Must-have pickleball equipment: Try your hand at the fastest-growing sport in US
Pickleball has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. A dynamic blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball has an appeal that spans generations. It offers a fun and accessible way for people of all ages to engage in physical activity and social interaction. The sport's inclusive nature and straightforward rules have contributed to its widespread adoption, with millions adopting the latest craze as their newest hobby.
Now that the spring thaw is past and the ski equipment is packed away, it's time to try your hand at the trendy sport. For those new to pickleball, having the right equipment is essential. Players use solid paddles, typically made of wood or composite materials, to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net. Pickleball can be enjoyed in singles or doubles formats, with points scored when the ball isn't returned.
Here are 10 beginner-friendly pickleball items to get you on the court.
This ONIX Recruit set is designed for entry-level players. The set includes two durable paddles constructed from six-ply basswood and two pickleballs, providing everything needed to start playing immediately. The paddles offer a balanced combination of power and control, making them ideal for learning the fundamentals of the game. Be sure to pick up ONIX's portable practice net!
Original price: $150
Tailored for newcomers, Recess Pickleball lends a stylish spin to the sport with an array of custom-designed paddles and fun prints like stripes or dogs. This cowboy set features a "let's play" print on two premium paddles, complete with two balls. The paddles are designed to offer a remarkable feel, helping beginners perfect their shots while enjoying the game. If you don't want to spend as much, you can get a similar set on Amazon for less than $30.
Read On The Fox News App
If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
Orginal price: $59.99
This comprehensive starter set from Franklin Sports includes two paddles, an outdoor pickleball and a net. The paddles are crafted with a sturdy, lightweight design suitable for players just starting and looking to develop their skills. The net easily sets up and breaks down in minutes. Be sure to also pick up this outdoor marker set so you can lay out the boundaries of the game in minutes using any existing court. If you're really serious about the game, pick up this Erne pickleball trainer from Scheel's.
Spring Break Skiing Gear You Need For Your End-of-season Ski Trips
The Selkirk NEO bundle offers two composite paddles and four pickleballs, ideal for beginners seeking quality equipment. The paddles feature a comfortable grip and a lightweight design, promoting ease of play and maneuverability on the court. Don't forget a bag to tote along your equipment and gear for every trip to the courts.
Original price: $59.95
The HEAD Radical Elite paddle is designed for beginners and intermediate-level players seeking a reliable and responsive paddle. For less than $50, the paddle features a fiberglass surface and provides a good balance of power and control, helping players develop a versatile playing style. If you invest in a good paddle, pick up a case to stay protected while not in use.
Original price: $85
Proper footwear is crucial for safety and performance and these ASICS Gel-Renma shoes provide excellent grip and support. They are designed to meet the dynamic movements of pickleball, reducing the risk of injury. Check out this style for men too!
Start A New Hobby With These 8 Wine, Beer And Mead-making Kits
Original price: $21.95
These pickleball rules card tags are a convenient and practical accessory for novice and experienced players. These durable, laminated cards quickly reference the latest official pickleball rules, ensuring clarity during matches and eliminating disputes. They are compact and easy to attach to a bag or paddle case. They're perfect for on-the-go players who want to stay informed about scoring, serving and gameplay guidelines. With clear, concise explanations and color-coded sections, these rule cards are essential for anyone looking to improve their understanding of the game and maintain fair play on the court. If you'd rather have the rules in a book form, pick up the 2025 official pickleball rule book.
This Gamma Sports portable net system is easy to assemble for players interested in setting up a court and meets official pickleball specifications. It's perfect for creating a temporary play area in driveways, gyms, or community centers to get everyone involved in the sport! If you plan a makeshift tournament, pick up Pinch Provisions pickleball kit with nine essentials to keep you 'dinking' all day.
Original price: $85
Comfortable, breathable, wicking clothing enhances the pickleball playing experience. Nike's Dri-FIT line offers moisture-wicking options optimal for athletic performance, keeping players cool and comfortable during matches. This Victory dress is perfect for pickleball and is made from a super-smooth, stretchy fabric that makes it easy to focus on your swing. You could also opt for this Adidas version, which comes complete with shorts for anti-chafing!
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals
This Pickleball Tutor Spin ball machine is a game-changing training tool for players looking to enhance their skills and take their game to the next level. This portable machine can deliver pickleballs at various speeds, spins and trajectories, simulating real-game scenarios for effective practice. Whether you're practicing serves, volleys or groundstrokes, this device helps build consistency and confidence. It is an invaluable addition to any pickleball player's toolkit. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, try this Enhance pickleball Dink Master practice rebounder.Original article source: Must-have pickleball equipment: Try your hand at the fastest-growing sport in US
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
5 hours ago
- Fox News
Women's fencer Stephanie Turner reacts to Team USA following Trump's order to protect women's sports
Women's fencer Stephanie Turner speaks to Fox News Digital about the change to the USOPC's policy on trans athletes nearly four months after her protest of the issue went viral.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
2025 UEFA Women's Euro semifinals: How to watch today's Germany vs. Spain match
Today, reigning world champion Spain will face Germany in the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro semifinals. This will be the two teams' ninth meeting. Germany has won the tournament eight times overall — and has never lost to Spain. The winners of this match will head to the final on Sunday, July 27. The action kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Fox. Here's everything you need to know to tune into Germany vs. Spain at the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro. How to watch Germany vs. Spain at the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro: Date: Wednesday, July 23 Time: 3 p.m. ET TV channel: Fox Streaming: DirecTV, Fubo and more What channel is the Germany vs. Spain match on? Every remaining match of the UEFA Women's Euro will air on Fox. How to watch Germany vs. Spain without cable: Fox is available on platforms including Fubo, DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV. How to watch the 2025 Women's UEFA Euro with a VPN: If you don't have Fox and don't want to add another streaming service subscription to your life, you could always try tuning in with the help of a VPN. In the U.K., matches will air for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. With a VPN, you can set your location to England and sign in to one of those channels to access live broadcasts of the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro. 2025 Women's UEFA Euro Schedule: All times Eastern Semifinals Wednesday, July 23Germany vs. Spain, 3 p.m. (Fox) Finals Sunday, July 27Winner of England/Italy vs. winners of Germany/Spain: 12 p.m. (Fox) Who is playing in the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro semifinals? The 2025 UEFA Women's Euro soccer tournament began with 16 national teams competing for the UEFA Women's Euro trophy. The final four teams entering the semifinals are England, Italy, Germany and Spain. More ways to watch the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro:
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Terry Francona bounce coming? Cincinnati Reds look 'refreshed' in victory out of break
NEW YORK – On their first day back from the All-Star break, a few hours before the game, the Cincinnati Reds players told manager Terry Francona they wanted him to join a meeting they called. Then they presented the surprised manager with an Oyster Perpetual Rolex watch with an inscription on the back marking the 2,000th career victory Francona earned the last day before the break – worth as much as some guys' All-Star bonuses. 'That's like – what do they call that? Painting a pig?' Francona said. Lipstick on a pig? 'That would be the term,' Francona said with a big laugh. Don't let the jokes fool you. It was an emotional moment for the 66-year-old skipper, who said he had to duck out of his postgame address with the team quickly after the big win the other day because 'I had a hard time keeping it all together." Reds MLB Draft signings Steele Hall Cincinnati Reds ink top draft pick Steele Hall for below-slot $5.75 million bonus Reds Mets TJ Friedl record Ouch! Check out the painful history Cincinnati Reds TJ Friedl made Friday night Reds playoffs NL wild Card NL Central 'Can't sleep on them': What NL Central rivals say about Cincinnati Reds playoff chances 'At least I got to tell them today how I feel,' he said. And then they got back to work, and Francona had No. 2,001 in little more than a New York minute — an 8-4 comeback victory over the Mets at CitiField Friday night to kick off the 65-game homestretch for a Reds team feeling its playoff hopes. 'I don't know if I'd call it the home stretch yet,' said Francona, whose club opened the post-All-Star-break schedule just 2 1/2 games out of playoff position – before Austin Hays hit a pair of home runs to the same spot in right-center, supporting another strong start by Nick Lodolo (7-6). But Francona said the light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel sense coming out of the break refreshed can help a team's second-half focus. 'I think teams that have a chance to win, I think you can use it to your advantage,' he said. 'I think teams are more apt to try to play the game correctly – move the runners, things like that – when you have a chance to win. And it's just frankly way more fun. 'You show up, you're a little bit nervous sometimes you have some anxiety — but it's because you think you have a chance. That's meaningful.' Francona should know. His teams historically have gotten better in the second half. In the 10 non-pandemic seasons he spent managing small-market Cleveland in his last stop, the Indians/Guardians collectively had a .529 winning percentage in the first half — and .571 in the second. They made the playoffs half of those seasons. If that pattern holds though the end of this season, what happened the night before they opened the second half might say as much about why it holds as anything. A brief, voluntary, stretch-catch-and-hit workout Thursday night in New York drew full attendance from everybody except All-Star Elly De La Cruz, who was ordered by Francona to stay away and rest. 'There wasn't a single person in this clubhouse who was like, 'I'm gonna skip it,' ' said leadoff man TJ Friedl of what he said was a first for the young team. 'I think it helped a lot of guys a lot. We really enjoyed it, and I think it showed today.' Maybe it shouldn't surprise anyone that the guy who won the pot in the opposite-field hitting contest that night is the one who hit the two home runs the opposite way the next night. "It could have been that, or it could have been the three tacos he had (before the game)," Francona said. "But I was pretty fired up." Hays seemed tempted to credit the tacos, especially when he batted with the bases loaded in the eighth with a chance to hit a third homer (until drawing a walk). "After I had two pumps, I thought it might be a sign," he said. "They were really good tacos, too." Whatever the tacos did, he's pretty sure the work the night before helped. 'I just found a nice little line drive stroke into the right-center gap (in the oppo contest), and I feel like that swing just played in perfect to the pitches I was seeing (in the game),' Hays said. 'What we did yesterday translated well into the game today.' Who knows where they go from here? The second-half schedule is tough. And they haven't proven they can beat the teams in their division. But Francona liked what he saw for at least one night in carrying over a half-season worth of messaging Into the restart, and responding well to the break. 'You sit around for four days, and it's always probably the most anxiety almost of the year,' he said. 'I had less this year just because the guys came out and worked out last night. I've never seen that before (as a full group). And I've been doing this for a lot of years.' It's not like anything changed from the first half to the second half as far as Francona is concerned or as far as the message he delivers – or has ever delivered to his teams. 'It can't change,' Francona said. 'I know there's maybe more glare on games as you move forward. That's why you try from day one: 'Here's our message, here's what we want to do. Let's see if we can do it.' ' The Reds have flaws from the lineup to the bullpen, with a clear strength in their above-average rotation. They don't have as good a group of fielders as any of the three teams ahead of them in the standings. But Francona said they've listened to the message, they tend not to repeat the same mistakes and nobody's been late for a meeting since spring training began. By the time he became the 13th manager to win 2,000 games in the final game before the break, guys in the clubhouse had been invested in all the methods behind the numbers for months. By Friday afternoon, many of them were wearing "2K Tito" T-shirts in the clubhouse before the game. And by the end of the night, experiencing the second-half bounce his teams have been known for? Who knows? 'Anytime you have some down time, some time off, you want to come out with a lot of energy and hit the ground running,' Hays said. 'We did that today.' For now, all it means is that for the first time in three years – and just the second time in the past eight seasons with an All-Star game – the Reds won their first game out of the break. They were swept in their first series after the All-Star game each of the last two years and five of the last seven. 'They looked (refreshed) to me,' Francona said. He was talking about the workout day, but it certainly applied to the second-half opener. Maybe after 12 years, it's the Reds' time to return to the playoffs in a non-pandemic year? Maybe it's even time to win a series in October for the first time in 30 years? If anybody should know, it's probably the guy with the new Rolex painting pigs in Cincinnati. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Does Cincinnati Reds win suggest why Francona's teams finish strong?
