Pickleball in Hong Kong: Ultimate Guide
Are school holidays approaching? Are you looking for ways to make them fun, educational, and rewarding for your children? For weekdays, you can enroll your little explorers in kids holiday camps, such as summer camps, Christmas camps, Easter camps, Halloween camps, and others. The well-thought-out camp programmes ensure a whole lot of engaging activities that are both educational and exciting. As for the weekends, try to find something active, family-bonding, and suitable for all members of your family – to learn something new together, spend time with benefits, improve mood and health, and create many family memories. Newtonshow Hong Kong has a good option for your meaningful free time. It is called pickleball. What do you need to play this popular family-friendly sport? Get acquainted with basic rules, book a pickleball court, and take your pickleball paddle and ball. Don’t forget about a good mood and a positive attitude. That is all! What is pickleball and why is it called that? What are the 5 rules of pickleball? What is the main difference between pickleball and tennis? Pickleball and padel? We will discuss all these points – as well as many others – in today’s guide. It is time to play pickleball!
The Game of Pickleball
Image Credit: Pickleand.club
Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a lower pickleball net (you can use any badminton court near me to play pickleball). Players use solid-faced pickleball paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net. You can play it as singles (two players) or doubles (four players). Pickleball is known – and loved – for being easy-to-learn, accessible, social, low impact, and joyful – an excellent option for a good active leisure with your family, friends, and colleagues. This sport also ensures athletic and strategic challenges, so it is an interesting and engaging experience for professional sportsmen as well.
Pickleball was first played (read ‘invented’) in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA. Three families were looking for a way to entertain their kids. They took all the sports equipment they had – a badminton net, paddles, and a wiffle ball. In fact, the game’s inventors used a ‘leftover sports gear’ to play the new game. This thought brought the wife of one of the inventors to the thought that the game reminded her of a ‘pickle boat’, a rowing boat crewed by the leftover members from other boats. It is one of the theories of the origin of the game’s name. Another theory says that pickleball was named after Pickles, a dog of one of the families.
The pickleball inventors experimented for several weekends. They tested different pickleball rules and equipment to make the game accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Voila! The world was presented with an engaging, healthy, and fun way to spend time with children, friends, teammates, and like-minded people.
It is interesting to know that pickleball became the official state sport of Washington, its birthplace state. The game has a nickname, Pukaball. It is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States of America and other corners of our planet. There is an International Pickleball Federation that aims to grow the sport globally. The main goal is Olympic recognition.
What makes pickleball so popular? Its basic rules are very simple, so it is easy to learn for beginners. Pickleball is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. It is accessible and affordable and physically less demanding. The game guarantees great health benefits and is an awesome option for socialising.
How to play pickleball? Let us move on to the main pickleball rules.
Pickleball Rules
To play pickleball, you need a pickleball racket, a ball, and a court with a pickleball net. And a good company. The pickleball court is the same size as a badminton doubles court, 20×44 feet. That is why you can easily play this game on any badminton court near me. The same court is used for both singles and doubles play. The pickleball net is 36 inches high. The court has a 7-foot non-volley zone, also known as ‘kitchen’. Players can’t hit the ball in this zone before it bounces. Like a tennis court, the pickleball court is divided into smaller service areas – the right service area and the left service area. The players serve diagonally into the opponent’s serving area.
There are five main pickleball rules that even a beginner will easily understand:
- Serving: Serve underhand from behind the baseline – diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
- ‘Double bounce’: The receiving team must let the ball bounce, and then hit it to return. The serving team also must let the return ball bounce before hitting it. After the ball bounces two times, the players can volley it.
- ‘Non-volley zone’: Players cannot volley the ball when they are in the ‘non-volley zone’ or on its lines. After the ball bounces, the player can enter the ‘kitchen’ zone to volley the ball.
- Line calls: If the ball touches any line, except the ‘kitchen’ line during service, it is considered to be in play.
- Scoring and winning: Only the serving team can score points. Usually, games are played to 11 points. Some tournaments may last to 15 or 21 points. The winners must win by two points.
Pickleball VS Tennis
While pickleball and tennis are both racket sports, they differ significantly in many aspects, from court size and equipment to rules and physical intensity.
Pickleball is played on a much smaller court. A pickleball racket is a solid paddle, while for tennis, you need a stringed racket. Pickleball is a perforated plastic ball, and the tennis ball is a felt-covered rubber ball. Pickleball equipment is lightweight compared to tennis.
In pickleball, players serve underhand. For beginners, the pickleball serve is much easier than the tennis serve. This game also has a ‘double bounce rule’ and a ‘non-volley zone’. As for scoring, it is unique in pickleball.
Pickleball VS Padel
Pickleball VS Padel are also quite different.
Padel is a mix of tennis and squash. The court for padel is enclosed – with glass walls and a metal cage. The ball can be played off the walls (and even doors). Points are scored similarly to tennis. Rackets for padel are larger and thicker than a pickleball racket, and a ball is like a tennis ball, only a bit smaller.
Pickleball is more beginner-friendly, but both games are easy to learn, engaging, and fun.
Pickleball Gear
Pickleball gear includes a pickleball racket, a ball, and appropriate apparel and footwear. Some courts may require you to bring a pickleball net as well.
Where to buy the pickleball equipment? The choice of gear for this game is great in Hong Kong, so you will easily find everything you need for a good game.
Places to Buy Pickleball Paddles and Other Equipment in Hong Kong
A-plus Sports Tennis
A-plus Sports Tennis is a large retailer of everything you need for tennis and other racket sports, including pickleball. It is a one-stop destination, where you can get everything for your next game, from balls and pickleball paddles to Infmarc Ballhopper and Pro Kennex Portable Pickleball Net.
Decathlon Hong Kong
Decathlon Hong Kong offers a great selection of gear for pickleball, including pickleball paddles for both beginners and more experienced players. Everyday Social Japan, Matata, Leekey, and other brands are available in-store and online. Decathlon is also a go-to store for balls and useful accessories, like pickleball ball retrievers, nets, and others. The store constantly expands its assortment to meet all the needs and requirements of players.
E78
E78 is a sports equipment store that has a range of equipment for pickleball. Joola pickleball paddles, Asama pickleball paddles, indoor and outdoor training pickleball sets, paddle bags, net systems, border strips – and this is just a part of the pickleball assortment at E78. There are even colourful pickleball paddles for your little athletes.
Escapade Sports
Pickleball paddles, accessories, apparel – Escapade Sports has everything you need to organise the next game. Here you can find paddles for various playing styles and skill levels, from intermediate to professional. Moreover, the store provides professional guidance and hosts various pickleball-related events.
JOOLA Hong Kong & Macau
JOOLA is a go-to destination for all pickleball enthusiasts. It offers an impressive range of products – recreational, performance, and professional. Well-trusted JOOLA pickleball paddles, balls, sets, and a choice of accessories, including nets, pickleball paddle covers, and bags – is anything else needed for the upcoming game? High-quality JOOLA apparel is also available.
Racket Sports HK
Racket Sports HK has a good choice of pickleball gear, such as pickleball rackets for children and adults, balls, and accessories. JOOLA pickleball paddles, Head pickleball paddles, ProKennex pickleball paddles – the store has paddles for various skill levels and performance styles, so you will definitely find your ideal pickleball paddle. There are also sets of balls for both indoor and outdoor games.
SportStation HK
Image Credit: SportStationhk.com
At SportStation HK, you can find beginner sets as well as pickleball paddles and balls for seasoned players from such brands as HEAD, ProKennex, and JOOLA. Specialised, lightweight pickleball paddles for children are also available.
Many clubs in Hong Kong also sell pickleball paddles, balls, etc., and offer all the equipment you may need for rent.
Now we know the basic rules and have the gear. It is time to find the court and start the game.
Pickleball Courts in Hong Kong
212HK: PickleBall
With its four indoor courts, 212HK is the largest indoor pickleball-centred social club. Group classes, clinics, private lessons – the club boasts an elite academy with highly professional and dedicated coaches that will open you to the world of the exciting game and help you improve your skills. 212HK also hosts various events, from private parties and birthday celebrations to corporate teambuilding sessions.
The centre has a store where you can purchase all the equipment you need. After a good game, you can unwind and refresh yourself in the centre’s café.
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- Address: 15th and 16th Floor, S22, Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
- Opening Hours:
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- Sunday to Thursday: 9 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 9 AM till late
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Asia Aces Pickleball Academy
Asia Aces Pickleball Academy is an inviting training destination with first-class facilities, professional coaches, a friendly community, and boundless opportunities for improvement and development. Group classes, private classes, various events and activities, competitions, programmes for kids – where do we begin? By the way, Asia Aces Pickleball Academy also organises holiday camps for kids. Looks like a great option for an active, useful, and fun time for everyone.
- Address:
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- UG2 Atrium, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Shop 205, The Arcade, Cyberport 1, Pok Fu Lam
- 12 F, S22, 22 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
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- Opening Hours:
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- Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 11:59 PM
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Bay Pickle
Bay Pickle is a social club that boasts great indoor courts for players of all ages and skill levels. The club offers a wide range of services, including classes for kids and adults, open play, social events, private parties, and more. There is even a Junior Programme designed for players from 3 to 16 years old. The shop with a selection of high-quality equipment is also available.
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- Address: Tin Hau, South Island, Tsuen Wan D Park, Tseung Kwan O
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 11 PM
GO PARK Sports
GO PARK Sports has two outdoor courts – the only outdoor courts in Hong Kong specifically designed for this game, which is rapidly gaining in popularity. They partner with The One Pickleball Academy to offer regular classes and private coaching for kids and adults. You can also rent the courts via the GO PARK Sports mobile app.
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- Address: 9 Hoi Ying Rd, Ma On Shan
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM
Pickle & Club
Pickle & Club is a lively social hub that uses pickleball as a tool to connect people, encourage them to be more active, make a contribution to their healthy living, and ensure a fun time in a welcoming, friendly environment. The club boasts two premium indoor courts and its own Academy that offers lessons for sports enthusiasts of all ages and levels. Trial classes, courses for beginners, and even parent & kid trial – there is an option for every occasion. You can also opt for private lessons. Besides, all members are welcome to join Social Play Sessions and various exciting events organised by Pickle & Club.
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- Address: UG01, The Westwood, Belcher’s St, Kennedy Town
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Pickle Ready
Are you looking for a place to start your pickleball journey in Hong Kong? Welcome to Pickle Ready. This club has indoor courts with great facilities in Kowloon Bay and offers court rentals and training classes. It also organises various tournaments and events that you absolutely should join to experience the incredible atmosphere of its community. What about a Neon Pickleball Party?
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- Address: Room 801, First Group Centre, Kowloon Bay
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Pickledise.hk
Beginner classes, trial sessions, court rentals, group activities – all of this is available at Pickledise.hk. Its state-of-the-art indoor courts are perfect for both first steps in this engaging game and boosting your skill level. You can also book the courts for your group games and private events, as well as social and teambuilding activities. The club’s members enjoy multiple discounts and perks.
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- Address: Flat 1203-04, 12/F, International Enterprise Centre III, No. 18 Tai Chung Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
- Opening Hours: 7 AM to 1 AM
Stackd Pickleball
Stackd Pickleball is an indoor, multi-court pickleball facility, and it is more than a sports club. It is a one-stop destination for everything pickleball-related in Hong Kong, from professional coaching for athletes of all ages and training levels to shopping, socialising, and more. You can join classes, social play, and leagues. The club’s Academy offers private and semi-private lessons, as well as gameplay video analysis and review. Healthy snacks and drinks are also available – to help you recharge your battery before the next game.
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- Address: Shop 338, 3/F, Hopewell Mall, 15 Kennedy Road
- Opening Hours: 7 AM to 11 PM
You can also use any badminton court near me to enjoy your favourite game.
BONUS: LCSD Badminton Courts
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages multiple badminton courts in Hong Kong, both indoor and outdoor, with many free outdoor courts across various districts. You can book a court via the SmartPlay system. Some free outdoor courts serve on a first-come basis.
Find the badminton court near me, take your pickleball paddle, and have fun!
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- Address: Multiple locations
How to play pickleball? As you can see, all members of your active family can easily learn pickleball rules, and the choice of pickleball courts (or badminton courts near me) and places to buy your ideal pickleball paddle and ball is wide. All this makes pickleball accessible, affordable, social, friendly, and fun.
Set up the pickleball net, bring your pickleball rackets, take your good mood – and let the game begin!
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