Just Getting Started?

If this is the year you’ve decided to give pickleball a try, good for you! Find a friend or a family member who plays to help you get started. The Cardinal Hill pros provide lessons to get you started, and the club plans to host a few pickleball clinics to help you improve your game.

While you can really only learn pickleball by playing, there are numerous online resources to help you get started. USA Pickleball has lots of information on their website, and locally, Fairfax County has numerous offerings for the pickleball community.

Cardinal Hill’s own Robin Crider has several great recommendations for those who are just getting started on their pickleball journey.

· What to wear. Your shoes are the single most important wardrobe item. “Any decent tennis shoe made for sport is a good choice. Please no running of walking shoes as they do not provide enough lateral support,” Robin suggests. Make sure any shoe you choose is designated as non-marking. Though you can find dozens of pickleball specialty clothing stores online, you really just need comfortable shorts, a tee-shirt and a cap to get started.

· Eye Protection. The combination of pickleball’s fast-paced action and close proximity between players increases the risk of the ball striking the eye, according to researchers. The solution is simple and effective: wear protective, shatterproof eyewear when playing. Researchers recommend polycarbonate safety goggles, which provide front and side coverage, for the best protection. However, even sunglasses or regular glasses can offer a layer of safety.

· Equipment.

o Balls—Robin says, “there are a lot of different pickleballs available to purchase. To keep it simple, since Cardinal Hill is an outdoor court, buy an outdoor ball. The most widely used balls are the Franklin X-40 and the Onix DURA Fast-40. Always Optic Yellow.”

o Paddles— “If you’re only going to play once in a blue moon, then any paddle will do,” Robin suggests. “If you discover you like to play, investing in a little better paddle will definitely improve your game.” Big names in paddles include Selkirk, Gamma, Joola, Engage and Friday. “Just do NOT buy a wood paddle, or one with a loop on the handle,” Robin advises. If you choose to order from Engage, contact Robin for a discount code worth 20% off. Note: Robin does NOT receive any commissions or kickbacks from Engage.