Gear.

Use our paddle eraser to refresh the surface after a few games. It removes dust and ball residue that cost you grip, and spin with it. Avoid chemical products and abrasive cloths. Replace the overgrip every 30 to 40 hours of play. Never leave your paddle in the car: extreme cold and summer heat lift the core and void the warranty.

Measure the distance between the middle crease of your palm and the tip of your ring finger: that's your approximate grip circumference, usually between 4 and 4 1/2 inches in pickleball. When in doubt, size down. You can always build up a handle with an overgrip, but you can't shrink one that's too large. An oversized grip limits your wrist and raises injury risk.

An overgrip improves tack, absorbs sweat and lets you fine-tune the handle thickness to your hand. Most players install one as soon as they buy the paddle. Change it every 30 to 40 hours of play, or as soon as it turns slick or shiny. A worn grip makes you squeeze harder, which leads straight to tennis elbow.

The indoor ball has fewer, larger holes: it's lighter, slower and bounces less, which extends rallies on a gym floor. The outdoor ball has more, smaller holes and a harder shell to stand up to wind and asphalt. It's faster and cracks more easily in cold weather. Using the wrong ball changes the game completely.

Three things: a paddle, balls suited to where you play (indoor or outdoor) and court shoes. Everything else is optional at the start. The net and court are almost always provided by clubs, community centres and municipal parks. Budget $150 to $250 for a solid starter set that won't need replacing in six months.