We’re in the heat of summer, and while indoor pickleball courts are great with air conditioning, sometimes they come at a cost I just don’t want to pay for. So, I end up suffering through the summer heat. 

But luckily, there are a few easy additions and swaps that make playing pickleball outside in the summer just a little more bearable.

Here are a few tips for staying cool on the court when you play. 

Wear clothes with UV protection 

Sun protection is crucial when you’re playing outside, especially during the summer months when the UV is higher. Sunscreen can be thick, gloppy, sweat right off after a game, and just a pain to continue to lather up. A great alternative is to invest in pickleball clothing with UV protection with all the benefits of wearing sunscreen, without getting your skin oily. 

This long sleeve workout shirt is a great option for women that comes in a variety of different colors. And here’s a great option for the guys that comes in a bunch of different colors. 

Another popular brand on the pro pickleball court is Sparms for added sun protection as well. 

Fabrics made from bamboo or cooling materials  

Another great addition is clothing that is made with cooling fabrics, sweat wicking, or quick dry. A personal favorite of mine is tasc Performance for both men and women. All of their fabric is made with cooling bamboo infused fabric that’s lightweight and breathable. And lots of their tops come with UPF, so it’s an added bonus.

Shirts with mesh panels or cutouts can also be helpful for added ventilation. For example, this dress from 11NIL that Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black regularly wear on the court. 

Lather up on your sunscreen 

Don’t let your pickleball game be the reason you’ve got to take a trip to the dermatologist to get a mole removed, so proactively wear your sunscreen. Spray, lotion, doesn’t matter. Allocate a few minutes before you warm up to apply it. 

A go-to favorite from the pros who are constantly playing pickleball outside during long tournament days are Elta MD and Supergoop.

Drink plenty of water and electrolytes 

This may seem obvious, but I think a lot of us are not hydrating enough before and after we get a good workout on the court. When you’re playing outside and you’re sweating, you’re going to need to be properly fueled. 

So bring your favorite water bottle and pour a packet of your favorite electrolytes for added hydration. I personally love every flavor I’ve tried from Ultima.

Bring a cooling towel 

Another great addition to your pickleball bag is a cooling towel. If you’ve never tried one, let me tell you, they’re a game-changer. This pack of four is a bestseller on Amazon for a reason. I cannot express how incredible it feels to throw a fresh cold towel on the back of your neck during a water break. It really helps cool your body down after a sweaty rally. 

Wear polarized sunglasses

I remember when polarized sunglasses became popular and they used to be so expensive. Now, you can get a quality pair of polarized sunnies for a good price. A go-to brand for me and my doubles partner is Goodr. All their sunglasses are incredibly comfortable, come in a variety of sizes, and will keep your eyes protected from the harsh rays. 

Invest in a large brim hat 

For additional sun protection, I highly recommend a wide brim hat. Sure, a baseball hat is good, but wearing a wide brim hat can give you added shade on your head, neck, and shoulders. 

Here’s a great sporty visor to add to your cart. 

And finally, don’t forget to take breaks if you need them. Stand in the shade, sit down, and pace yourself. There’s no need to overexert yourself, no matter how good the rallies are. So stay cool, and I’ll see you on the court. 

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