Why is Pickleball the Philippines’ Hottest Sport? A Beginner’s Guide to Gear, Courts and Getting Started

Scroll through your weekend feed and it’s impossible to miss, friends in visors and sneakers posing mid-swing on a small court with bright yellow balls flying around. No, it’s not tennis. It’s pickleball — the sport that’s quietly become the new social flex.

At first, I didn’t get it either. My friends dragged me into a game one random Sunday, saying, “It’s like badminton, but chill.” Ten minutes in, I was hooked. It was competitive without being exhausting, strategic but silly enough to laugh through every rally.

And that’s the secret sauce, pickleball is a whole vibe. From Gen Z barkadas to fitness-loving titas and titos, it’s the game that everyone can play, no matter your skill level or age. But what makes this “mini tennis” such a big deal? Let’s break down why it’s taking the Philippines by storm—and how you can jump right in.

Why It’s Trending

It might feel like an overnight trend, but this “pickle-mania” has been building. Just look at the numbers: in 2020, there were only about 240 registered players in the country. By 2024, that number exploded to over 10,000! We’ve gone from just 13 clubs to over 120 in only a few years.

This sport first landed in Cebu in 2016 and even had humble beginnings as “Street Pickleball” on Emerald Avenue in Ortigas. So, why is everyone suddenly obsessed?

It’s simple. Pickleball’s popularity comes down to three things:

1. It’s Easy to Learn: Unlike tennis, you can have a fun, back-and-forth rally in your very first session. You’ll get the hang of the rules and start having fun in about an hour.
2. It’s Super Social: The court is small (the size of a badminton court), and the game is usually played in doubles. It’s the perfect barkada sport.
3. It’s for Everyone: This is pickleball’s superpower. It’s low-impact, so Lolos and Lolas can genuinely play with their apos (grandchildren). It’s a true family bonding activity.

Ready to try? This guide is your cheat sheet to understanding the game, getting the right gear, and hitting the court for the first time.

Part 1: What is Pickleball, Anyway?

At its core, pickleball is a fun mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

• You use a solid paddle (like a big ping pong paddle).
• You play on a badminton-sized court with a lower net.
• You hit a light, perforated plastic ball (like a Wiffle ball).

The smaller court means less running, and the light ball slows the game down. It’s more about strategy and control than pure power. But what makes pickleball… well, pickleball… are two unique rules.

The 2 Golden Rules That Make Pickleball Special

These rules are designed to make the game fair and fun by stopping players from just standing at the net and smashing every shot.

1. The “Kitchen” (or Non-Volley Zone)

This is the most important rule.

• What it is: The “Kitchen” is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net.
• The Rule: You are not allowed to hit the ball in the air (called a “volley”) while you are standing in the Kitchen or touching the line.
• Why it Matters: This rule is the secret to pickleball. It prevents a “battle of the giants” at the net and encourages strategic, soft shots (called “dinks”) to pull your opponents out of position.
• P.S. You can go into the Kitchen anytime to hit a ball that has already bounced.

2. The Two-Bounce Rule

This one sounds confusing, but it’s simple. The first two shots of every rally must bounce before being hit.

1. Serve (Shot 1): The server hits the ball.
2. Return (Shot 2): The receiving team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it back.
3. Third Shot (Shot 3): The serving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it back.

After that? Game on! From the fourth shot forward, you can hit the ball in the air (volley) or off the bounce.

Why these rules? They force a few back-and-forth hits before anyone can rush the net, making rallies longer, more strategic, and more fun immediately.

Part 2: Gear Up! (Without Breaking the Bank)

One of the best things about pickleball is that you don’t need a lot of expensive gear. You can find great starter sets and all your athletic needs on Shopee. Here’s what to look for.

1. How to Choose Your First Paddle

For a beginner, don’t worry about brand or price. The #1 thing to consider is weight.

• Midweight (7.3 – 8.3 oz / ~207 – 235g): This is the one for you. It’s the universally recommended weight for beginners. It gives you the perfect balance of power (to get the ball over the net) and control (to aim your shots).
• Lightweight (< 7.3 oz): Offers more control and speed but less power. Better for players with a strong tennis or badminton background.
• Heavyweight (> 8.3 oz): Gives you lots of power but is harder to control and can tire your arm. Avoid this for your first paddle.

What about materials?

• Wood: The cheapest, but very heavy. Good for just trying the game once, but you’ll want to upgrade quickly.
• Composite (Fiberglass): The best all-around choice for beginners. It’s durable, has a great “pop,” and offers a fantastic balance of power and control.
• Graphite: The most expensive. It’s lightweight and gives you excellent “feel” and control, but you have to generate your own power.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Pro-Tip: Check Your Grip Size. A grip that’s too big or small can be uncomfortable. A quick way to estimate:

• Below 5’3″: Try a 4.0″ to 4.125″ grip.
• 5’3″ to 5’8″: Try a 4.25″ grip. (This is the most common size).
• Above 5’8″: Try a 4.5″ grip. When in doubt, go smaller. You can always add an “overgrip” (like tennis tape) to make it thicker.

👉 Our Top Picks!

• Kawasaki Fiberglass Pickle Racket 
• 14MM Pickleball Fibreglass Carbon Fiber
• Soarfly Pickleball Paddles
• Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle Set

2. Your Most Important Gear: The Right Shoes

This isn’t an upsell; it’s a critical safety warning.

A Quick Safety Warning: Do NOT Wear Running Shoes

Please, don’t do it! Running shoes are dangerous for pickleball. They are designed for forward motion (jogging). Their soles are soft, and they have no side-to-side support.

Pickleball is a game of quick lateral (side-to-side) movements. If you plant your foot in a running shoe, your foot can slide right off the sole, leading to a nasty ankle sprain.

You need “court shoes“ (sold as tennis, pickleball, or volleyball shoes). They are built with:

• Lateral Support: A rigid frame that locks your foot in place.
• Non-Marking Soles: To protect indoor gym floors.
• Durable Outsole: The hard court surface will shred running shoe foam.

3. Balls and Attire

• Balls: In the Philippines, you’ll almost always use an “outdoor ball.” It’s made of harder plastic with smaller holes to fight the wind.
• Attire: Anything comfortable and breathable works. A dri-fit shirt and shorts are perfect. For outdoor play, a cap and sunscreen are a must!

Part 3: The Scoring (It’s Easy, Promise!)

Okay, this is the one part that confuses everyone at first, but it’s simple once you get the main idea.

Here’s the #1 thing to know: You can ONLY score a point when your team is serving.

• If your team serves and you win the rally, you get 1 point.
• If the other team is serving and you win the rally, you don’t get a point—you just win the serve back. This is called a “Side Out.”

Games are usually played to 11 points (and you must win by 2).

How to Call the Score

The server must always call out three numbers before serving: [Your Score] – [Their Score] – [Server Number (1 or 2)]

• Example: If the score is “5-3-1″…
  • Your team has 5 points.
  • Their team has 3 points.
  • You are Server 1 on your team.
• If you lose the rally, the serve goes to your partner, who becomes “Server 2.” They would then call “5-3-2.” If they also lose the rally, it’s a “Side Out,” and the serve goes to the other team.

A Funky First-Serve Rule: “0-0-2”

Here’s the one “quirk” you need to know: To keep things fair, the team that serves first only gets one server on their very first turn.

To show this, the game always begins with the server calling: “Zero – Zero – Two” (“0-0-2”)

This means the serving team starts on their second server. As soon as they lose that first rally, it’s a “Side Out.”

Don’t stress about this! Everyone gets confused at first. Just remember the game starts at “0-0-2,” and the friendly players on your court will guide you.

Part 4: Your First Day on the Court

In Picture: Nicole Eugenio | Credit: Linksports, Inc.

You know the rules and have your gear. Now what? Pickleball is a community-first sport, and knowing the “social rules” is key.

How to Find a Game

• Facebook Groups or Pages: This is the #1 way. Search Facebook for groups like “Pickleball Quezon City,” “Pickleball Cebu,” or “Davao Dinkers.” People post schedules and “Beginner Play” sessions all the time.
• Viber & Messenger: Once you join a game, you’ll likely be added to a group chat for real-time coordination.
• The ReClub App: Many groups in the Philippines now use this app to schedule “Open Play” sessions.

Insider Tip: “Open Play” and “Paddle Stacking”

Often, you’ll show up to a court and see lots of people waiting. Don’t be shy! This is “Open Play.” The system to make sure everyone gets to play is called “Paddle Stacking.”

1. Find the designated spot (a bench, a rack, or just a line on the ground) where players put their paddles.
2. Place your paddle at the end of the line. This is the queue.
3. When a game finishes (usually to 11 points), all four players come off the court.
4. The next four paddles in the line get the next game.
5. The four players who just finished can put their paddles at the end of the line to play again.

It’s a fair, simple system. Just find the stack and put your paddle down!

How to be a Great ‘Pickle-Pal’ (Court Etiquette)

• Announce the Score: Before every serve, the server must clearly and loudly call the full, three-number score.
• Introduce Yourself: If playing with new people, give a quick “Hi, I’m [Your Name]!”
• Tap Paddles: At the end of the game, all four players meet at the net and tap paddles as a sign of “good game.”
• Make Honest Line Calls: You call the lines (in or out) on your side of the net. If you’re unsure, the call goes in favor of your opponent. Never call a line on your opponent’s side.
• Wait to Cross: If a ball rolls onto your court, stop play. If your ball rolls onto another court, wait until their rally is finished before asking for it back.

Talk to Your Partner!

Communication is key in doubles.

• “Mine!” or “Me!”: Call this loudly if you’re taking a shot (especially one in the middle).
• “Yours!” or “You!”: Tell your partner to take the shot.
• “Out!”: Yell this early if you’re sure a ball is landing out of bounds. This stops your partner from hitting it.

Where to Play Pickleball in the Philippines

Of course, the best way to build your pickleball skills is consistent practice. The more you play, the sharper your reflexes, positioning and overall game will become.

Here are some great places to play pickleball in the Philippines:

1. Neighborhood Courts and Community Gyms

These are found in many barangays, community centers or multi-purpose halls. They may not be branded “pickleball only,” but are often easily adapted courts where you can rent time and bring your group. These venues are perfect for casual sessions, beginner practice or when you just want a laid-back set-up.

2. Sports Centers and Dedicated Venues

Credit: The 3rd Shot

In Metro Manila and nearby cities you’ll find venues that are dedicated to racket sports (or even specifically to pickleball). These spots offer better amenities, more consistent booking, and often coaching or group sessions too.

3. Mall Courts and Convenient Urban Spots

Credit: Philstar (Ayala Malls) | SM Seaside City Cebu

If you’re already out shopping or meeting friends, these locations are super convenient. Malls in Metro Manila have started adding pickleball courts or scheduling “open play” sessions in their activity hubs. Great for spontaneous games or when you’re combining errands + exercise.

Pickleball Courts in Metro Manila

Ready to hit the court in the metro? Whether you’re winding down after work or looking for a weekend rally with friends, Metro Manila is now full of excellent spots to play. Here are top choices:

• Manila Pickleball Club – Malate, Manila
  Dakota Playgrounds HX8Q+PPF, Quirino Ave, Malate, Manila
  Great for beginners looking for a central Manila venue
  Pro Tip: Because it’s central and popular, aim for early slots to beat the crowd

• Hemady Sports Plaza – Valencia, Quezon City
  9 Doña Hemady St., Valencia
  Good for a slightly north-side venue with a growing pickleball community
  Pro Tip: Weekday mornings = easier to book

• The Zone Sports Center – Makati
  7224 Malugay St., corner Bel-Air
  Ideal if you want a modern court in Makati
  Pro Tip: Evening slots get busy, so book ahead

• ACTIFIT Sports Complex – Valenzuela
  24 Tadeo, Valenzuela
  Good northern location for day-time games
  Pro Tip: Weekday mornings give you the most open time

• Kerry Sports Manila – BGC, Taguig
  Level 4, Kerry Sports Manila, Shangri-La at the Fort, BGC
  A premium venue if you want nicer amenities
  Pro Tip: Arrive early and warm up — premium venues attract serious players

• Veterans Memorial Medical Center Courts – Diliman, Quezon City
  VMMC, 173 Diliman
  Outdoor courts with friendly tournament-style play and solid local crowd
  Pro Tip: Bring water and sunscreen — outdoor play means more exposure

• Mall-based Courts at SM Supermalls
  Several of the SM mall branches now feature pickleball courts. For example: SM City Sta. Mesa; SM City Bicutan; SM City Marikina
  Great for a quick game between errands
  Pro Tip: Check the mall’s Active Hub or leisure section schedule and book early

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

So, What’s the Real Score on Pickleball?

Credit: Ramon Domingo, The Game

If you’ve stuck with me this far, you’re probably thisclose to finally grabbing a paddle.

Maybe you’re still thinking, “Is it really as fun as everyone says?” Let me just say this: I’ve introduced pickleball to friends who swore they had zero athletic bones in their bodies, and I’ve seen them get completely and utterly hooked after one game.

What I’m trying to say is, pickleball isn’t just another passing fitness trend. It’s the perfect blend of a sneaky-good workout (your watch will thank you) and a legit social activity. It’s the “my-knees-don’t-hate-me” cardio, the “I-forgot-I-was-exercising” workout, and the “when-are-we-playing-again?” barkada plan, all rolled into one.

You don’t need to be a pro athlete. You don’t need months of lessons. You just need to show up.

My only regret? Honestly, it’s not starting sooner.

So, consider this your final, friendly push. Stop wondering and go find out for yourself what all the pop-pop-pop is about!

What Are You Waiting For? See You on the Court!

You’ve got the rules, the gear, and the court etiquette down. Honestly, the only thing left to do is play.

And here’s a little secret: the Pinoy pickleball community is famously welcoming. We all love seeing new faces on the court, so don’t be shy! Nobody cares if you’re a total newbie—we were all beginners once.

Your only goal for your first game is to laugh and have fun. That’s it.

So, here’s your final game plan. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Find Your Paddle: A quick search on Shopee or your favorite sports store will get you started.
2. Tag Your Friends: This sport was made for the barkada. Send that “Tara, try natin!” text.
3. Book Your Court: Whether it’s a convenient mall-based court for an after-work session or a dedicated club for a weekend game, just book it.

That’s all it takes. Go on, get ready to hear that super-satisfying ‘pop, pop, pop’ sound. You’re ready.

Now go have fun! 🎉