A fun, social sport growing in popularity, pickleball has swept the nation and attracted athletes of all ages, fitness levels and abilities to take to the court. For seniors, pickleball offers a safe, easy sport that helps increase cardiovascular health while offering a social outlet and chance to connect with friends.
According to the USA Pickleball Association, “core” pickleball players are considered those who play eight or more times per year, while “casual” players play seven times or less. In 2022, 52% of core players were 55 or older, making seniors one of the largest demographics of regular players in the country.
If your older loved one enjoys moderate exercise, has the hand strength to hold onto a paddle and is looking for more social activities with other seniors, it might be worth reaching out to your local gym or community center for open court times or clubs.
What to look for in a pickleball paddle
The first and most necessary step if your senior is eager to play pickleball is to find a good paddle. A multitude of options are available, so it will take time to identify which styles they prefer. To help in your search, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites.
As a recreational tennis player for the last decade, I found moving to a pickleball paddle a bit of an adjustment. In my efforts to pick up pickleball (as more of my friends can play pickleball than tennis), I’ve learned which paddles I prefer and which I’m not fond of. Your senior might need to try several before landing on a specific type.
Things to keep in mind during your search include:
- Firmness – For beginners, softer paddles are recommended so the ball won’t bounce off as quickly, giving the player more control over where the ball goes.
- Grip – If your senior is used to holding a tennis or racquetball racquet, choosing a grip that mimics what they’re used to will help them transition to a new game.
- Weight – Like in tennis, some players prefer heavier paddles that give them more power behind the ball, while others might need a lighter option that’s easier to control.
- Size – While some players want a bigger face surface (which gives them more chance to hit the ball), others want a longer grip and a smaller face for more control.
Pickleball paddles to consider
Great for beginners or professionals, this pack includes two paddles, four indoor balls, two cooling towels and a carrying case.
Features:
- Fiberglass face with a polypropylene honeycomb core
- 8-ounce weight
- Perforated tape, sweat-absorbent grip
- USA Pickleball Association-approved
This pack is great for groups just learning to play and includes four wood paddles with comfortable grips and safety wrist straps, eight balls and a carrying bag.
Features:
- Wood-face construction
- Sweat-absorbent, cushioned grip
- 9.7-ounce weight
- Larger face for beginners
At a higher price point, Selkirk considers their products the premier options in pickleball and even boasts that many professional pickleballers use their gear.
Features:
- Fiberglass face with a thicker polypropylene X5 core
- Unique size with a shorter handle and larger face
- Light weight of 7.3 to 7.7 ounces on average
- Sweat-absorbent grip
- USA Pickleball Association-approved
The cleverly named Big Dill Pickleball Company offers a lineup of pickleball paddles made of wood or fiberglass that feature fun, unique branding on the paddle face. This is my paddle of choice as I like fiberglass paddles over wood. The grip also mimics a tennis racquet handle, which I prefer, and the size suits my style of play.
Features:
- Fiberglass face and propylene honeycomb core
- Protective edge guard
- 7.7-ounce weight
- Nonslip, cushioned grip
- USA Pickleball Association-approved
- Each paddle includes a neoprene cover
Pickleball gear maker Eastport Pickleball offers fun, colorful paddle designs inspired by the islands of the Bahamas, as well as nets, balls and hats. The Green Turtle series was designed to honor the wildlife and people of the small Bahamian Out Island, Green Turtle Cay.
Features:
- Vinyl laminate face
- Polymer honeycomb core
- Vinyl edge trim
- Light tack grip
- 8.3 to 9.0-ounce weight
- USA Pickleball Association-approved
I ordered this set of paddles for my kids to play in the driveway with. At this price point it was well worth the investment for four paddles, cooling towels and enough balls for them to lose a few and not stop play. These paddles are a nice way to introduce the game to a newcomer without breaking the bank.
Features:
- Wood face and cushioned, nonslip grip
- 9.8-ounce weight
- Four cooling towels
- Four balls
- Carrying case
Tennis racquet maker Head has entered the pickleball arena (or court, as it were) with this sleek, ergonomic paddle great for players at all levels.
Features:
- Composite hitting surface on the face
- Polypropylene honeycomb core
- Foam handle grip
- 8.1-ounce weight