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
- 🎾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.
- 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.
- [Best Gift for Families] Niupipo Pickleball Paddles includes 2 durable adult pickleball paddles and 2 junior paddles, 2 indoor and 2 outdoor pickleball balls, and 1 convenient pickleball bag; providing everything your group requires. A high-quality fiberglass pickleball set can drastically alter a player's game. Show love for your family by providing them with the finest connection
- [Upgraded Material and Superior Experience] This pickleball paddle set is constructed with a fiberglass face and a Polypropylene-honeycomb composition for an optimal amount of strength and stiffness while remaining surprisingly lightweight. Fiberglass face has more power than graphite face, which can absorb each hit with a tremendous amount of pop. Polypropylene is softer and has larger honeycomb cells; it is a durable material that provides a more powerful and quieter hitting experience
- 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
- BRING MAGIC TO THE PICKLEBALL COURT – This kids pickleball paddle features a whimsical unicorn design, inspiring young players to have fun while learning the game! At 13.8” length, 7” width, and only 0.37 lbs, it’s perfect for toddlers, juniors, and kids under 12.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY FOR SMALL HANDS – Designed for young players, this youth pickleball paddle has a 4” grip circumference & 4.25” grip length, making it comfortable and easy to swing. Ideal for toddlers, juniors, and first-time players looking to improve their game.
- 【 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.
- Perfect Paddle Size for Your Child: Our kids pickleball paddles are lightweight at 6oz, have a smaller grip size to fit your child's hand, have the ideal dimensions of 13.88" x 7", and are built from the same high-quality materials used in our standard-sized paddles.
- Premium Lightweight Construction and Materials: Our child paddle is specifically designed for children under 12 years old and is built with a composite graphite surface and a high polymer honeycomb core.
- 𝙐𝙎𝘼𝙋𝘼 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙: JoncAye BLITZ pickle-ball paddle series is tested and approved by USAPA for tournament play. Each paddle is manufactured strictly according to USAPA standards, and carries a USAPA approval label. Further details can be found on the USA Pickleball website
- 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙒𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨 & 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨: Made of premium fiberglass, this pickleball racket set is designed with an optimal wight of 8 oz. It alleviates stress on your shoulders/wrists while still enabling your strike with enough power to prevail on the court. It’s a perfect starter set for beginners and intermediates as well
- RULE THE COURT WITH A DINO-THEMED PADDLE – Let your child dominate the game with this T-Rex pickleball paddle! Sized at 13.8” length, 7” width, and only 0.37 lbs, it’s the perfect single paddle for young players learning the game, whether at home, school, or the park.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY FOR SMALL HANDS – This kids pickleball paddle is designed for young players, featuring a 4” grip circumference & 4.25” grip length for a secure hold and smooth swings. The small grip makes it perfect for children under 12, toddlers, and first-time players!
- 【Excellent Size for Kids】 We have specially optimized the size of kids pickleball paddles so kids can easily handle them. This size(13.97*6.96*0.4 inch) is best for children to create the power better & maintain control to help them learn the game. They no longer need to struggle with a standard pickleball racket, which can help them avoid many injuries and stress. This is an excellent pickleball present for children aged 4-11
- 【Capture Your Kid's Interest】 Adorable and fun designs can ignite children's passion for pickleball and enhance their playing experience with creativity and color. Our cute pickleball paddles are highly popular among children, helping to improve their game and ensuring a lasting motivation to learn
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!