Pickleball in Singapore: Rules, Courts, Places to Buy Equipment, and More

For all the active families, healthy living fans, and seekers of new experiences! Today, the Newtonshow team is going to talk about one of the most rapidly growing sports in Singapore – and in the whole world – pickleball. Easy to learn, inexpensive to start, better than just indoor playgrounds, and totally fun, it is an ideal option for a family day out, time with your friends, team bonding, community events, and more – pickleball is suitable for players of literally all ages and levels of training. What is pickleball? How to play pickleball? Pickleball paddle and other equipment, and places to buy it in Singapore, pickleball rules, the best pickleball courts in the Little Red Dot – make yourself comfortable as we are going to discuss it all in today’s article. 

What is pickleball, and what is the reason for its great popularity? Let us find it out right away!

What is Pickleball, and What Is the Reason for Its Great Popularity?

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What is pickleball? Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport that blends tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a pickleball net similar to tennis by two or four players. To play pickleball, players use solid pickleball paddles and a perforated plastic ball. It can be played both indoors and outdoors.

Some of the sport’s aspects resemble tennis and table tennis played on a badminton court (that is why you can also use a badminton court near me to play pickleball). But it has some specific rules and equipment. Stay tuned! We will discuss it a bit later.

Why is pickleball so popular? Because it has simple rules and is easy to learn - and it is accessible for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. It is a great engaging option for beginners. You may be sure that seasoned athletes won’t get bored while playing pickleball either. Besides, pickleball boasts an inclusive nature and strong community aspects. So…

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Main Reasons for Pickleball’s Popularity:

• Easy to learn

• Accessible

• Affordable

• Low-impact training

• Inclusive

• Social

• Engaging and fun

The sport’s availability is growing, so it becomes even easier for everyone to buy equipment, find courts, and enjoy this game. Pickleball is an exciting way to stay active, strengthen your ties with family and friends, make new friends, develop essential social skills, and stay socially active. It is an excellent opportunity to create many precious family memories.

Is pickleball popular in Singapore? We suppose the answer is obvious! This game is mega popular in the Little Red Dot, and its popularity is rapidly growing.

So, how to play pickleball? Let’s find it out right away!

Pickleball Rules

As we have already mentioned above, this game is played on a court the size of a badminton court (20 feet wide by 44 feet long), so you can easily use a badminton court near me to enjoy a session. The pickleball net is similar to a tennis net and is the main barrier that players hit the ball over. There is a 7-foot deep zone on either side of the net called the non-volley zone or ‘kitchen’, where players can’t hit the ball before it bounces. The pickleball court is divided into smaller service areas, and players serve diagonally into the opponent’s service area.

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What are the 5 rules of pickleball?

1. The Serve. Players serve from behind the baseline (at least one foot behind it). Serve underhand and below the waistline. The serve must be made diagonally into the opponent’s service area. If the ball hits the net - it is still in play!

2. The Two-Bounce Rule. After the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. After those two bounces, the player can either play the ball off a bounce or volley it.

3. The Non-Volley Zone. Players are not allowed to volley the ball when standing in the ‘kitchen’. However, players can step into the kitchen to hit the ball after it bounces.

4. Line Calls. If the ball contacts any line, except the ‘kitchen’ line on a serve, it is considered in play.

5. Scoring. Only the serving team can score a point. After the ‘fault’, the serve passes to the other team. Typically, the game is played to 11 points. However, some tournaments may play to 15 or 21 points. However, the winner has to win by at least two points.

Pickleball rules seem to be quite easy. And they are! Let us move on and find out more about the equipment you might need for a good game and places where you can buy it in Singapore.

Pickleball Equipment You Need for a Game And Places to Buy It In Singapore

Along with a pickleball court and pickleball net, you need a pickleball paddle and a ball to play this engaging game.

A pickleball paddle is a solid, smooth-faced paddle. Typically, it is 15.5-17 inches long and 7-8.25 inches wide. Modern pickleball rackets use materials like graphite, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. Most pickleball paddles have a honeycomb core, which ensures a lightweight and durable foundation. You can choose from a standard shape of the pickleball racket or an elongated (‘blade’) one. All the features, like material, shape, thickness, handle length, and others, provide different performance characteristics, so players choose pickleball paddles that will suit their style and technique.

As for the ball, which is called a pickleball. It is a hollow, lightweight, plastic ball with a smooth surface. The ball has strategically placed holes. Its number and spacing vary between indoor and outdoor models. Most outdoor balls have more holes to ensure better wind resistance.

Comfortable court shoes are also recommended. Consider buying a pickleball bag that will help you keep your pickleball equipment organised and protected, and will ensure its comfortable transportation.

Where can you buy all of the above? Singapore has a great selection of stores, where you can find everything you need for a good game.

Places to Buy Pickleball Equipment in Singapore:

• Amazon

• JOOLA.SG with the most popular Joola pickleball paddles

• Decathlon Singapore

• Leisure Sports

• Performance Pickleball

• Pickleball Corner

• PickleGO

• Pickleball Lab SG

• Play Pickleball

• RacketHaus

• SPORTSSHOP SG

• SportyKong

• That Pickleball Shop

• And others

You can also rent pickleball rackets and other equipment to enjoy this game in Singapore. It would be an excellent decision if you are a first-time player. Or if you want to try new types of pickleball paddles, for example. You can rent it at certain stores or pickleball courts. As for the courts…

Best Pickleball Courts in Singapore

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ActiveSG Facilities

ActiveSG, Singapore’s powerful sports movement, actively promotes pickleball in the Little Red Dot and provides outstanding facilities in multiple locations islandwide. You can enjoy playing your favourite game at Yishun Sport Hall, ActiveSG Sport Park @ Bedok North, Bukit Panjang Community Club, and many other places. Besides, ActiveSG has a wide network of courts for badminton, so you will easily find the badminton court near me that also suits playing pickleball.

• Location: Multiple locations

• More Details

MBP Sports

MBP Sports invites all active Singaporeans and city guests to get acquainted with pickleball, improve skills, and just have fun. It has great facilities at Marina Square and Suntec City Mall and offers introductory sessions, private and group classes, pickleball racket rental, and court booking with group and corporate packages available.

• Address:

  • MBP Sports @ Marina Square: 6 Raffles Blvd Level 4, Rooftop, #04-105 Marina Square, Singapore 039594

  • MBP Sports @ Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City 04-01, via Lobby M & M2b, Singapore 038983

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New Bahru Pickleball

New Bahru pickleball courts ensure an all-day long, year-round fun and excitement. The New Bahru lifestyle hub has two air-conditioned indoor courts with pickleball nets open nearly 24 hours a day (depending on the day). So, your favourite game is always available. You can book the court via the Acuity app.

• Address: 46 Kim Yam Rd, New Bahru, Singapore 239351

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Performance Pickleball

This place is not just about courts. It is a premier club with a vibrant community and active life in Singapore. Along with two first-class professional courts for rent, this club provides a range of programmes, including lessons, clinics, tournaments, workshops, and more. Pickleball paddle and ball rental is available. You can also buy your equipment in the club’s store.

• Address:

  • Boathouse: 11 Northshore Dr, #01-23, Singapore 828670

  • Beach Club: 350 Cranwell Rd, Singapore 509864

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Pickleball Academy Singapore

Private lessons, open group lessons, and a unique transition programme – this academy offers training programmes for all ages and levels. It focuses on professional instruction and learning through fun. The Academy also organises tournaments, events, trips, and camps, so active life here is in full swing.

The pickleball net is set up. The pickleball paddle is in your hand. Let the game begin!

• Address: 95 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118514

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PickleChoo Arena

PickleChoo Arena is a first-class facility with premium outdoor courts situated in the centre of a lively office district. Are you a beginner or a seasoned player? Do you want to improve your skills or simply have fun with your family and friends? PickleChoo Arena is an excellent destination for a good game. Have you already prepared your pickleball paddle and ball?

• Address: 11 Slim Barracks Rise, Singapore 138664

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PickleliZe

PickleliZe welcomes all game enthusiasts and active living followers to enjoy a premium experience while playing at its sheltered outdoor courts with great facilities and an inspiring atmosphere. And, yes, these courts are not just a place to play your favourite game. It is a meet-up point for exciting community gatherings, fun tournaments, and other events. Clinics and coaching are provided as well. It is time to prepare your pickleball paddle and book the court.  

• Address: 125 Pasir Ris Rd, Singapore 519121

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Play! Pickle

It is a well-trusted Singaporean academy that offers court booking, events organisation, open play, private and group classes for players of all levels and ages. Great news! They provide family lessons as well. Your little athletes can also join the academy’s Kids Holiday Camp. Don’t have a pickleball paddle? Don’t worry! The academy has pickleball paddle rentals!

• Address: Multiple locations

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RED Quarters

RED Quarters is a multi-sport facility, and, of course, it has pickleball courts as well. Two indoor courts, one outdoor court, great amenities, pickleball paddles and equipment rental – isn’t it an ideal option for your next game?

• Address: 26 Jalan Benaan Kapal, Singapore 399629

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SAFRA Clubhouses

Several of the SAFRA clubhouses have courts for your favourite game as well. SAFRA Tampines, SAFRA Jurong, SAFRA Yishun, and SAFRA Mount Faber welcome both members and non-members to enjoy an active and exciting time at the high-quality courts. Pickleball paddles and balls rental is available. Did we mention the rental is free?

• Address: Multiple locations

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Straits Pickle Club

Three dedicated courts of Straits Pickle Club plus seven more courts at the adjacent Jurong Play Grounds (JPG) – wow, there is a court for everyone! Book courts, attend group lessons, join open play sessions, participate in tournaments, level up your rating at DUPR-ranked games – become part of a vibrant Straits Pickle Club community. You can rent pickleball rackets and other equipment or bring yours.

• Address: Jurong Play Grounds, 2 Jurong Gateway Road, Singapore 608512

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BONUS: PickleGO

PickleGo is a community of pickleball lovers and a hub for everything pickleball-related. It aims to make this game accessible to everyone – and make you fall in love with it literally from the first serve.

PickleGo has a platform with pickleball rules, useful tips, and answers to all your questions. It also has a store with pickleball paddles (including the mega popular Joola pickleball paddles), balls, pickleball nets, apparel, and other accessories and equipment.

And that is not all. PickleGo offers expert coaching for kids and adults and organises tournaments for players of all skill levels.

PickleGo is an inviting hub for Singapore’s growing pickleball community.

• Address: 10 Woodlands Square, Woods Square Solo 1, #02-53, Singapore 737714

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Pickleball VS Padel

While many consider pickleball and padel the same (it is fair to say that these sports are quite similar in some aspects), they are not. Pickleball vs padel are distinct racket sports with key differences in court design, balls, rackets, and gameplay.

What is the main difference between pickleball and padel?

• Court. Pickleball is played on a smaller open court. It is similar to the badminton court and has a net and a ‘kitchen’ zone. If there is no pickleball court nearby, you can use any badminton court near me. Padel is played on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and a metal cage. The ball can be played off the walls after a bounce.

• Rackets. Pickleball paddles are more like oversized table tennis rackets. Rackets for padel are typically larger and thicker.

• Balls. Padel balls are similar to tennis balls, but they are a little smaller. Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic ball, which is smaller and lighter.

• Gameplay. In padel, the ball can be played off the glass walls and even doors. In pickleball, there is the non-volley zone that significantly impacts the game’s strategy.

• Scoring. Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis. Pickleball has a unique scoring strategy. In this game, points can only be scored by the serving team.

Pickleball is considered more beginner-friendly, while padel can be a bit more challenging. However, both games are easy to learn, absolutely kid-friendly, and totally engaging and fun. Why don’t you learn to play both?

Interesting Facts About Pickleball

• Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA, by Joel Pritchard and his family and friends to avoid boredom. Originally, it was played as a backyard game for kids and active adults.

• There are two theories on the origin of its name. One theory says that the sport was named after Pickles, the dog of one of the game’s co-founders. Another theory claims it was named after ‘pickle boat’, which means a team formed from leftover members in sports. Similarly, the game’s inventors used leftover equipment from several sports.

• It is a one-of-a-kind combination of tennis, ping pong, and badminton.

• The 1st permanent pickleball court was built in 1967.

• In 2022, this game became the official state sport of Washington.

• Pickleball has a funny nickname – Pukaball.

• Today, it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the USA and other parts of the planet.

• There’s even National Pickleball Day in the USA. It is celebrated each year on 8th August.

• More than 40 countries have their own pickleball associations. The Lion City is among them.

• Many celebrities are huge pickleball fans, including Emma Watson, Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and many others.

• LeBron James and Tom Brady have their own pickleball teams.

Do not hesitate! Take your family, book a pickleball or badminton court near me, repeat the pickleball rules, and take your pickleball paddles. Enjoy this exciting game to the fullest.