SOUTHERN OREGON PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION

1. A paddle for each person. Initially any paddle will do. If you know someone already addicted to this sport, they probably have paddles you can borrow. Or often "beginner instructors" will have starter paddles to use. Amazon and other vendors have options for less than $10/paddle. Be sure to have at least one or two balls as well.
2. Athletic clothing is helpful and court-type shoes to protect your feet and the court are important. 
3. A place to play. Pickleball can be played almost anywhere (during covid, we played in the street outside our house), but an actual court makes it easier. Look here for a list of all the courts in the Rogue Valley.
4. More people to play with... Pickleball is not just for exercise, it is also a very social sport. Finding more people to play with might seem hard, but here's the trick to make it easy! Sign up for a free PlayTimeScheduler (PTS) account. It's a web or phone-based application that let's people list play sessions. If they are open sessions and you think you meet the skill level guidelines, then you can join and go to the session. To learn all about PTS, see our instruction page here. To learn about skill ratings, look here or a simple yes/no chart here.

That is all that's needed... Really! This sport has one of the lowest bars for entry. SOPA has been introducing pickleball in the local elementary schools and we are seeing those kids eagerly dragging their parents out to play. It's a very good activity for families and people of different athletic abilities. Just don't be surprised if you also fall in love with this sport and you find yourself playing two or more times per week.