The small court size (only 20 ft x 44 ft) provides for long rallies and a variety of play by players determined to win over their opponents. The fast volley exchanges increase the fun for players and spectators. Pickle-Ball is played by 2 or 4 players on a court identical to a badminton doubles court in size. Lowering the net to 3 feet on the badminton doubles court will convert it to Pickle-Ball court. Lightweight paddles (slightly larger than a Ping-Pong Ball paddle) and a plastic perforated ball are the keys to producing long, exciting rallies consisting of volleys at the net and ground strikes similar to tennis.
The game involves strategies that includes the lob, overhead, smash, passing
shots by
the opponent at the net and the fast volley exchanges. The game can be
played either in singles, doubles or in mixed doubles. The scoring system is
identical to badminton where only the team that is serving can score points.
Deuce at 14-points if it is a 15-points game, but at 10-points if the game is
played at 11-points. If it is a rubber sets, players change sides at 8-points
for 15-points but changes sides at 6-points if it is played at 11-points.
The serving has to be below waist, the receiving team has to let the ball bounce once and the serving team also has to let the return of serve bounce once (i.e. once on each side of the court). Only after these two bounces can the ball be volleyed in a rally.
Pickle-Ball is Part of Sports for Life scheme by Singapore Sports Council. There is a Learn to play Pickle-Ball Scheme organized by the Sports Council. You can find more information at <www.ssc.gov.sg>.
For more information on Pickle-Ball, please contact the following:
Commercial Industrial Supplies and Services Pte Ltd
371 Guillemard Road
Singapore 399779
Republic of Singapore
Tel: (+65) 6747 3855, Fax: (+65) 6744 5649, E-mail: <ciss@pacific.net.sg>
Attn.: Mr. Lim Chee Aun or Mdm Ng Eng