How to Choose the Right Team Pickleball Paddle (Standard vs. Sport Plus, Sets, and Covers Explained)

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and it's no surprise that sports fans want to bring their team pride onto the court right along with their competitive game. Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or upgrading your setup, choosing the right combination of paddle, cover, and accessories makes a real difference in how you play and how your gear holds up over time.

This guide breaks down the key differences between paddle types, what's actually included in a paddle set, how covers protect your equipment, and what "officially licensed" really means when you're shopping for team-branded gear.

Why Pickleball Has Exploded in Popularity

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into a game that's easy to learn but has real depth for competitive players. The USA Pickleball Association has tracked rapid year-over-year growth in players across every age group, and local courts, rec centers, and even converted tennis courts have followed suit. For sports fans in particular, licensed pickleball gear offers a new way to combine a favorite pastime with team loyalty - something that wasn't widely available even a few years ago.

Standard vs. Sport Plus Paddles: What's the Difference?

Not all pickleball paddles are built the same, and the difference between a Standard paddle and a Sport Plus paddle comes down to face material and construction:

• Standard paddles use a lightweight fiberglass face. They're a great fit for casual and recreational play, tailgates, backyard games, and players just getting into the sport. The lighter weight makes them easier to swing for longer sessions without fatigue.
• Sport Plus paddles step up to a reinforced graphite face with an added edge guard. Graphite faces generally offer more control and a more consistent response off the paddle, and the edge guard adds durability against the dings and scrapes that come with regular play. These are a better fit for players who play more frequently or want more precision on their shots.

Neither option is objectively "better" across the board - it depends on how often you play and what you're looking for in feel and control. Casual players and gift buyers often start with Standard, while more frequent players tend to prefer the upgraded Sport Plus construction.

What's Included in a Paddle Set?

A paddle set typically pairs two paddles with a set of balls, making it a ready-to-play bundle right out of the box. This is especially useful for:

• Doubles play, which is the most common format in recreational pickleball
• Gift-giving, since a set gives the recipient everything they need without extra purchases
• Households or friend groups who want matching gear for the same team

If you're buying for yourself and a regular doubles partner, or as a gift for a pickleball-playing fan, a set is usually the simpler and more cost-effective choice over buying paddles individually.

Why Paddle Covers Matter More Than You'd Think

Paddle covers are one of those accessories that seem optional until you don't have one. A quality cover:

• Protects the face and edge guard from scratches during transport
• Shields the paddle from weather exposure if you're playing outdoors or storing gear in a car trunk
• Keeps a properly licensed team design looking sharp instead of scuffed after a few weeks of use

Given that a graphite paddle face is a meaningful investment, a cover is a small add-on that extends the life of the paddle significantly. Quilted covers, in particular, add an extra layer of padding compared to standard covers, which is worth considering if your paddle travels with you often - to and from courts, in a gym bag, or tossed in the back seat.

What "Officially Licensed" Actually Means

When you see "officially licensed" on a piece of team gear, it means the manufacturer has a formal agreement with the league and team to reproduce their logos, colors, and branding. This matters for a few reasons:

1. Authenticity - the colors and logo details match what you'd see on official team merchandise, not an approximation.
2. Legal use - licensed products are produced with permission, unlike unlicensed knockoffs that infringe on team and league trademarks.
3. Quality standards - leagues and teams generally require licensed manufacturers to meet certain production standards, which tends to mean better materials and construction than unlicensed alternatives.

If you're a fan of the NFL, NHL, or NCAA and want gear that actually represents your team well, officially licensed products are the safer and more authentic choice.

Building Your Pickleball Kit: A Quick Checklist

If you're outfitting yourself or a fellow fan for the season, here's a simple way to think through what you need:

• New to the sport or playing casually? Start with a Standard paddle.
• Playing regularly or want more control? Look at a Sport Plus paddle.
• Playing doubles or buying a gift? A paddle set covers both bases.
• Traveling with your gear or storing it in a car/bag? Add a cover - quilted if you want extra padding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Standard and Sport Plus paddles?
Standard paddles use a lightweight fiberglass face for casual play, while Sport Plus paddles feature a reinforced graphite face and edge guard for added control and durability.

What's included in a pickleball paddle set?
Most sets include two officially licensed paddles and a set of balls, making them ready for doubles play right out of the box.

Do paddle covers fit every paddle?
Standard covers are sized to fit standard-dimension paddles like our Standard and Sport Plus lines, protecting the face and edge guard during storage or transport. Quilted covers offer additional padding for players who travel with their gear frequently.

Why does officially licensed gear cost more than generic alternatives?
Licensing agreements with leagues and teams typically come with production and quality standards, and manufacturers pay licensing fees to legally use team branding - both of which are reflected in the price compared to unlicensed knockoffs.

Is pickleball hard to learn?
No - pickleball has a relatively short learning curve compared to sports like tennis, thanks to a smaller court and simpler scoring system, which is part of why it has grown so quickly across age groups.

Ready to Gear Up?

Whether you're outfitting your own paddle bag or shopping for a pickleball-playing fan, our Pickleball Paddles, Sets & Covers collection has officially licensed gear for NFL, NHL, and NCAA teams - with more designs and accessories, including cases and backpacks, on the way.

Looking for more ways to show your team spirit around the house or on game day? Check out our full Shop by Collection page for tailgating gear, drinkware, rugs, and more.