What should I wear to my first pickleball session?

Comfortable athletic clothing and, importantly, court shoes with lateral support rather than running shoes. Bring water and a hat if you're playing outdoors.

How much does it cost to start playing pickleball?

A casual or beginner session is usually low-cost, often around the price of a coffee or two, with paddles provided. You only need to buy your own gear once you know you're keen.

Do I need to bring a partner?

No. Beginner sessions and clinics are full of people turning up solo. You'll be matched into games on the day.

How quickly will I be able to play a real game?

Most people play actual points in their first session. Becoming genuinely competent — comfortable with the kitchen, serving reliably, holding rallies — typically takes a few weeks of regular play, faster with coaching.

How to start playing pickleball in Australia

The whole point of pickleball is that starting is easy. This is the practical version: how to get from 'I'm curious' to 'I'm playing' in a week, without wasting money or turning up to the wrong thing.

Updated June 2026

A hand gripping a pickleball paddle about to strike a ball

1. Find a beginner session, not open play

The most common first-timer mistake is rocking up to an 'open play' session full of regulars and feeling lost. Look instead for a 'come and try', 'intro' or 'beginner' session. You'll be with other people learning, the pace is set for you, and paddles are almost always provided. This one choice is the difference between a great first experience and never going back.

2. Borrow a paddle before you buy one

Resist buying gear before your first hit. Almost every club has loaner paddles, and you genuinely can't tell what suits you until you've played. Paddles range from around $50 to over $250, and the 'right' one depends on whether you end up preferring control or power — something you won't know on day one. Borrow, play a few times, then choose.

3. Learn the kitchen early

The non-volley zone — the 'kitchen' — is the rule everyone breaks at first. You can't hit the ball out of the air while standing in it. Getting comfortable with the kitchen is what makes you look like a player rather than someone flailing at the net, and it's the fastest single thing a coach can fix. One session usually does it.

4. Wear the right shoes

If you buy one thing before you start, make it court shoes. Pickleball is full of quick side-to-side movement, and running shoes — built only for forward motion — are the leading cause of rolled ankles among new players. Tennis or pickleball-specific shoes give you the lateral support you need.

5. Book a few coaching sessions once you're hooked

Here's the honest truth most people learn the slow way: a handful of coaching sessions early on is the highest-leverage time you'll spend in the sport. It's the difference between players who plateau at 'okay' and players who keep getting better. You don't need a long program — a few sessions to build correct fundamentals pays off for years. A group clinic is the cheapest way to get that input.