Women who make a first pickleball game feel easier

Pulenaz: start with a borrowed paddle and a familiar face

In her first-session video, Pulenaz arrives with court shoes she already owns and a water bottle. She borrows a paddle and shares a ball for the session, so there is no need to buy a full set before finding out whether she enjoys the game. She shows the borrowed paddle beside the gear she brought from home, then explains that buying a paddle can wait until she has tried one. When she is unsure where to stand, the organizer puts her with another new player and points out the service area.

At first she misses a return and steps back, embarrassed to hold up the group. Her partner suggests trying the next rally slowly and they exchange names while waiting for another court. After the game, Pulenaz asks when the group plays again. On her second visit she recognizes that partner, joins her for doubles and meets two more players through the rotation. The friendship begins with a specific return visit, rather than a promise that every group will feel welcoming.

The first purchase can wait until you know what fits your hand. Ask whether a venue lends paddles, whether balls are provided and whether a beginner session has a fee. A borrowed paddle and a shared ball are a practical way to try a session; if you buy later, compare a basic paddle and a small pack of balls rather than assuming you need a premium model.

Elissa Brown: a place to meet other beginners

Elissa Brown founded Black Girls Pickle, Too after discovering pickleball in Atlanta. On her own site she describes starting a social media page to celebrate Black women playing and says she hosts beginner-friendly meetups and social events. She also explains that the game helped her meet people after moving to a new city.

References: Black Girls Pickle, Too

Kaitlyn Kerr: a friendly introduction to the court

Kaitlyn Kerr is the player behind Pickleball Chick. Her own site describes finding pickleball and a community of friends; Selkirk lists her Pickleball Chick video course covering basic play and skills.

References: Pickleball Chick · Selkirk Sport

What to bring and what to ask

USA Pickleball identifies a paddle and ball as the basic equipment for starting the game.

References: USA Pickleball

For a first session, check what the organizer supplies and wear comfortable shoes suitable for the court. If you are buying, try holding a borrowed paddle first; a comfortable grip can matter more to a beginner than adding accessories.

Before joining a group, ask how players rotate, whether newcomers can join and whether there is a cost for court time. Introduce yourself to a partner between games and ask when they usually play. That gives you a concrete route back to the next session.

Sources and attribution

1. Black Girls Pickle, Too

   AboutPublication date not listed · Recorded Oct 29, 2026

2. Pickleball Chick

   AboutPublication date not listed · Recorded Oct 29, 2026

3. Selkirk Sport

   SelkirkTV CoursesPublication date not listed · Recorded Oct 29, 2026

4. USA Pickleball

   What Is Pickleball?Publication date not listed · Recorded Oct 29, 2026