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Pickleball is taking Singapore by storm! Read our comprehensive guide on how to play pickleball, where to play pickleball in Singapore and why everyone’s talking about it.
It’s a bit like badminton, but without the constant smashes, and a bit like tennis, but without the heavy racket. Enter pickleball – the sport that’s quickly becoming Singapore’s favourite! If you’ve spotted players at neighbourhood courts or community centres, you’re not alone in feeling the pickleball FOMO. And yes, it’s kid-friendly, too! We uncover all you need to know to jump into the game: the basics of pickleball rules, the top spots to play pickleball in Singapore, and where to find everything you need – from pickleball paddles and balls to the perfect pickleball net.
Jump to:
– What is pickleball
– Rules of pickleball
– How to play pickleball
– Where to play pickleball in Singapore
– Where to buy pickleball paddles, balls and net
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What is pickleball?
Simply put, pickleball is a unique blend of badminton, table tennis, and tennis, combining the best of each sport, which is why it’s easily gaining traction in Singapore. Played in singles or doubles, it uses solid-faced paddles and a lightweight perforated plastic ball.
No need to feel intimidated—pickleball is perfect for all ages! Played on a badminton-sized court with a low net (like tennis) and a lightweight, perforated ball, this sport offers a slower ball speed, making pickleball an ideal sport for beginners and younger players. Kids, especially, can develop their coordination and confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
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Rules of pickleball
We’ve been saying this quite a bit, but pickleball doesn’t have to be intimidating and it is really easy to pick up, making it a great sport for all ages. Here are some terms that you should know before you start playing:
1. Court and equipment: One of the great things about pickleball is that you don’t need a dedicated court to play! You can set up on a rectangular court (like a badminton court) with a low net. Grab some pickleball paddles and a perforated plastic ball, and you’re ready to go!
2. Serving: Start playing pickleball by serving underhand from the right side of the court, aiming diagonally to the opponent’s service box, which is the area where the ball needs to land. Just make sure the ball clears the non-volley zone (or kitchen) and lands in the opposite court!
3. Volleying: In pickleball, volleying refers to the action of hitting the ball before it bounces on the court. It has to occur while the ball is in the air, after it has crossed the net.
4. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): The area near the net is called the kitchen. When volleying, players need to stay out of this zone. Note that the terms “non-volley zone” and “kitchen” refer to the same area and are often used interchangeably in pickleball!
5. Double Bounce Rule: After the first serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can start volleying.
6. Scoring: In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11, 15, or 21 points, and you must win by at least two points to claim victory.
7. Rotating Servers: Remember when we said only the serving team scores? Here’s the fun part: Every time the serving team scores a point, they rotate service. In doubles, both players on a team get a turn to serve before switching sides.
8. Faults: A fault happens when the ball goes out of bounds, into the net, or when a player volleys from the non-volley zone.
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How to play pickleball
Now that you have the rules of pickleball at the back of your hand, here are some basics on the gameplay to get you started:
1. Grab your play buddies: You can choose to play pickleball in singles or doubles, so assemble your team!
2. Gather your gear: Grab a pickleball paddle, and a perforated ball, and find a pickleball court. It can also be a badminton court where you can fix your own pickleball net!
3. Start to serve: Get the game going by standing behind the baseline and serving underhand diagonally to your opponent’s service box. Just make sure the ball clears the non-volley zone (the kitchen) for a legal serve!
4. Get the ball rolling (or bouncing): Ensure the ball bounces once on each side before anyone starts volleying. This rule is called the double bounce rule!
5. Stay in your lane: When volleying, remember to stay out of the non-volley zone to avoid faults. You can enter the kitchen to fetch the ball, but be careful not to volley while you’re inside it.
6. Keeping score: In pickleball, only the serving team can score points, so when the serving team begins to serve, a rally starts. If any faults occur during the rally, it means the serving team does not score a point, and the serve rotates to the opposing team. They will then start a new rally by serving and can score points during their turn. Keep playing until one team reaches the point limit – usually 11, 15, or 21 – and wins by at least two points.
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Where to play pickleball in Singapore
The good news is, that pickleball is a very accessible sport in Singapore, and there are plenty of places where you can play pickleball.
1. Neighbourhood Badminton Courts (FREE!)
You can play pickleball for free at any neighbourhood badminton courts across the island – just set up your pickleball net, and you’re ready to play! Since these courts are free to use, they can get quite busy, so it’s best to play during non-peak hours. We recommend going on weekday mornings or after 8pm to increase your chances of securing a court.
2. Community Clubs & Sports Halls
Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can easily book a court at local community centres or sports halls (usually located in schools) to play pickleball. Some of these venues also have dedicated pickleball courts too! Simply visit the OnePA website, where you can secure a court for a small fee starting from $4.50 per hour. Keep in mind that these courts are extremely popular, and some bookings may even be conducted via a ballot system. So be sure to check the site regularly, as new slots are released weekly.
3. Join an interest group
There are several pickleball interest groups in Singapore, and if you’re lucky, you can even find one near you. Joining a pickleball interest group lets you not only be a part of a community with the same interest, but it also makes it easier for you to book facilities such as courts! Check out some of the interest groups on PickleGo, Top Pro Pickleball, ActiveSG, PlayPickle and more. PlayPickle also has pickleball lessons for kids!
Where to buy pickleball equipment: Paddle, balls and nets
Pickleball equipment can vary widely in price and cater to players of all skill levels. For beginners, there’s no need to break the bank on a high-end pickleball paddle. You can find affordable options that still provide great quality and performance. Along the way, as you develop your skills and gain more experience, you can consider upgrading to a better pickleball paddle, such as one that offers better grip, and improved durability.
As pickleball is already popular here, there are plenty of places in Singapore where you can get pickleball equipment. Decathlon offers a wide variety of pickleball paddles and balls, with prices starting at $59.90. Sports Shop SG features pickleball paddles with attractive designs, allowing you to add a personal touch to your game. For those who want a one-stop shop, PickleGo specialises in all things pickleball, offering paddles, balls, and nets all under one roof. Other options include Tennis Hub, Net World Sports, and Sportango.
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Now that you’re all set, let’s get paddling and start playing pickleball!
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