Padel and Pickleball are taking Singapore by storm! While both these sports are a sort-of hybrid of tennis, squash and badminton, they are unique sports with different courts, padels and balls – but both can be a crushing workout.
What’s the difference between Padel and Pickleball? In a nutshell, while Pickleball is played outdoors, Padel is played on smaller, sometimes indoor courts with walls or fences (hello aircon!). Both are fast, fun, and there are courts and tournaments popping up around Singapore. So what are you waiting for? Grab a pal and a padel, and try your hand at a new sport!
Padel vs Pickleball: What’s the difference?
Originating in Mexico back in the 1960’s, Padel has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Padel is played on an enclosed court with walls. In Padel, you use perforated rackets and a decompressed ball that is similar to a tennis ball. You need to use the unique Padel balls to play, as tennis balls could damage the Padel racquets. Pickleball was developed in North America in 1965 and is closer to a version of tennis, played on an open court without walls, using solid padels. However, in Pickleball you use a perforated plastic ball.
What are the rules 0f Padel and Pickleball?
Padel is played on an enclosed court in doubles, so you need a group of four people to play. You serve in the same way as tennis, across the court, and the ball must bounce, ie. touch the ground, before hitting the walls or fences. You score in the same way as tennis as well, 15, 30, 40, and the best of three matches wins. Pickleball is completely different to this, and can be played as singles or doubles. The points system means games are normally played to 11 points, and the winner must win by 2. Note that points are only scored by the serving team.
What equipment do I need for Padel and Pickleball and where can I buy it?
Decathlon is of course our first port of call, as one of our favourite sports stores in Singapore. To play either Padel or Pickleball, you need specialised equipment. A Pickleball padel will set you back around $59.95, and a pack of six balls starts from $12.50. A Padel starts from $49.90 for an adult racquet, or $39.90 for kids. The special pressurised balls come in packs of three for $15.90. Other stores to check out are Sports Shop SG, or rent equipment from $5 if you book in advance with Sing Padel.
Where can I play Padel or Pickleball?
Padel courts and associations in Singapore
Courts for both Padel and Pickleball are popping up all over Singapore. For Padel, check out the Play Padel Singapore community for a list of clubs and locations you can play. There are locations in Dempsey, the Hollandse and Swiss Clubs, SkyPark Arena, Sentosa and more. You can also check out the SingPadel Club at 2 Jurong Gateway, #01-14, 608512, with multiple singles and doubles courts.
Prime Padel Singapore has courts on the rooftop of the Grand Copthorne Waterfront in River Valley, and Sherwood Road in Dempsey is coming soon!
Pickleball courts and associations in Singapore
Learn all about the game on ActiveSG, and head to the Singapore Pickleball Association is the place to search for Pickleball courts, tournaments, and fellow Pickleball enthusiasts if you are just learning how to play. There are locations all over the island, as the sport continues to grow in popularity! Some of the most popular locations you can book through Active SG:
North
Yishun Sports Hall
Sembawang Community Club
Bishan Community Club
South/Southwest
Bukit Canberra Sports Hall
Jurong Spring Community Club
West Coast Community Club
East
Our Tampines Hub Community Hall
Tampines West Community Club
Victoria Junior College
West
Jurong East Sports Hall
Bukit Panjang Community Club
Clementi Sports Hall
Central
Whampoa Community Club
Bishan Sports Hall
Who can play Padel or Pickleball?
Everyone! Check your local association for class details, or rent a court and get the whole family involved. Best for kids aged 4 and up so they can hold a racquet and understand the rules.
Get out there and enjoy a turn at Padel or Pickleball, and work up a sweat!
