Pickleball 101: The rising racket sport of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines boasts a sports community filled with diverse and passionate athletes and fans as Filipinos have a strong love for the game, whether it’s basketball, gymnastics, football, badminton, bowling, or esports.

Things will get even more exciting with the rise of pickleball, one of the newest racket sports in the country.

The game found its way to the Philippines in 2016. Since then, 123 pickleball clubs have sprouted across the entire country.

Pickleball combines the elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton; can be enjoyed by all ages; and played singles or doubles. With the short learning curve, you and your friends can quickly learn the game.

Rules

The service must be made behind the baseline and, similar to padel, should be served underhand. The serve must go diagonally beyond the “Kitchen,” a non-volley zone unique to the game.

Another distinct factor is the “Double Bounce Rule” wherein after service, the ball must bounce once on both sides of the court before either team can volley the ball.

The scoring system may be a bit confusing for beginners so here is a summary: 

1. The game is played first to 11 points
2. The team needs to win by 2 points 
3. Only the serving team can win points
4. In doubles, each player on a team has an opportunity to serve
5. The player on the right service court always serves first
6. After scoring a point, the serving team will switch service courts 
7. After the second server loses the rally, the opposing team will now serve (but this does not mean they won a point)   

It may seem tricky at first, but playing just a few games will help you get the hang of it.

What you need

First, you’ll need a pickleball paddle. Paddles selling for as low as P250 can be found on e-commerce shops. You can also purchase Artengo or Head paddles for P2,000 to P12,000.

The ball used in pickleball is a light and hollow perforated plastic ball that can be bought for P100 to P600.

The net can also be purchased in similar sports stores.  

Where to play

Since pickleball is played on a badminton court and the net is easily portable, the game is easier to access than padel.

Ayala Malls, SM Megamalls, and Robinsons Land Corporation have installed several pickleball courts in their venues such as UP Town Center, SM Consolacion in Cebu, and Robinsons Starmills in Pampanga.

You can also go to what is considered the pickleball hub for both regular players and professionals, the Zone Sports Center.

Located in Makati, Zone has fostered a devoted and loyal community of enthusiasts. Its facilities include six dedicated pickleball courts, a shop to purchase pickleball equipment, showers, and food stalls.

You can book online via their website. The rates are found below:

Off Peak Rates	Weekdays from 6 AM – 5 PM
Wood Court	P250/hour
Taraflex Court	P300/hour
Guest fee/person	P80

Peak Rates	Weekdays from 5 PM – 11 PM, Weekends and Holidays
Wood Court	P300/hour
Taraflex Court	P350/hour
Guest fee/person	P80

Zone supervisor Annie de Asis has said that at times, they convert their basketball courts into three extra pickleball courts when demand is high.

Weekend Pickleball Club founder and organizer Mecho Torayno commends the incredible welcoming pickleball community.

“When I joined the open plays before, everyone was just really open in terms of teaching the beginners so you don’t feel pressured or ashamed when starting out,” he said.

“It’s a sport that was created to be played by everyone and so I think that’s what makes it unique and that’s why everyone wants to play [pickleball].” 

Zone Sports Center founder Vina Concepcion invited everyone to try out the rapidly growing sport. “Just give it a try. You’ll be hooked in no time,” she said. 

So, what are you waiting for? This age-friendly sport is easy to grasp and can become your next adventure for 2025.  – Rappler.com