Pickleball 101: What is Pickleball & How to Play Pickleball

What Is Pickleball? How To Play Pickleball, What Benefits Are There & Why Is It So Popular?

Source - Online

Have you noticed a growing trend in your local parks or community clubs, where people are playing a game that seems like a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis? That's most likely pickleball, a rapidly expanding sport gaining significant traction in Singapore.

1. Unveiling the Game - What is Pickleball?
2. Key Characteristics of Pickleball
3. The History and Origin of Pickleball
4. How to Play Pickleball for Beginners
5. Bonus Tips on How to Play Pickleball for Beginners
6. Beyond the Game - The Benefits of Playing Pickleball
7. Why is Pickleball so Popular in Singapore?
8. Where to Play Pickleball in Singapore?
   
   

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Played with solid-faced paddles and a perforated plastic ball, it offers a unique and accessible activity for individuals of all ages and skill levels. The game is typically played as either singles (two players) or doubles (four players) on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net.

Key Characteristics of Pickleball

Pickleball might look like a confusing mix of familiar sports, but fret not, the core rules are quite straightforward, making it an accessible activity for everyone. Here's a deeper dive into the key characteristics to get you started -

• Paddles - Larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets, pickleball paddles are solid and have a smooth surface.
• Ball - A perforated plastic ball with holes, providing less bounce than a tennis ball, making rallies more controlled.
• Court - Imagine a badminton court with a slightly modified tennis net (lower to the ground). Similar in size to a badminton court (44 feet long by 20 feet wide), the pickleball court features a non-volley zone (also known as the "kitchen") near the net where players cannot volley the ball (hit it in mid-air).
• Scoring - Similar to table tennis, only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11 points, with a win requiring a two-point advantage.

The History and Origin of Pickleball

The origin of pickleball credits Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, three fathers from Bainbridge Island, Washington, who created the game in 1965 to entertain their bored children.

From its humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island, pickleball has grown exponentially in popularity, particularly in the United States and Canada. In recent years, the sport has experienced a significant surge of interest in Asian countries, including Singapore.

How to Play Pickleball for Beginners

Pickleball is considered an easy-to-learn sport, even for those unfamiliar with other racket sports. Here's a comprehensive guide to equip you with the knowledge and basic skills to step onto the court with confidence -

Equipment -

• Choose a paddle that feels comfortable in your hand and is appropriate for your height and playing style. Beginners can typically start with a lighter paddle for better control.
• Use a pickleball ball, which is lighter and has holes compared to a tennis ball.
• Wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes that allow for quick movement and support on the court.

Basic Gameplay -

1. The Serve - Pickleball uses an underhand serve. Stand behind the baseline and diagonally serve the ball into the opponent's service court (the diagonally opposite area from you). The serve must bounce once before the receiving team can return it.
2. Double Bounce Rule - After the serve, both teams must allow the ball to bounce once on their side of the court before volleying (hitting it in mid-air). This rule applies to all players, except for the serving team in the non-volley zone (kitchen).
3. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) - The area closest to the net on both sides is called the non-volley zone or "kitchen." Players are not allowed to volley the ball while standing in the kitchen. They can only play the ball after it bounces.
4. Volleying and Groundstrokes - Once the ball has bounced on both sides, players can volley it (hit it in mid-air) or play groundstrokes (hit the ball after it bounces).
5. Scoring - Only the serving team can score points. A point is awarded to the serving team if the receiving team fails to return the ball, commits a fault (e.g., double fault, volleying in the kitchen, hitting the ball out of bounds), or hits the ball into the net.
6. Game Format - Games are typically played to 11 points, with a win requiring a two-point advantage to prevent long and drawn-out games.

Additional Rules and Reminders While Playing -

• Common faults include -
  • Double Fault - Failing to serve the ball correctly twice in a row.
  • Foot Fault - Having your foot on or over the baseline when serving.
  • Volley in the Kitchen - Hitting the ball in the air while standing in the non-volley zone.
• Communication - Effective communication with your partner in doubles is crucial for coordinating shots and strategies.
• Sportsmanship - Maintain good sportsmanship throughout the game, respecting your opponents and celebrating good plays on both sides.

Bonus Tips on How to Play Pickleball for Beginners

• Start with a forehand grip - This is the most common grip used by beginners and provides good control over the paddle.
• Focus on keeping the ball in play - Consistency is key in pickleball. Aim to hit the ball deep and within the court boundaries to keep rallies going and avoid giving your opponent’s easy points.
• Practice footwork - Moving efficiently on the court is crucial for reaching shots and positioning yourself properly. Practice side-shuffling, lunges, and quick changes of direction.
• Master the serve - A good serve can put your opponent on the defensive and give you an advantage. Practice different types of serves, such as the short serve and the deep serve, and focus on accuracy and consistency.
• Learn basic volleys and groundstrokes - While beginners are not expected to be volleying experts, learning the basic mechanics of forehand and backhand volleys will improve your game. Similarly, mastering basic groundstrokes like the forehand drive and backhand drive will provide you with a solid foundation.

Beyond the Game - The Benefits of Playing Pickleball

Pickleball offers a multitude of benefits for players of all ages, even seniors, extending far beyond its ease of learning and growing popularity -

• Physical activity - Pickleball provides a moderate-intensity workout that improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and increases flexibility without being too harsh on our body. This makes it a great option for individuals especially seniors seeking an enjoyable way to stay active and improve their overall fitness without risking injury.
• Mental stimulation - The game requires strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and hand-eye coordination, keeping your mind sharp and engaged. This mental engagement can be beneficial for cognitive health and overall well-being.
• Social interaction - Pickleball is often played in doubles, promoting social interaction and making it a fantastic way to meet new people and build friendships. This social aspect can be especially appealing for individuals looking to connect with others and build a sense of community.
• Stress relief - The physical activity and social interaction inherent to pickleball can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Engaging in enjoyable physical activity can be a natural stress reliever, and the social connection can provide a sense of belonging and support.
• Accessibility - The minimal equipment requirements and readily available courts make pickleball an accessible sport for people of various backgrounds and financial situations. This accessibility allows almost anyone to participate and enjoy the benefits of the game.

Why is Pickleball so Popular in Singapore?

Several factors contribute to the growing popularity of pickleball in Singapore -

• Accessibility - The sport requires minimal equipment and can be played almost anywhere with a suitable court.
• Social aspect - Pickleball is often played in doubles, promoting social interaction and making it a great way to meet new people.
• Age-friendliness - The game's easy-to-learn nature and moderate intensity make it suitable for players of all ages and fitness levels, such as seniors as previously mentioned.
• Year-round play - Singapore's warm climate allows for year-round play, further enhancing its appeal.

Learn more about the rise of pickleball in Singapore.

Where to Play Pickleball in Singapore?

The good news for pickleball enthusiasts in Singapore is that there are courts available across the island to play pickleball. Here are areas where you can play pickleball in Singapore -

North

• Yishun Sports Hall
• Sembawang Community Club
• Bishan Community Club

South/Southwest

• Bukit Canberra Sports Hall
• Jurong Spring Community Club
• West Coast Community Club

East

• Our Tampines Hub Community Hall
• Tampines West Community Club
• Victoria Junior College

West

• Jurong East Sports Hall
• Bukit Panjang Community Club
• Clementi Sports Hall

Central

• Whampoa Community Club
• Bishan Sports Hall

You can visit MyActiveSG+ to book the above facilities.

If you're looking for a fun, easy-to-learn sport that offers a healthy dose of exercise and social interaction, look no further than pickleball. With its simple rules, minimal equipment requirements, and growing community, pickleball is a perfect activity for anyone looking for an enjoyable and engaging way to spend their time. So why not give it a try? You might have just discovered your new favourite hobby.

Want to meet other people who play pickleball? You can get more information here on what are ActiveSG Sport Interest Groups and how to be in a Pickleball Interest Group. Benefits include being able to play pickleball regularly without worrying about having no courts available, and meeting new pickleball friends who enjoy the same sport.

* This is not an exhaustive list, and many other locations offer pickleball courts.