Pickleball’s popularity is exploding, and it’s no longer just a game for grandparents! More and more kids are picking up paddles, and with the right gear, they can develop their skills and have a blast on the court. Imagine your child acing serves and volleying like a pro – with the proper equipment, that dream can become a reality. So, what exactly constitutes the best pickleball gear for young players? Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddle
The paddle is arguably the most crucial piece of pickleball equipment. For younger players, selecting the right paddle can significantly impact their game. Here’s what to consider:
Weight
A lightweight paddle is key for younger players. Heavy paddles can strain their arms and wrists, leading to fatigue and potential injuries. Look for paddles weighing between 6.5 and 7.5 ounces. A lighter paddle allows for quicker reactions and better control, crucial for developing fundamental skills.
Grip Size
A proper grip size is essential for comfort and control. For younger children, a grip circumference of 3 7/8 inches to 4 inches is generally recommended. A grip that’s too large can be difficult to hold, while a grip that’s too small can strain the hand and wrist.
Material
Graphite paddles are a good choice for young players as they offer a balance of power and control. They are also generally lighter than wooden paddles. Composite paddles are another option, providing excellent durability and power, although they may be slightly more expensive.
Recommended Paddles for Youth
- Option 1: A lightweight graphite paddle with a smaller grip size, ideal for beginners.
- Option 2: A slightly heavier composite paddle for intermediate players looking for more power.
Pickleball Balls for Young Players
While standard pickleball balls are suitable for all ages, some manufacturers offer softer balls specifically designed for younger players or indoor play. These softer balls travel slightly slower, allowing more time to react and develop proper technique.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Balls
Outdoor balls have smaller holes and are heavier, designed to withstand wind and outdoor conditions. Indoor balls have larger holes and are lighter, offering better performance in a controlled environment. Consider where your child will be playing most often when selecting balls.
Pickleball Shoes: Essential for Agility and Safety
Proper footwear is crucial for any sport, and pickleball is no exception. Supportive and comfortable shoes with good lateral support are essential for quick movements and preventing injuries. Avoid wearing running shoes as they lack the necessary lateral support for the side-to-side movements common in pickleball. Look for court shoes designed specifically for pickleball, badminton, or tennis.
Key Features to Look For:
- Lateral Support: Prevents ankle rolls and injuries during side-to-side movements.
- Non-Marking Soles: Protects the court surface and provides excellent grip.
- Cushioning: Absorbs impact and provides comfort during long play sessions.
Pickleball Apparel: Comfort and Style
While not as crucial as the paddle or shoes, comfortable apparel can enhance a young player’s experience. Moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for keeping them cool and dry, especially during hot weather. Look for breathable shirts, shorts, or skorts designed for athletic activity. Sun protection is also important, so consider a hat or visor for outdoor play.
Safety Gear: Protecting Young Players
While pickleball is a relatively safe sport, it’s always a good idea to encourage young players to wear safety glasses, especially when learning the game. This can protect their eyes from errant balls.
Getting Started: Tips for Young Players
- Start with the basics: Focus on developing fundamental skills like serving, volleying, and dinking.
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improvement.
- Join a junior program or club: This is a great way to learn from experienced players and make new friends.
- Have fun! Pickleball is a social and enjoyable sport, so encourage your child to have fun while learning.
Pickleball Gear for Youth
- 【 MERMAID PATTERN GET YOUR KIDS EXCITED 】Mermaid pickleball paddle is fun, creative and colorful. The kawaii colorful pickleball paddle is very popular among girls under 12 years old. They will certainly love our cute paddle！
- 【 LIGHTWEIGHT POLYMER CORE 】The kids' pickleball paddle is crafted with a fiberglass surface and a premium honeycomb core, enhancing the paddle's durability. Weighing only 6 oz, this lightweight mermaid paddle provides flexibility for children to easily control the ball.
- BUILT FOR KIDS: This kids pickleball paddle was designed especially for kids — from the smaller handle size to the lightweight material. Our pickleball paddles for kids passed vigorous safety certifications to make sure they’re safe for kids.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Our kids pickleball paddles are lighter than normal pickleball paddles, making it perfect for tiny hands! Our pickleball paddles kids only weigh 5.7 oz each due to their lightweight carbon makeup.
- TWO PLAYER SET: The NERF 2 Player Pickleball Set has everything you and a friend need to get out on the court and start the action!
- COMFORT GRIP: Each paddle is constructed with a comfortable foam grip to give players maximum control out on the pickleball courts
- Perfect Size for Kids Beginner: Aywewii pickleball paddles feature 8-inch wide rackets that fit small hands perfectly. Designed for kids ages 4-8, offering a comfortable grip and excellent control for toddler play. Weighing just 5.9 ounces, they allow quick swings to improve reaction time. Great for the beach, pool, backyard, lawn, outdoor sports games, and family fun!
- Premium, Kid-Friendly Materials: Kids pickleball paddles crafted from a durable composite Polypropylene core and EVA material surface, these paddles deliver superior bounce and control. Waterproof and built to withstand rough play, pickleball set is ideal for kids and ensure safety and long-lasting performance in any setting—whether on the lawn, at the beach, or in the backyard and pool.
- 🎾USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddles: Mayboom pickleball paddles come with the official USAPA approval stamp, ensuring high standards of safety and professionalism, making them suitable for tournaments.
- 🎾Comfortable Ergonomic Grip: Our pickleball paddle set features a perforated, sweat-absorbent, and cushioned grip design, offering unparalleled comfort. With a grip circumference of 4.13 inches and a length of 4.8 inches, it suits most hands. The ergonomic design ensures a firm grasp to enhance your playing experience.
- Professional pickleball paddles suitable for everyone, including beginners, intermediate players, or professional players.
- USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddles: These two pickleball paddles have been approved by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and come with the USAPA approval label, ensuring high safety and professionalism.
- Complete Starter Set – Includes 2 kids' pickleball paddles and 2 pickleball balls — perfect for backyard, park, or driveway play.
- Lightweight & Easy to Control – Designed for ages 4-12 with a kid-friendly size and weight that makes learning the game fun and frustration-free.
- OFFICIAL PADDLE SPONSOR OF WORLD #1 PICKLEBALL PLAYER BEN JOHNS & THE PPA TOUR: An innovator & global leader in table tennis for 70+ years, JOOLA teams up with Ben Johns to create a new line of pickleball equipment that will forever change the game.
- YOUTH PICKLEBALL PADDLE, AGES 4-14: Get your little ones out there playing pickleball with JOOLA's Special Edition Megalodon Shark Paddle. Features a smaller grip, lightweight yet durable construction, & low profile design for junior pickleball players.
- Perfect Kids Pickleball Set: Enhance skills with our lightweight kids pickleball paddle designed for developing hand-eye coordination. The eco-friendly plastic construction ensures safe control for ages 4-12, making it ideal for pickleball training paddle sessions and outdoor games for kids 8-12
- Eco-Friendly Design: Crafted from recycled materials, these pickleball paddles for kids balance environmental responsibility with rugged performance. Non-slip grip adapts to small hands, perfect for backyard games or beach pickleball game with pickle ball rackets 2 pack durability
- 𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐏𝐀 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬:The pickleball set approved by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). These pickleball paddle bear the official USAPA approval label, ensuring a high standard of safety and professionalism, making ball paddles eligible for use in competitive tournaments.
- 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬:Our pickleball set crafted with cutting-edge fiberglass and polypropylene honeycomb core technology, and deliver outstanding power and control on the court. The innovative polypropylene honeycomb core minimizes vibration, ensuring a stable speed for optimal ball strike feel, the fiberglass surface enhances rotational performance, making pickleball paddle lightweight and robust.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pickleball gear is essential for young players to develop their skills, enjoy the game, and stay safe. By considering factors like weight, grip size, and material for paddles, as well as investing in appropriate shoes and apparel, you can equip your child for success on the pickleball court. Remember, finding the right gear can make all the difference in fostering a lifelong love for this exciting and growing sport. So, get your young pickleball enthusiast the best gear and watch them shine!
Now, we’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite pickleball gear recommendations for kids? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with other parents and young pickleball players!