A pickleball paddle disclosed herein includes a front surface, an opposing back surface, and a frame formed about at least a head portion of the paddle, where the frame may define a hollow interior portion. A core may be disposed between the front and back surfaces, extending between a handle and the head portion. The core may feature an outer boundary including a first portion spaced apart from the frame and a second portion that directly contacts the frame. A gap, formed as a void, may be positioned between the first spaced apart portion of the core's outer boundary and the frame. Additionally, a first filler may be disposed within the gap, and a second filler may be disposed within the hollow interior portion of the frame. The spaced apart and contacting portions of the core may be arranged in various configurations, including alternating segments.