How to carry your pickleball paddle to the court: cover, backpack or paddle bag
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Almost nobody thinks about how they'll carry the paddle until the handle slips out of a pocket or they discover a new scratch on the face. And it's one of the few things you pay dearly for when it gets damaged.
These are the usual ways to carry it, who each one suits and where they fall short.
1. In your hand
The default way. You take it from the trunk and head to the court.
It works if the court is fifteen feet from the car and you carry nothing else.
It falls short in: you occupy a hand, and the paddle ends up leaning on the ground, against the fence or on the seat while you look for your keys.
2. In a cover
A light cover, neoprene or fabric, that the paddle slides into with the handle out. It's carried in your hand or crossbody with a strap.
It works if you carry little: the paddle, keys and phone. It protects the face and edge from rubbing.
It falls short in: it doesn't carry clothes, a bottle or a towel. It's a cover, not a bag.
We sell one, the CARRY: neoprene, in eight models: four crossbody (21 × 29 cm / 8.3 × 11.4 in, front zip pocket, adjustable strap and room for two paddles) and four zip covers with a wrist strap, for a single paddle. The neoprene is waterproof according to the manufacturer, but the zippers aren't watertight: it's not for heavy rain.
3. In a backpack with a paddle sleeve
A backpack with its own compartment for the paddle, with the handle sticking out so you can take it out without opening everything.
It works if you carry a bottle, towel, balls and some clothes, and you walk, cycle or take public transport, because it leaves your hands free.
It falls short in: if you only carry the paddle, it's more bag than you need. And the RALLY, specifically, doesn't take spare shoes.
Ours is the RALLY, with a side sleeve for two paddles.
4. In a big paddle bag
The classic sports bag, with several compartments and room for shoes.
It works if you play tournaments or train often and carry a change of clothes and shoes.
It falls short in: to go play for an hour it's too much.
What suits you: by what you carry
| You carry | What suits you |
|---|---|
| Paddle, keys and phone | Cover with a strap |
| Paddle, bottle, towel and balls | Backpack with a paddle sleeve |
| All of the above plus shoes and clothes | Paddle bag |
| You already have a backpack | A cover to protect the paddle inside |
Three things done to the paddle by accident
- Leaving it in the car in the sun. The heat of a closed car in summer does a paddle no good, and many manufacturers advise against it. Carry it with you or leave it in the shade.
- Storing it wet. If you've sweated or it has rained, dry it before putting it in a closed cover.
- Letting it rub against keys. It's the number one cause of scratches on the face. A cover with a separate pocket avoids it.
And a few more, with their solution, in how to take care of your paddle.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a cover for my pickleball paddle?
It isn't essential. But if you carry it loose with your keys or in the trunk, a cover avoids scratches and rubbing, and leaves you a free hand.
Cover or backpack for pickleball?
Cover if you only carry the paddle and small things. Backpack if you carry a bottle, towel and clothes. We compare them in cover or backpack.
Can you leave the paddle in the car?
Better not in summer or in the sun. Heat in a closed car can damage the paddle.
