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Looking to make pickleball a part of your life? There are a number of ways to get started. Plenty of retailers, ranging from Amazon to Target to Pickleball Galaxy, offer basic equipment

packages that contain paddles, balls and even a net, at a range of price points. If possible, though, head to a store and try out the paddles for yourself, as you’ll want to make sure the

size, weight and grip feel right. Once you have all your equipment, you can watch some of the many online tutorials offered by top pickleball coaches to get started. But the most effective

way to learn the game is to head to your local courts and sign up for lessons. Many local recreational departments offer group lessons, and you can use resources like Playpickleball to find

lists of teachers based in your area. Or simply ask experienced players for their recommendations; they may even offer to coach you themselves. As for where to find those courts — USA

Pickleball, the sport’s national governing body, runs a constantly updated database called Places2Play that lists available courts in the U.S.; you can access it via its website or phone

app. Many localities are now lining tennis courts for pickleball use. Similarly, the app PicklePlay offers a collection of courts as well as information on clubs, leagues and pickleball

events in local areas. When you get to a court, don’t be afraid to ask players for help getting started. As a rule, pickleball players are a friendly, welcoming bunch who enjoy taking

newcomers under their wings; they’ll likely be thrilled to get an opportunity to share their love of the game with more people. It won’t take long before you’re playing all the time and

knowledgeable enough to teach others the rules of the game.