Glow in the dark pickleball is a fun and unique variation of the popular sport of pickleball. Imagine playing this beloved sport under a canopy of stars, with neon-colored paddles and balls lighting up the night sky. 

What is glow in the dark pickleball?

Glow in the dark pickleball is a unique twist on the popular sport that adds an exciting element of fun and challenge. Imagine playing pickleball under the night sky, with glowing balls and paddles lighting up the court. It’s a fantastic experience!

Pickleball is taken to a new level of fun when players use glow-in-the-dark paddles and balls. The glowing equipment adds appealing visual and helps players track the ball in low-light conditions. Glow-in-the-dark pickleball creates unforgettable evenings in your garden or at a dedicated venue.

Play glow-in-the-dark pickleball with special gear. High-quality glow-in-the-dark pickleballs are durable and visible. Additionally, make sure to have LED-lit paddles or paddle covers illuminating when blacklight hits.

Who Invented Glow Pickleball?

Corky Newcomb, a New Hampshire-based inventor, invented glow pickleball. Newcomb is also the inventor of glow in the dark golf balls and footballs. Newcomb got the idea for glow pickleball from his friend Billy McGehee, a former tennis pro and pickleball enthusiast. McGehee suggested that Newcomb invent a pickleball that would light up at night.

Newcomb spent most of 2021 researching and developing the glow pickleball. He finally got the ball on the market in the spring of 2022. Newcomb’s glow pickleball uses a short chemiluminescent light stick to provide the light. The light stick is inserted into the ball through a hole on one pole and out the other.

The glow pickleball has been a hit with pickleball players of all ages. It allows people to play pickleball at night, even if no court lights are available. Newcomb’s invention has made pickleball even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Why play glow in the dark pickleball?

Experience the Sensory Wonder:

Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleball is an extraordinary journey into the night, where twilight brings an enchanting glow, and the court transforms into a celestial disco ball. Engage your senses in this unique version of pickleball, where the mesmerizing radiance of paddles and balls elevates the game.

Forge Bonds in the Dark:

This variation of pickleball isn’t just about competition; it’s about creating lasting connections. Whether challenging friends or joining a local league, navigating the darkened court together fosters camaraderie and friendly competition. The shared challenge becomes a binding force among players.

Unleash Your Instincts:

Glow-in-the-dark pickleball offers a fresh perspective on strategy and skill development. With limited visibility, it becomes a test of instincts and feels for the game, requiring you to adapt your strategies in real time. The challenge is both demanding and rewarding, pushing players to explore new dimensions of their skills.

Join the Glowing Revolution:

If you’re looking for an exhilarating way to enjoy pickleball with old and new friends, leap into the radiant world of Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleball! Enjoy the neon-lit environment while practicing everyone’s favorite paddle sport in this unique variant. Get ready for a magical journey that will make you want more glow-in-the-dark pickleball.

Required Equipment and Accessories for Glow in the Dark Pickleball Play

Playing glow-in-the-dark pickleball requires some essential equipment to ensure an electrifying experience. You’ll need the following equipment and accessories to play glow-in-the-dark pickleball:

Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleballs: These unique balls are designed to illuminate in low-light conditions. They make tracking the ball in the dark easy and give a tremendous visual impact to your game.

Franklin Sports X-40 Glow in the Dark Pickleballs: These pickleballs are made with a durable plastic construction and a unique surface texture for added spin and control. Additionally, they glow in the dark, which increases their visibility in areas with low light.

Onix Pure 2 Glow in the Dark Pickleballs: These pickleballs are made with a durable plastic construction and a unique surface texture for added spin and control. They also glow in the dark for better visibility in low-light conditions.

Dura Fast 40 Glow in the Dark Pickleballs: These pickleballs are made with a durable plastic construction and a unique surface texture for added spin and control. The glowing makes them more visible in dim light.

Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleball Net: To improve low-light visibility, put glow-in-the-dark tape on the top and bottom of a standard pickleball net. Use net posts or clips that light in the dark to increase visibility. It should be sturdy and durable to withstand hours of intense play while maintaining its glow.

Glowing Court Markers or Tape: To define the boundaries of your glow-in-the-dark court, you’ll need bright markers or tape. These ensure players stay within the designated playing area, preventing confusion during gameplay.

Two main types of tape are used for glow-in-the-dark pickleball:

Vinyl tape: The most common glow in the dark pickleball tape is vinyl. It is Durable, easy to apply, and multicolored. Vinyl tape is also relatively inexpensive.

Gaffer tape: Gaffer tape provides an alternative for glow-in-the-dark pickleball. While it may not be as durable as vinyl tape, it is cheaper and easier to remove. 

Vinyl and gaffer tape can mark the court lines and boundaries or decorate your paddles and clothing. They can also be used to create custom designs on your court.

Modified Paddle: You can easily change regular pickleball paddles if dedicated glow-in-the-dark paddles are unavailable. Apply reflective tape or stickers to make them visible in the dark, ensuring you’re always ready to strike. Following are a few specific paddles for the game:

PRO Pickleball Glow-in-Dark Paddle Edge and Balls Set: Including six glow-in-the-dark pickleballs and two paddles with glow-in-the-dark borders.

Onix Pure 2 Glow in the Dark Pickleball Paddle: This paddle has a perforated fiberglass face and a honeycomb core for added durability and power. Its glow-in-the-dark edge improves visibility in low light.

Franklin Sports X-40 Glow in the Dark Pickleball Paddle: This paddle has a durable composite face and a honeycomb core for added power and control. In low light, its glow-in-the-dark edge improves visibility.

LED black lights

Choosing LED black lights for glow-in-the-dark pickleball is a good decision due to their energy efficiency, durability, and lower heat output than conventional black lights.

  • Short-throw blacklights (5ft – 20ft)
  • Medium-throw blacklights (20ft – 40ft)
  • Long-throw blacklights (40ft – 300ft)

LED blacklights with high power and extended throw are preferred for glow pickleball.

Safety First: Neon Glow with Caution

While the allure of neon-lit play is undeniable, never compromise safety. Ensure you wear suitable footwear to prevent any mishaps on the court. Stay vigilant about potential collisions resulting from reduced visibility.

Other Accessories

Here are some additional accessories that are recommended for glow pickleball:

Headlamps or flashlights: These can improve your night vision of the ball and court.

Clothing: Wearing white or light-colored clothing will make you stand out on the court and make other players see you more clearly.

Insect repellent: If you are playing outside, using insect repellent can help keep mosquitoes and other pesky insects away.

Luminous Eyewear: wearing these radiant glasses enhances your ability to perceive the ball and court with remarkable clarity during low-light conditions.

Radiant Wristbands and Necklaces: Sporting these wristbands and necklaces allows players to infuse a personal touch into their experience. A spectrum of vivid colors is at your disposal, each denoting a distinct level of luminosity.

Glowing Court Boundary Markers: These illuminating markers are a guiding light, defining the court’s perimeters and rendering it quickly in the dark.

Are you hosting a glow-in-the-dark pickleball event? Try a fog machine for extra fun.

Set up a table with glowy snacks and drinks.

Capture the memories with lots of photos and videos!

How to Make a Glow in the Dark Pickleball Court?

You can quickly and safely set up a glow-in-the-dark pickleball court for everyone to enjoy with some preparation.

Choose a location for your court: You can enjoy glow-in-the-dark pickleball both indoors and outdoors. Indoor facilities often feature dimmed lighting, while outdoor setups rely on natural darkness. The choice is yours!

Set up the black lights: Position the black lights so that they evenly light up the entire court. You may need to use multiple black lights to achieve this.

Mark the court lines with glow-in-the-dark tape: Use the glow-in-the-dark tape to mark the boundaries of the court and the net. You can also use the tape to create custom designs on your court.

Start playing! Once the court is set up, you can start playing glow-in-the-dark pickleball with your friends and family.

Tips for playing glow in the dark pickleball

Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind when playing glow-in-the-dark pickleball:

1. Choose the proper lighting: When playing glow-in-the-dark pickleball, it’s crucial to have proper lighting. Look for a well-lit court or area with UV lights to enhance the visibility of the glowing ball and lines.

2. Wear fluorescent clothing and accessories: Wear colorful clothes or accessories that stand out under UV lighting on the darker court. This will improve your ability to see other people and make it simpler for them to notice you.

3. Practice your shots: Practice your shots before playing in dim light to improve depth, sight, and timing. Work on improving your accuracy and power to adapt quickly during a game.

4. Communicate effectively: Since visibility may be limited in glow-in-the-dark pickleball, clear communication with your teammates becomes even more critical. Use verbal cues, hand signals, or pre-defined strategies to ensure smooth coordination during gameplay.

5. Stay focused and react quickly: With reduced visibility comes an increased need for quick reflexes and heightened focus on the glowing ball’s movement. Always keep your eyes on the ball and swiftly react when hitting or defending.

Conclusion

Engaging in glow in the dark pickleball introduces a fun and unique way to play sports. It offers a chance to engage in a spirited physical activity and creates a unique opportunity to strengthen connections with loved ones while having fun. Following the suggestion above, You are about to embark on an exciting, safe adventure. Glow-in-the-dark pickleball provides hours of fun at parties or in routine matches under the starry night sky.