Written by Dr James Tan
Pickleball is one of the sports with the quickest growth in Singapore, combining elements of table tennis, badminton, and tennis into a lively yet easily adaptable game. Looking to pick up a paddle and enjoy the sport? We spoke with one of Singapore’s top pickleball communities, Play! Pickle, to provide the 7 things you need to know before trying out Pickleball.
Pickleball is easy but it can get highly strategic.
Pickleball’s quick spread in Singapore can be mostly attributed to its accessibility. Although the rules are simple enough for novices to grasp in minutes, the game calls on a combination of strategy, reflexes, and deft shot placement to flourish.
The “double bounce rule” states that the ball must bounce once before returning with a volley, and that the serve must be underhand and travel diagonally across the court.
These are important rules to be aware of:
- You need to lead by two points to win; games last till eleven points.
- The “kitchen” or non-volley zone is a seven-foot area away from the net where you are not allowed to smash or volley the ball.
The game is enjoyable for players of all ages and fitness levels since it emphasizes placement over force and is played on a smaller court than tennis.
Pickleball Courts Are Within Easy Reach in Singapore
Unlike some niche sports, pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in Singapore.
Courts are found at:
- Play! Pickle’s locations are among the best for training, social games, and competitive matches.
- Our Tampines Hub is a public sports venue with pickleball courts.
- Singapore Sports Hub: Excellent site featuring courts for both amateur and professional competition.
- Communities Clubs (CCs): Pickleball is being included into more CCs in Singapore into their sports offerings.
Making a court reservation is simple; many sites offer rental paddles and balls, so you won’t have to spend any equipment costs.
Pickleball Equipment is Beginner-Friendly and Reasonably Priced
Starting pickleball won’t break the budget unlike starting tennis or golf. All you required is:
- A pickleball paddle: Beginning at $40, beginner-friendly paddles cost luxury versions $150. (For some reasonably priced choices, look at Decathlon!).
- A pickleball ball, light-weight and perforated for controlled play.
- Two court shoes: Preventing slippage on the court depends on good grip.
Many places, including Play! Pickle, have rental paddles so you may test the activity before deciding on a purchase of your own equipment.
It’s an amazing workout! Minus the intensity of tennis
Pickleball hits the ideal mix of pleasure and workout. It’s a terrific choice for all kinds of players since it strains less the knees than high-impact sports like tennis or squash!
Increased cardiovascular fitness is one of pickleball’s primary health benefits; quick rallies and constant movement increase heart rate.
Other benefits are:
- Improves reflexes and hand-eye coordination; the game calls for fast responses.
- Perfect for general joint health: Low-impact motions lower the injury risk than highly demanding sports.
Pickleball is a great option if you want a light-hearted approach to be active without taxing your body too much.
Pickleball Community of Singapore is Social and Welcoming
Pickleball has among its best features a community mentality. Playing at a CC, a private club, or with Play! Pickle will find friendly, motivating players ready to introduce newbies to the sport.
If you have never played pickleball, think about:
- Attending Play! Pickle’s beginning-friendly coaching events.
- Meeting new people by going to open-play events at neighbourhood courts.
- Engaging in social leagues to advance your casual skills development
Pickleball is a fantastic way to meet new people and stay healthy.
Strategy Over Strength
Many novices fall prey to trying to strike the ball too forcefully. Pickleball, however, prizes patience, placement, and control above brute force.
Some important strategic guidelines consist in:
- After serving, start toward the non-volley zone; this posture helps you to better control the rally.
- Emphasize “dinking,” (soft shots), instead of smashing; this helps position winning shots.
- Try for the weaker side of your opponent; most players find backhand shots difficult.
Learning these strategic components can help you immediately improve your game and advantage over more aggressive but less strategic opponent.
The Greatest Approach to Get Better is Through Regular Play
Like any sport, pickleball’s greatest way for one to get better is consistent playing. Getting on the court often will help you improve technique, movement, and game sense whether your goals are competitive tournament participation or fun.
- Book a court at Play! Pickle to get going. Enjoy either competitive or social games.
- Enrol in a coaching course to hone your abilities.
- Play with varied opponents by joining a neighbourhood club or organization.
Pickleball is a skilful game; with practice, you will rapidly improve in your ability to predict shots, regulate the speed of rallies, and create your own playing style.
All set to play pickleball? Get Beginning Right Now!
Fast becoming popular in Singapore, pickleball is a fun, social, and simple-to-learn sport. Now is the greatest time to start whether your search is for a new pastime, an exciting approach to keep in shape, or a competitive sport to learn.
For lessons, community events and more, check out Play! Pickle, one of Singapore’s top pickleball clubs, for classes, court bookings, and community activities.
Grab a paddle, hit the court, and get ready to have fun with Singapore’s growing pickleball community!
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About The Author
Dr James Tan Chung Hui's Background
Dr James Tan is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore who has more than 10 years of experience in sports surgery and exercise medicine. Apart from partnering with the industry to introduce various treatment techniques, Dr Tan has treated athletes from the Singapore National Teams and professional footballers from the Singapore Premier League and the Young Lions.
Dr Tan specialises in treating sports injuries of the knee, shoulder and elbow joints, as well as cartilage and meniscus surgery. He is a member of the elite Asian Shoulder and Elbow Group and a founding member of the Singapore Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Society.
Medical Education and Affiliations
MBBS | NUS
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCS)
MMed (Orthopaedics) | NUS
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)
Adjunct Assistant Professor | NUS, LKC
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports and Exercise Medicine
Head of Department | Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Centre
Awards
Principal Investigator of Tissue Engineering
National Medical Research Council grants
Collaboration with Scientists at NTU, TUM, A*Star, Osteopore & Trendlines Medical Singapore
Accreditations
Mount Elizabeth Orchard
Mount Elizabeth Novena
Farrer Park Hospital
Mount Alvernia Hospital
Aptus Surgery Centre
Novaptus Surgery Centre
Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan Approved
If you are a Singaporean or a Permanent Resident of Singapore, some of our orthopaedic procedures can be claimed under Medisave. The claimable amount will vary based on the procedure's complexity.
For other situations, please consult our friendly clinic staff regarding the use of your Integrated Shield Plan insurance.
Personal Insurance
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Corporate Insurance
MHC
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Alliance
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Parkway Shenton
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