Jumping into indoor pickleball was a total game-changer for me!
When I first started, I honestly thought all I needed was a paddle and a ball to have some fun.
Boy, was I wrong! Sure, you can play with just the basics, but I quickly learned that having the right gear can completely transform how you play—and how much you enjoy the game.
The right paddle? Total confidence booster.
The right shoes? Saved my knees and ankles.
The right accessories? Game-changers I didn’t even know I needed.
I remember the first time I showed up to an indoor court with the wrong shoes—let’s just say I spent more time slipping and sliding than actually hitting the ball! I’ve learned a lot since then, and I’m here to help you skip those rookie mistakes.
So, let me walk you through the ultimate indoor pickleball gear list—my personal go-to paddles, shoes, and accessories that I trust every time I step onto the court.
The Paddle I Count on Indoors: Control, Comfort, Confidence
Let’s start with what’s in my hand every single point—the paddle.
I’ve gone through a lot of paddles over the years. Some felt too heavy. Some were too “dead.” And some just didn’t give me the feel I wanted on fast indoor courts.
Indoor pickleball tends to move faster with tighter spaces, smoother surfaces, and unpredictable bounces. I quickly figured out that I needed a paddle that gave me a perfect balance between power and control.
Here are my top indoor paddles that I personally love and trust:
1. Selkirk Amped Epic – My Go-To Paddle
Why I Love It: This paddle nails the sweet spot between power and control. The fiberglass face combined with the thick core gives me precision when I need to dink or drop, but also enough pop for those fast, aggressive rallies.
What’s Cool: The sweet spot on this paddle feels huge. I can mishit slightly and still get a solid, controlled shot, which is super helpful when the pace speeds up.
My Story: I remember switching to this paddle after losing a close indoor match where I kept missing my defensive blocks. The extra forgiveness of the Amped Epic helped me lock in my reaction shots and win a few close games after that.
Pro Tip: This is the paddle if you want to stay quick at the net without sacrificing control. It’s my safety net when I need consistency.
2. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro – My Precision Paddle
Why I Love It: This paddle is all about finesse. The graphite surface gives me super-tight ball control. I love using this one when I’m focusing on my placement game—especially on smooth indoor courts where spins and dinks really shine.
What’s Cool: The textured surface is a spin machine. I can slice, cut, and drop shots that leave my opponents frozen.
My Story: When I started playing in indoor leagues, I got obsessed with trying to out-dink my friends. Switching to this paddle made a huge difference in how confidently I could control soft shots and spin returns.
Pro Tip: If you’re the type of player who loves to place tricky shots and keep your opponent guessing—this is your paddle.
3. Onix Evoke Premier – My Power Paddle
Why I Love It: Sometimes, I just want to drive the ball hard, and this paddle delivers. It’s powerful but still has the control I need for soft touches.
What’s Cool: The Atomic13 edge guard cuts down on vibration without taking away the power. Every shot feels crisp and stable.
My Story: I used this paddle during my first indoor tournament when I realized I needed to bring more offense. It helped me add just the right amount of punch to my game without losing control.
Pro Tip: If you love driving the ball and want to pressure your opponents, this paddle has the perfect mix of power and finesse.
Pickleball Balls for Indoor Play: Why They’re Different
One of the biggest surprises for me was that indoor balls feel totally different from outdoor balls.
Indoor pickleballs:
- Have larger holes
- Are lighter and softer
- Move slower, giving you more control
- Bounce lower and stay truer on smooth gym floors
When I first switched, it took me a few sessions to adjust. But now, I love how indoor balls give me the chance to play a more precise, finesse-based game. Not all indoor balls are created equal though—there’s actually a lot to consider when picking the right ball for indoor play.
My Favorite Indoor Balls:
- Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleballs – Durable, soft touch, and offer consistent play. I always bring a few to leagues and open play.
- Gamma Photon Indoor Pickleballs – They’ve got great bounce control and are super reliable for both recreational and competitive games.
- Franklin X-26 Indoor Pickleballs – Lightweight, easy to control, and I love using these for practice drills.
My Pro Tip:
Always carry spares. Indoor balls crack more often than you’d think, especially during hard-hitting sessions. I usually pack at least 4 or 5 in my bag.
Paddle Bags: Keeping My Gear Safe and Organized
When I first started playing, I’d just toss my paddle into a random backpack—no big deal, right?
Wrong!
After scratching my favorite paddle and digging through a messy bag for balls and grips, I knew it was time to upgrade to a proper pickleball bag.
Here are my three favorite paddle bags that I’ve personally used and loved:
1. Mangrove Pickleball Sling Bag
This is my go-to when I want something light and easy to carry. It holds two paddles, my water bottle, a towel, and even has a hidden security pocket for my phone and keys.
Why I Love It: Super comfy to sling over my shoulder, and I never have to worry about losing small items.
2. Franklin Sports Pickleball Bag
When I want to travel light, this bag is my pick. It’s compact but fits just what I need for a casual indoor session.
Why I Love It: Perfect for quick games or when I don’t feel like hauling a big bag.
3. Selkirk Team Backpack
This is my serious “tournament day” bag. It’s spacious with multiple compartments for everything—paddles, balls, clothes, shoes, and even a laptop.
Why I Love It: It’s water-resistant and durable. Plus, the compartments help me stay organized when I’m bouncing between courts.
Personal Tip:
Get a bag with a fence hook! Trust me—keeping your bag off the ground on crowded indoor courts saves space and keeps your gear clean and dry.
Indoor Court Shoes: Protecting My Feet and Boosting My Game
Let me tell you about one of my biggest pickleball mistakes.
When I first started playing indoors, I thought, Hey, my running shoes will work just fine. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. I slipped. I scuffed the court. I nearly twisted my ankle trying to pivot.
That’s when I learned that indoor pickleball shoes aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Why Indoor Court Shoes Matter
- They offer non-marking soles to protect indoor gym floors.
- They provide the lateral stability and traction you need for quick side-to-side movements.
- They give you proper cushioning and arch support to prevent foot fatigue and knee pain.
Ever since I switched to proper court shoes, I’ve felt way more stable, quicker on my feet, and honestly—I just feel more confident on the court.
Here are the three pairs that have truly made a difference for me:
1. ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 – My Go-To Indoor Shoe
Why I Love It: Lightweight, super comfy, and provides excellent grip on slick gym floors.
The cushioning feels great, especially for fast-paced games where I’m constantly stopping and starting.
My Story: These shoes saved me during a league night when I had to play five straight games. My feet held up beautifully, and the traction kept me planted on quick pivots.
Pro Tip: The Gel-Rocket is a fantastic “first indoor shoe” if you’re transitioning from regular sneakers—it’s affordable but really performs.
2. New Balance 796 V3 – My Comfort King
Why I Love It: These are my lifesavers on days when I know I’ll be playing for hours. The arch support is phenomenal, and the shoes feel snug without being restrictive.
My Story: I switched to these after dealing with sore arches during long practice days. Ever since, I haven’t had foot pain—and I’m able to stay sharp even in late-game points.
Pro Tip: If you’ve ever had foot or knee issues, don’t overlook arch support. A comfortable shoe keeps you healthy and playing longer.
3. Adidas Stabil Next Gen – My Speed Specialist
Why I Love It: Light, grippy, and incredibly flexible. These shoes help me stay fast, especially when I’m scrambling at the kitchen line or making sharp cuts.
My Story: I started wearing these when I wanted to boost my quickness around the court. They make me feel lighter on my feet, and I can trust the grip on quick lateral moves.
Pro Tip: Perfect if you love playing an aggressive net game and need reliable traction for sudden direction changes.
My Pro Tips for Shoes:
✅ Always pick non-marking soles to keep indoor courts clean and damage-free.
✅ Look for a snug but comfortable fit—your foot should feel locked in, but not squeezed.
✅ Prioritize arch and ankle support to help prevent long-term foot issues.
I also recommend trying shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are naturally a bit swollen—that’s when you’ll get the most accurate fit.
Grips and Overgrips: My Secret to Staying in Control
When I first picked up a paddle, I honestly didn’t give much thought to the grip. I figured, if it feels fine, it must be fine, right? Well, that thinking went right out the window the day my paddle slipped out of my hand mid-match.
Yup—sweaty palms, loose grip, and before I knew it, the paddle was skidding across the floor. Embarrassing? Oh, absolutely. A lesson learned? Definitely.
Since then, I’ve made grip maintenance a non-negotiable part of my gear setup. I never play without a fresh overgrip, especially indoors where the gym air can get sticky and sweat builds up fast.
Why Overgrips Matter (More Than I Realized)
Overgrips aren’t just about comfort—they’re about control, consistency, and safety.
Here’s what I’ve discovered:
- Sweaty hands? You’ll lose your paddle without a grippy surface.
- Long matches? Worn grips can cause painful blisters.
- Tight games? You can’t afford to second-guess your grip when the pressure is on.
I now keep spare overgrips in every pocket of my bag. They weigh almost nothing, but they can save your match.
Here are my go-to overgrips that I trust every time I step on the court:
1. Tourna Pickleball Overgrip – My Match-Day Essential
Why I Love It: This is my favorite for high-energy, sweat-heavy matches. It’s super thin, which means I can still feel the paddle’s handle perfectly, and it actually gets tackier the more I sweat—just when I need it most.
My Experience: I started using this overgrip after a marathon indoor tournament where my hands kept slipping mid-rally. Switching to Tourna literally turned the day around for me.
Bonus Tip: If you’re a heavy sweater like me, this grip will feel like a lifesaver in longer games.
2. Gamma Supreme Overgrip – Built for Long Hauls
Why I Love It: This one’s all about durability. It holds up incredibly well, even after multiple long practice sessions or back-to-back matches.
My Experience: I usually grab this overgrip when I know I’ll be on the court all day. It stays tacky, even if I forget to swap it out between games.
Pro Tip: Perfect for players who play a lot during a single session—it doesn’t wear down as quickly as thinner grips.
3. Wilson Pro Overgrip – Super Comfortable and Reliable
Why I Love It: This overgrip is super soft and has excellent sweat absorption. I started using it after some tennis friends raved about it—and they were right. It’s now part of my regular rotation.
My Experience: I love this one for its cushioned feel—it’s perfect when my hands are a little sore or when I want that softer grip during drills and casual games.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to overgrips, this is a great starter—it feels amazing right out of the package and is very forgiving.
My Personal Tip: Always Be Ready
I always keep at least two or three extra overgrips in my paddle bag.
They’re small, lightweight, and super easy to replace on the fly. Honestly, you’ll never regret having extras on hand—trust me, it’s way better than having a paddle slip out of your hand during a crucial point.
Court Tape: Marking My Indoor Courts with Precision
One thing that caught me off guard early on was finding indoor gyms with no pickleball lines. It’s surprisingly common at multi-use facilities, and nothing throws off your game faster than guessing where the court boundaries should be.
That’s where court tape saved the day. It’s an easy, removable way to create your own pickleball court in gyms that don’t have permanent markings.
Why Court Tape Matters:
- Quick, easy court setup on smooth gym floors
- Doesn’t damage the court if you use the right tape
- Gives you a professional feel for practice and serious games
My Go-To Court Tapes:
- Tourna Pickleball Court Line Tape – Tough, visible, and leaves no sticky mess when you peel it off. Perfect for full-day play sessions.
- Franklin Sports Court Tape – Super bright and easy to apply quickly. It’s my first choice when I’m setting up casual games fast.
- HEAD Removable Court Tape – Ideal for quick setups and pickup games. Stays in place but comes off clean without pulling at the floor finish.
My Pro Tip:
Don’t buy cheap tape! I made that mistake once, and it left stubborn residue that took forever to scrub off. Go with quality removable tape designed for gym floors to keep the staff happy and your cleanup easy.
Sweatbands and Towels: Stay Cool, Stay in Control
Indoor pickleball can heat up fast, especially during intense rallies. When I first started, I underestimated how much sweat could mess with my grip and focus.
Now, sweatbands and cooling towels are part of my everyday gear. They’ve helped me keep my grip steady, stay comfortable, and avoid mid-game distractions.
Why These Matter:
- Helps keep sweat from getting on your paddle grip
- Keeps you cooler, especially during long sessions
- Lets you stay focused when games get competitive
My Favorites:
- ONUPGO Sweatband Set – Breathable, quick-drying, and comes in fun colors. I always wear the wristbands and headband combo.
- Sukeen Cooling Towel – I can’t play without this. Wet it, wring it out, and it stays cool for hours. I drape it around my neck during timeouts.
- Adidas Tiro Wristbands – Soft, super absorbent, and great for quick sweeps of my forehead between points.
My Pro Tip:
A cooling towel can make all the difference. Even when you’re playing indoors, gyms can get stuffy, and that refreshing towel helps you reset both physically and mentally.
Eye Protection: A Must-Have for Indoor Play
I’ll admit—I didn’t wear eye protection when I started. I thought, That’s for pros or racquetball players. That changed the day I nearly took a ball to the face in a heated kitchen exchange.
In indoor pickleball, balls move fast, bounce unpredictably, and the tight playing area raises the risk. Plus, indoor lighting can cause glare that messes with your vision.
Why You Need It:
- Protects your eyes from high-speed balls
- Reduces glare from harsh gym lighting
- Keeps your vision sharp when you’re tracking fast shots
My Top Picks:
- Gearbox Slim Fit Eyewear – Lightweight, super snug, and doesn’t slip, even when I’m sweating.
- HEAD Racquetball Goggles – Solid impact protection with scratch-resistant lenses. I’ve trusted these in fast indoor games.
- Raven Eye Guard – Comfortable for long sessions and looks great, which makes it easy to wear consistently.
My Pro Tip:
Even if you’ve never thought about eyewear, it’s worth it. All it takes is one close call to realize your eyes are irreplaceable.
Hydration Gear: Keeping My Energy Up
Playing indoors doesn’t mean you can skip hydration.
Gyms can get hot and stuffy, and when I first started, I didn’t hydrate enough—and I definitely paid the price with fatigue and muscle cramps.
Now, staying hydrated is part of my game plan.
I use water bottles that keep drinks cold for hours and I’ve added electrolytes to help me stay sharp during long games.
My Go-To Hydration Gear:
- Jigsaw Electrolyte Supreme Sachets – Super convenient. I can toss a few sachets in my bag and mix one on the go. Great for energy and preventing cramps.
- Hydro Flask Water Bottle – Keeps water ice-cold for hours. I love that it doesn’t sweat or leak in my bag.
- CamelBak Eddy Water Bottle – Lightweight, easy to sip between points, and perfect for fast-paced sessions.
My Pro Tip:
Bring more water than you think you’ll need. I also like bottles that fit securely in my paddle bag’s side pocket—it makes grabbing a drink during quick breaks so much easier.
My Final Indoor Pickleball Essentials: Pro-Level Accessories That Make a Difference
Over time, I’ve learned that small accessories can solve big problems on the court.
From keeping track of the score to protecting my paddle and saving my back during practice, these extra tools have made my indoor pickleball experience smoother, more enjoyable, and a lot more efficient.
Arm Sleeves: Stay Cool, Stay Protected
I used to think arm sleeves were just for outdoor players—but they’ve actually become one of my favorite pieces of indoor gear.
They help regulate my body temperature, wick away sweat, and give me a little extra support during long rallies.
My Favorite Arm Sleeves:
- Outdoor Essentials UV Protection Arm Sleeves – Super lightweight and comfortable. Even indoors, they keep me cool and dry.
- Nike Pro Compression Sleeves – Great for added muscle support and sweat control during intense matches.
- SParms UV Arm Sleeves – Breathable, soft, and wick sweat quickly. I like these for all-day comfort.
Personal Tip:
Even indoors, arm sleeves help me feel fresher and less fatigued. Plus, they’re great for managing sweat without needing to constantly wipe down.
Essential Indoor Pickleball Gear & Tips
Over the years, I’ve learned that great pickleball isn’t just about your paddle and ball—it’s about the details.
There are smaller pieces of equipment that can dramatically improve your comfort, performance, and safety, especially indoors.
I’ve been on both sides—showing up unprepared, struggling to keep up, and slipping mid-game. And I’ve also played those perfect sessions where I felt ready, organized, and fully in control. The difference?
The right gear.
Here are the extra essentials that I never walk into an indoor court without—backed by my personal experience and lessons learned the hard way.
Gear Up, Level Up, and Love the Game
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that small accessories can make a big impact.
Whether it’s scorekeeping tools to keep the game smooth, ball retrievers to save your back, gloves for grip, or practice gear to sharpen your skills—these extras make playing indoor pickleball more enjoyable, efficient, and rewarding.
Investing in the right gear means:
- You’ll feel more prepared.
- You’ll play more comfortably.
- You’ll improve faster and avoid preventable injuries.
I’ve built my indoor pickleball kit piece by piece over time, and every item has earned its spot in my bag through real on-court experience.
So, what’s your must-have pickleball accessory?
I’d love to hear what’s in your gear bag—drop a comment and let’s share tips to help each other level up!
Until then, I’ll see you on the court—fully geared up, ready to play, and loving every minute of it!
