The Best Pickleball Products and Stretches, According to a Pro

Pickleball has seemingly taken over the world, and its growth doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. The easy-to-learn game is beloved by players of all ages, gets your heart rate elevated, and can be played just about anywhere that has a flat surface and tennis net. 

However, using the right equipment and warm-up routine is key to preventing injury (a real risk in pickleball), improving your game, and feeling amazing on the court. While you can do your own research about the products and exercises you should have lined up for yourself, we wanted to get advice from a pro. 

Recently, we were able to chat with Hurricane Tyra Black, pro pickleball player sponsored by Reebok. She shared her tips for becoming a better player, the importance of proper pickleball shoes, and her go-to outfits for acing her game. 

Katie Couric Media: What kinds of features or materials should people look for in pickleball clothes?

Hurricane Tyra Black: My number one priority is being able to move freely in anything I wear. Something can look great, but if I can’t make my shots, it’s a no-go. Second, breathability is really important, especially because I’m based in South Florida. I also love to look and feel good in what I’m wearing — it gives me so much confidence during matches! 

We’ve heard that playing pickleball in running shoes or other non-court shoes is a big no-no. Why is that? 

Running shoes aren’t designed to provide the necessary support and stability for quick lateral movements on the court. Right now, I think Reebok’s new Nano Court Training Shoes are the absolute perfect shoe for pickleball as they’re designed specifically for court sports. They provide the ultimate comfort, support, and traction for quick movements, and they look awesome, too. 

You’ve got killer style on and off the court. What are some of your favorite pieces to wear while you’re playing and why?

As a Reebok athlete, I love Reebok’s new Sport Classics Apparel Collection. The skirt and cover-up from the collection give the ultimate preppy court aesthetic, which is super trendy right now. When I’m training off the courts, I tend to wear breathable and supportive leggings and a sports bra.

What’s your go-to pickleball paddle?

I’ve been sponsored by Pikkl since last year, so I might be biased, but I think they make the best paddles in the sport. They are also an amazing company with awesome people, and I’m happy to represent them. I use the Hurricane Pro, my signature paddle, which comes in pink, blue, green, red, and black. 

For those just getting into the sport, what do you think the most important things to invest in are? 

Paddles and shoes are so important. If you feel comfortable with both, you’ll be able to take your game to new levels. 

What are some stretches or drills you do to warm up and prevent injury? How often/long do you do them before playing? 

Warms-ups are all about getting loose for playing. I like dynamic stretching from head to toe, starting with my ankles and working my way up to my neck. It’s such an important part of my routine, and makes me confident going into matches knowing I’m warm and ready to go. Here’s my usual routine: 

1. Light jog: I start with a light jog in place to activate my feet and ankles. I do this for roughly 20-30 seconds to get blood flowing in my feet and lower legs.
2. Heel flicks: Then I move on to heel flicks, which helps to warm up my quads and the other muscles in the front of my legs. This is basically just running forward slowly, making sure your heels touch your butt with each step. 
3. Hamstring sweeps: Moving onto the back of my legs, I begin activating my hamstrings. While walking, I sweep my hands down toward the ground, bending forward to stretch the backs of my legs as I do so.
4. High march twists: I like to gradually move further up the body with the next exercise to warm up my glutes. While marching, I gently twist my torso from side to side.
5. Lateral hip openers: Opening up your hips and core is a really important exercise for movements on the court. To do this, I lift one leg up while bent at a 90-degree angle (like I’m about to march), and then pivot at the hip, moving my bent leg from right in front of me out to the side. Repeat on both sides. 
6. Alternate arm pushbacks: Now I’m engaging my upper body, getting my arms and shoulders as loose as possible. Keeping my chest open, I move my arms back behind me, flexing my shoulders to move them back and slightly up. 
7. Arm circles: Again, working on loosening up my arms, I start doing arm circles forward and backward so I can swing freely on the court
8. Neck stretch: Finally, I like to loosen my neck by just rolling my head from side to side.

Finally, what’s your favorite part about being a pro pickleball player?

Pickleball as a sport has been able to grow so fast while maintaining a sense of community. I’m so thankful for the relationships I’ve made while playing, from brands to amateurs to fellow professionals. The sport has changed so many lives, and anything that promotes an active lifestyle is a winner in my book. I encourage people to get out and try it if you haven’t already; you’ll be hooked!