Balls

The ball changes the game more than most players expect. Shop indoor pickleballs, with larger holes and a softer flight for gym play, and outdoor pickleballs, harder with smaller holes to cut through wind on concrete courts.

How to choose: match the ball to where you play - indoor balls are quieter and softer, outdoor balls are faster and more durable. Buy a few, since outdoor balls crack over time in cold weather. Check your league's approved ball if you play competitively.