What is the Cost of Playing Pickleball?

Pickleball is sweeping across India as one of the fastest-growing sports. It’s fun, social, and offers great health benefits — but one of the biggest reasons for its rising popularity is affordability. Compared to sports like tennis or cricket, pickleball requires minimal equipment and low maintenance, making it accessible to players of all ages.

If you’re curious about the cost of playing pickleball in India, this guide breaks down all the expenses you might face, from equipment to courts to tournaments.

1. Cost of Pickleball Equipment

The first step to playing pickleball is getting your gear. Luckily, the entry cost is much lower than most racket sports.

Paddles

• Beginner Wooden Paddles: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 (sturdy but heavier, good for casual play)

• Composite Paddles: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 (lightweight, balanced, perfect for beginners to intermediate players)

• Graphite Paddles: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000+ (light, durable, with excellent control; ideal for advanced players)

Most beginners in India start with composite paddles as they balance affordability and performance.

Balls

Pickleball uses hollow plastic balls with holes. They’re affordable but do wear out over time.

• Indoor Balls: ₹400 – ₹600 (pack of 3)

• Outdoor Balls: ₹500 – ₹800 (pack of 3, more durable for rougher Indian courts)

Expect to replace balls regularly if you play often.

Shoes

Good footwear is essential for safe side-to-side movements.

• You can use badminton or tennis shoes if you already have them.

• Dedicated pickleball/indoor court shoes cost between ₹2,000 – ₹5,000.

Other Accessories

• Overgrip Tape: ₹200 – ₹400

• Paddle Cover: ₹300 – ₹600

• Pickleball Bag: ₹800 – ₹2,000

You can explore a complete range of beginner and pro-level pickleball gear at Sports Gear 24*7.

Total Estimated Starter Gear Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000

2. Cost of Courts and Playing Locations

One of pickleball’s biggest advantages is that it doesn’t need expensive facilities. A badminton or tennis court can be converted with temporary lines.

Options in India:

• Community Courts (Housing Societies): Many residential complexes are now setting up pickleball courts at little to no extra cost for residents.

• Clubs & Sports Complexes: Some charge ₹100 – ₹300 per session or offer monthly memberships between ₹1,000 – ₹3,000.

• Schools & Colleges: Increasingly popular as a PE activity; kids often play for free as part of programs.

Budget Tip: Playing in your society court or local community ground keeps your cost close to zero.

3. Cost of Coaching and Training

If you’re a beginner, you can easily learn by playing with friends. But for those looking to improve quickly or participate in tournaments, coaching helps.

• Group Coaching Sessions: ₹500 – ₹800 per session

• Private Coaching: ₹800 – ₹1,200 per hour

• Monthly Packages: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 depending on the city and coach expertise

Several clubs in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune offer structured training programs for kids and adults.

4. Tournament Participation Costs

India’s pickleball scene is growing fast with local, state, and national events. Participating isn’t too costly:

• Local Club Tournaments: ₹500 – ₹1,000 entry fee

• State-Level Events: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 entry fee

• National Championships (AIPA): ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 depending on categories

Travel and accommodation may add extra cost if the tournament is outside your city.

5. Hidden but Minimal Costs

• Replacement Balls: Regular players spend around ₹500 – ₹1,000 a month.

• Upgrading Gear: Once you get serious, you might want to invest in a graphite paddle or pro-level shoes.

• Club Memberships: Optional but can give access to organized matches and coaching.

6. Overall Cost Breakdown

Here’s a quick snapshot of what it might cost you to play pickleball in India:

Estimated Monthly Cost for a Beginner: Around ₹500 – ₹1,500 (excluding coaching).

Why Pickleball is Cost-Effective

Compared to cricket, which requires full kits, or tennis, which involves higher gear and membership costs, pickleball is highly affordable. Once you’ve purchased a paddle and shoes, your ongoing expenses are very low.

For families, it’s even more cost-effective since one court can host doubles matches, and kids, parents, and grandparents can all play together with minimal investment.

Final Thoughts

So, what is the cost of playing pickleball? In India, it’s one of the most affordable sports to get into. With starter gear under ₹5,000 and low-cost access to courts, it’s no wonder pickleball is growing in popularity.

Whether you’re 12 or 60, pickleball offers fun, fitness, and community without burning a hole in your pocket.

Ready to start? Check out the latest pickleball paddles, balls, and shoes at Sports Gear 24*7 and step onto the court today.

FAQs

Q1. How much does it cost to start playing pickleball in India?
A beginner can start playing pickleball for around ₹3,000–₹6,000, which includes a basic paddle, a pack of balls, and shoes.

Q2. Do I need to buy expensive gear to play pickleball?
Not at all! Beginner paddles are affordable, starting at ₹1,500. As you improve, you may upgrade to composite or graphite paddles.

Q3. Are there additional costs apart from equipment?
Yes, possible costs include coaching sessions, club memberships, or tournament entry fees. However, many players enjoy pickleball casually with minimal expense.

Q4. Is pickleball cheaper than tennis or badminton in India?
Yes, pickleball is generally cheaper. The equipment is less expensive, and you don’t always need exclusive courts or costly memberships.

Q5. How much does it cost to join a pickleball tournament in India?
Local tournaments cost around ₹500–₹1,000, while national championships can range between ₹3,000–₹5,000.