Recommended Safety Equipment for Pickleball Players

Written By Luke Addison

Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport, but like any activity, safety should be a priority. While it’s generally a low-impact game, accidental hits, slips, or falls can happen. Wearing the right safety gear can help prevent injuries and keep you playing longer. Here are some key pieces of protective equipment every pickleball player should consider wearing during match play and even during lessons.

1. Protective Eyewear (A Must-Have!)

Pickleball balls travel fast, and a stray shot to the eye can cause serious injury. Protective eyewear (such as sports goggles or shatterproof glasses) helps shield your eyes from accidental hits. Even if you don’t wear prescription glasses, investing in lightweight, impact-resistant eyewear is a smart move—especially if you play frequently. P.S. Our Lead Coach Luke wears eyewear for every match!

2. Proper Court Shoes (For Stability & Injury Prevention)

Running shoes aren’t designed for the side-to-side movements of pickleball, which increases the risk of rolling an ankle. Pickleball or court-specific shoes offer better grip, ankle support, and cushioning to help prevent slips and falls. Look for shoes with a non-marking sole and good lateral support for stability. Tennis shoes are often a good option!

3. Knee & Elbow Pads (Extra Protection for Falls)

While not mandatory, knee and elbow pads can be helpful—especially for beginners or those prone to diving for shots. If you play on hard courts, wearing light, flexible padding can help absorb impact and prevent scrapes or bruises.

4. Sun Protection Gear (For Outdoor Play)

If you're playing outdoors, protect yourself from the sun with:

  • A hat or visor to shield your eyes from glare.

  • Sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing to stay cool.

Final Thoughts

Staying safe on the court means more time enjoying the game and less time recovering from injuries. Investing in the right gear can make a big difference in both comfort and injury prevention.

Looking to improve your game? Join our pickleball coaching lessons in Auckland—we’ll help you play smarter and safer!

Luke Addison

Hi, I’m Luke, your certified IPTPA LI & LII Pickleball Coach based in Auckland, New Zealand.

I discovered this amazing sport of pickleball over 3 years ago while I was living in Singapore. From my first game with friends, I was hooked!

Having played tennis since the age of 5, I found pickleball a somewhat easy transition with the basic strokes having similar (yet different!) mechanics to tennis.

I play tournaments around the region, including Australia, Singapore, South Korea and around New Zealand and have been able to achieve medals in different divisions over recent years. I have had the privilege to be captain of the East Auckland Interclub team 2024 and also lead teams in various competitions.

Now I enjoy coaching and training others to improve their pickleball game. Whether you are a beginner, immediate or advanced player we have the right drills and lesson plans for you to improve your game!

https://addisonpickleball.co.nz
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