Bear Grips Pro ShopsYouth Pickleball Gear and Apparel Season Checklist
- A youth pickleball season needs gear (paddle, balls, shoes) sourced through a paddle vendor and apparel (jerseys, shorts, hoodies, hats) sourced through Pro Shops.
- Below is the full checklist split into the two sourcing buckets.
- Apparel side: per-piece pricing from $19.88, no minimum, free US shipping.
- Gear side: source through your local paddle pro shop or online paddle retailer.
A youth pickleball player needs two distinct shopping carts at the start of every season. The gear cart (paddle, balls, court shoes, bag) lives at a paddle vendor or online pickleball retailer. The apparel cart (jerseys, shorts, hoodies, hats, warm-up layers) lives at the team shop or Pro Shops. Below is the full season checklist split between the two carts so nothing falls through the gap.
The gear cart (paddle vendor)
| Item | Notes | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle (youth-sized grip) | Smaller grip circumference, lighter weight for younger players | Paddle vendor or online pickleball retailer |
| Pickleballs (indoor + outdoor) | Different ball for each court type | Paddle vendor or club retail |
| Court shoes | Lateral support, non-marking sole for indoor courts | Court-shoe retailer or pro shop |
| Paddle bag or sling | Holds 1 or 2 paddles plus water and snacks | Paddle vendor |
| Wrist sweatband | Optional, for warmer indoor sessions | Sporting goods retailer |
The apparel cart (Pro Shops)
| Item | VIP cost | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Practice tee (cotton) | $19.88 | Daily practice, casual team wear |
| Performance jersey | $23.88 | League play, tournament weekends |
| Athletic mesh shorts | $26.88 | Game-day shorts |
| Warm-up hoodie | $36.88 | Cold-morning league nights, pre-game layer |
| Long sleeve performance | $29.88 | Cold-weather indoor sessions |
| Team hat | $25.88 | Sun protection on outdoor courts |
What we make and what we do not (apparel side)
We print every apparel piece a youth pickleball player needs: practice tees, performance jerseys, shorts, long sleeves, warm-up hoodies, crewnecks, joggers, leggings, and hats. We do not produce paddles, balls, court shoes, grip tape, or paddle bags. Source those through your usual paddle vendor and add the apparel program through Pro Shops on top.
Full season cost per player
| Bucket | Typical spend |
|---|---|
| Gear (paddle, balls, shoes, bag) | $150 to $350 (one-time, replace as outgrown) |
| Apparel kit (jersey, shorts, hoodie, hat) | $113.52 VIP base / typical $180 retail |
| Practice tees (2 per season) | $39.76 VIP base |
| Tournament merch (1 to 2 per season) | $25 to $50 retail |
About $330 to $620 per player per season, with apparel running ~25% of the total spend.
Print the Apparel Side of the Checklist
Practice tees, performance jerseys, shorts, hoodies, hats. Source paddles separately, source apparel here, ships in about a week.
Start FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Where do you buy youth pickleball paddles?
Paddle vendors and online pickleball retailers. Pro Shops focuses on the apparel side (jerseys, hoodies, hats), not the equipment side.
What shoes are best for youth pickleball?
Court shoes with lateral support and non-marking soles for indoor play. Source through a court-shoe retailer, not an apparel shop.
Can the apparel order ship direct to home?
Yes. Each piece ships direct with free US delivery in about a week.
What is the most-needed piece in the apparel kit?
Performance jersey ($23.88 VIP) is the league-day workhorse. Cotton practice tee ($19.88) is the second piece most clubs build around.
