This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Beyond the paddle and shoes, a handful of accessories make a meaningful difference in how you play and how you maintain your equipment. Replacement grips, cooling towels, ball hoppers for solo practice, and a good water bottle are the accessories most regular players accumulate over their first year. This guide covers the best options so you can add what you actually need.
Top Picks
- Tourna Grip XL Overgrip — The most popular overgrip in racket sports — absorbs sweat, adds grip, extends handle feel
- Onix Pickleball Ball Hopper — 60-ball capacity hopper that doubles as a stand — essential for solo serve and drill practice
- Chill Pal Cooling Towel — Instant cooling when wet — essential for outdoor summer play
- Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth — Keeps drinks cold for 24 hours — the benchmark water bottle for outdoor athletes
- Gamma Paddle Grip Wrap — Replacement base grip to restore paddle handle feel after wear
Grips and Overgrips
Overgrips are the most cost-effective paddle maintenance item available. A fresh overgrip transforms the feel of a worn paddle handle, adds sweat absorption, and allows grip size adjustments. Most overgrips cost $2 to $5 each and take two minutes to apply. Replace your overgrip when it feels slippery, shiny, or has visible wear. Players who play three or more times per week typically replace overgrips every two to four weeks.
Ball Hoppers for Solo Practice
A ball hopper lets you practice serves and groundstrokes alone without chasing balls after every shot. A 60-ball hopper gives you enough balls for a complete serve session before needing to reload. Most hoppers have a built-in stand so you can pick up balls directly without bending over. Ball hoppers are the single most useful practice accessory for players who drill independently.
Pros
- Most accessories are low-cost and provide immediate practical value
- Overgrips are among the highest-ROI maintenance items in any racket sport
- A ball hopper unlocks solo practice that games alone cannot replicate
Cons
- Accessories accumulate — easy to over-buy items you use infrequently
- Quality varies significantly at lower price points — stick to known brands
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an overgrip on my pickleball paddle?
Not required, but strongly recommended for players who sweat during play. An overgrip adds sweat absorption and gives you control over grip size. Replace it when the surface feels smooth or slippery — a worn overgrip is a real performance liability.
What accessories should a new pickleball player buy first?
In order of priority: extra balls (you will need them), an overgrip for your paddle, and a quality water bottle. A ball hopper is worth adding once you start practicing serve and drill work independently.