Embrace an Active Life After 60

Playing Pickleball

Key criteria for selecting a pickleball paddle are its weight, core material, face material, shape, and handle/grip size, all of which influence power, control, and comfort. Your individual playing style and skill level are crucial in determining the best balance of these features. 

Key Selection Criteria

Weight: Heavier paddles provide more power but can cause fatigue, while lighter paddles offer greater maneuverability and speed. 

Core Material: The material and thickness of the paddle's core affect its "pop" and absorption. A thinner core (e.g., 14mm) gives more power and pop, whereas a thicker core (e.g., 16mm) offers more control and consistency. 

Face Material: Common face materials include carbon fiber and graphite, which offer different levels of power and control. T300 carbon fiber is softer and better for control, while T700 carbon fiber provides more power and performance. 

Paddle Shape: Standard shapes are versatile, elongated shapes offer more reach and power, and hybrid shapes provide a balance of both. 

Handle/Grip Size: A comfortable grip size and length is essential for control and to prevent fatigue. 

Playing Style & Skill Level:

Power-Oriented Players: May prefer heavier, thinner, and elongated paddles. 

Control-Oriented Players: Might opt for thicker, lighter, and standard-shaped paddles. 

Balanced/Doubles Players: Could benefit from midweight, mid-thickness, and hybrid-shaped paddles. 

How to Choose

Consider Your Play Style: Decide if you prioritize power or control to guide your selection. 

Assess Your Skill Level: Beginners might start with a paddle that offers a good balance of power and control, while experienced players can choose a paddle tailored to their specific strategy. 

Factor in Paddle Specs: Think about the material, thickness, and weight that best aligns with your chosen playing style. 

Test Paddles: If possible, try out different paddles to see what feels most comfortable and effective in your hand. 

The main criteria for purchasing a pickleball are whether it is for indoor or outdoor play, its durability, and whether it has been approved for tournament use.  Other considerations include performance characteristics like speed and bounce, as well as cost and visibility.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Balls

This is the most critical distinction, as the balls are specifically designed to perform differently based on the playing environment. 

indoor Balls

Material/Hardness: Softer, lighter pastic.

Number and Size of Holes: Typically feature 26 large, circular holes.
Weight: Lighter, making them easier to control indoors.
Speed and Bounce: Move slower and tend to have a higher bounce on smooth gym floors.

Durability: Tend to last longer before cracking, though they can become soft.

Noise: Quieter, which is important for indoor facilities.

Outdoor Balls

Material/Hardness: Harder, more durable plastic to withstand rougher outdoor surfaces like concrete.
Number and Size of Holes: Typically have 40 smaller holes to resist wind.
Weight: Heavier to resist wind and provide a more stable flight path.
Speed and Bounce: Fly faster and have a lower, truer bounce on rougher surfaces.

Durability: Prone to cracking more quickly, especially in cold weather.

Noise: Louder due to the harder plastic.

USAPA approval

If you plan to play in sanctioned leagues or tournaments, you must use a ball that is on the official USA Pickleball Approved list. These balls have been tested to meet specific standards for size, weight, bounce, and construction. You can check the official list on the USA Pickleball website. 

Durability and value

The lifespan of a ball varies by brand and playing conditions, with outdoor balls generally cracking faster than indoor balls. Some brands are known for exceptional durability, even in colder temperatures. 

For durability: Brands like Selkirk (Pro S1) and Crown are noted for their durability, with some offering warranties.

For value: Some budget-friendly brands like GoSports offer good performance for a lower cost, making them ideal for practice. 

Visibility

The ball's color can impact visibility, especially outdoors. Neon green is a standard color for good reason, as it offers the best visibility across different court surfaces and lighting conditions. 

Player skill and style

Your playing level and style can also inform your choice. 

Beginners and intermediates may prefer slower balls like the popular Franklin X-40, which allow for better control and longer rallies.

Advanced players who prioritize power and speed might prefer faster balls like the Vulcan VPRO or Life Time Pro 48, which are used in professional tournaments.

Pickleball shoe criteria include a non-marking sole, excellent traction for quick lateral movements, good lateral support and stability to prevent ankle injuries, adequate cushioning for comfort and shock absorption, breathability for comfort, and a durable construction for longevity. Lightweight shoes can enhance agility, while specific pickleball or tennis shoes are generally better suited than running shoes for court sports due to their design for lateral motion and stability.

Key Features of Pickleball Shoes

Non-Marking Sole: Essential for indoor courts to avoid scuffing or damaging the floor surface. 

Traction: A flat, grippy sole with multi-directional treads or a herringbone pattern is crucial for the quick stops and starts of pickleball. 

Support and Stability: Look for shoes with excellent lateral support to help prevent ankle injuries during side-to-side movements. 

Cushioning: Provides comfort and absorbs the impact from playing on hard surfaces. 

Breathability: Helps keep your feet comfortable during play. 

Durability: Shoes designed for court sports are generally more durable than running shoes, especially for activities involving intense play. 

Lightweight Design: A lighter shoe can allow for quicker changes of direction. 

Choosing Between Shoe Types

Pickleball-Specific Shoes: These are designed with the unique movements of pickleball in mind, offering features like advanced traction and stability. 

Tennis Shoes: A good alternative, especially for hard courts, as their design often includes features for lateral movement and strong lateral support. 

Running Shoes: Not recommended for pickleball because they are built for forward motion and lack the necessary lateral support. 

Squash/Badminton Shoes: A good option for softer indoor surfaces or wooden gym floors.