommend changing your pickleball paddle at least once every year. If you have a spare paddle and prefer buying your paddles in sets, you only need to replace the set once every one and a half to two years. 

Final Thoughts

Pickleball is a fantastic sport, and I am so happy that it is becoming more popular. However, as its popularity increases, I expect to see the cost of entry becoming slightly more expensive. Because of this, I recommend trying to get your equipment now if you can.

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