Pickleball – Let’s Play This Sport Together

My name is Eric Leow, a new member to this Club.

I am playing pickleball for the last year and there are players who are playing this for the last 20 odd years. Many players across all skill-level have claimed that it would be “very hard” to stop playing the game, with some saying that they are “very determined” to continue playing.

Briefly pickleball is a hybrid of Badminton, Tennis and Table-tennis, a three in one game, played with a wooden, graphic, or composite paddles and a perforated plastic ball. It can be played on a normal Badminton court or on any hard surface. The net is lowered to 3 ft high.

If you find badminton, tennis or squash too strenuous for you, then pickleball is an excellent introductory game. It is very easy to learn and is quickly played and enjoyed by everyone, men, women, children and benefiting people at all ages. It is a low cost game. Badminton courts are easily available in our CC or sports hall. All you need is to buy the paddles and balls.

From my personal experience, I found that most pickleball clubs do not want to take in new players who have not play this game before.

I know the organizer of a pickleball club, and I think I should be able to convince him to recruit new players. Subject to SHCians expression of interest, I am considering to introduce pickleball and EO this sports here.

If this is on, it would be on every Tues and Thurs 9.30am to 12.30pm. However, if the CC required the use the hall for activities then that session will be cancelled.

You just need to get your own paddle, and contribute towards the purchase of balls. Not to worry about the amount, it is very affordable. It is about $3-$4 per month.

The place is in the vicinity of Hougang.

Expression of interest:

1. Eric (already playing)
2. Jassmine Teo
3. Ann Giri
4. Kristy Quek
5. Jacqueline Wong
6. Frisna Tan
7. Julian Mok
8. Peter Goh

Activity posted on behalf of Eric Leow by Yew Kwong

Author: Yew Kwong

Interests: Social, Leisure, Travel & Exploration.

39 thoughts on “Pickleball – Let’s Play This Sport Together”

  1. Hi Eric
    I’ve always been curious about pickleball. A friend and I are keen to learn and to play this game. Please count us in. Thanks for introducing it. :)

  2. Hi Eric,

    I am interested but have never played Pickleball before. Please register me, its in my Hougang neighbourhood. Appreciate your initiative.

  3. Dear Eric,

    I am very interested. I played squash, tennis, badminton and table-tennis in my fitter days. Now I have some physical problems, but would still love to give pickleball a try. I feel it might actually improve my physical condition!

    Please count me in and I know we will enjoy this game and have a great time together!

    Cheers
    Kristy

  5. I am now talking to the in-charge of the pickleball group. Hopefully, we should be able to wrap things up by June and start playing.
    I do not have any vested interest. I do not sell paddles or balls. Paddles are available from Singapore Pickleball Association (one and only) so its sort of a monopoly or you may get them online. I got mine online. Buy only after you are sure you like the game. Though it is hard to borrow, let see if I can ask around, but no promises.

  6. Hi eric
    Am interested to learn but every tues i play badminton and free on certain thursday only. may i join once in a while only?

  7. Hi Frisna

    If we join, then we will be part of the pickleball group where we will be subjected to certain guidelines on play, fee contributions etc etc.. The present group of which I am part of consists of many experienced players. I am one of the newbie having played for less than 2 years. We will learn from these players. From what I know they will organize play such that a new player will also has a chance to play with the experienced players besides playing amongst themselves to acquire the skills. It can be very frustrating for new players to play against experienced players and vice versa.
    It’s okay to come whenever you are free. It’s fun and challenging.

  8. Hi Eric,

    I stay nearby and if time permit I will like to be there to watch and maybe participate in it. Never seen this game before not to mention play it.

    Thanks Julian

  10. Hi Jassmine, Ann Giri, Kristy Quek, Jacqueline Wong, Frisna Tan, Julian Mok and Peter Goh:

    It’s in Hougang. Sessions on Tues/Thurs 9.30-12.30pm. It will start on either the 2nd or 3rd week (to be confirmed) of June as the 1st week slot have been taken up for other activities.
    I will post more information nearer the date.
    Meanwhile, the organizer has informed me to stop taking in new players due to facility availability and he does not want overcrowding resulting in longer wait between games.

  12. Thanks Eric, for the update.
    I know its in Hougang, but where exactly? Is it in the Sports Complex, or the CC?
    fyi, I am travelling in first half of June, so depending on your dates, I may not be able to attend.
    Thanks again, for taking the time to organise.

  13. Jassmine Teo +1 friend, Ann Giri, Kristy Quek, Jacqueline Wong, Frisna Tan, Julian Mok and Peter Goh:

    It’s confirmed.
    Place – Hougang CC, 35 Hougang Avenue 3, 538840.
    Date – 10/6/14 (Tues) 0930-1230
    Attire – Sports attire, court shoes (otherwise sports shoes), sweat towel and water bottle. Just like what a tennis or badminton player would dress. An extra set of clothing (optional).

    See You there.

    For those with paddles, bring along.
    I will bring 4 paddles to be on t/loan for this introductory. The borrowers will be responsible until it is returned to me at the end of the session.
    Preferably all can come at the same time 0930 as a brief will be conducted.

  14. Yup, I am excited about learning how to play this game. Unfortunately I will be away on 10th. Am just keeping my fingers crossed that when I join the group next, I can catch up.

  18. Hi Eric,

    Nice meeting you at the Kovan Jam. Your introduction to all of us present at the Kovan Jam was full of laughter and interesting……for the first time, we meet “The Pickleball Man” /EO…hahaha…..

    Thank you for explaining to us how to play and all about “Pickleball”. You have indicated that the CC couldn’t accept any more players, but should there be any drop out, Lina Ng and myself are interested to join. Please put us on wait list. Just to satisfy our curiosity, we might drop by one day to take a look at how “Pickleball” was played. Thank you. :)

    Ah Nee

  19. Hi Ah Nee

    Let me talk to my friend tomorrow when I meet him for, as usual, pickleball.

    Will let you know whether he let me take in another 2 players.

    Eric

  22. Hi Ah Nee

    You are welcome to drop in for a look, and perhaps a feel. As in any game there will be some who may find the game not suitable for them. Until then, we will slot you and Lina in. Is this ok for you?

    Eric

  23. Hi Eric
    Will the game be held on TUESDAYS ONLY? if so i wont be able to join at all. Maybe can give my place to Ah Nee (and i will pop by once in a blue moon to see how its played)

  25. Thanks Eric for kindly accommodating both of us. Lina and I will be at the CC on that day. C U……
    Hey Frisna, thank you for your kind gesture too. :)

    Ah Nee

  26. Dear Eric,

    Recently my knees have been acting up on me. So for the time being l would not be able to join all of you. Hoping l would be able to recover soon to join in the game.

    Sorry and cheers
    Kristy

  28. Jassmine Teo + Mai (friend), Jacqueline Wong, Ah Nee, Lina Ng and Peter Goh:

    With the exception of Peter, all of you are first timer. I hope that after this introductory session, you know what is pickleball all about. I hope that you have enjoyed this session as much as I have enjoyed mine.

    I will address each of your concern:

    Lina + Jac – good to know that you are keen to carry on. We welcome you to join us as members of the pickleball interest group.

    Jassmine Teo + Mai – As with any club, including SHC, there are certain rules and regulations that members have to adhere to. (see my comments #7 addressed to Frisna). As a pre-requisite, interested persons are required to fill in the application form + a recent photo to join the pickleball interest group. As you are not comfortable with giving your personal particulars in the application form, then there is no basis for you to apply and be accepted. We respect your right to privacy. Since there is no application then there is no membership. However, we still welcome you to play at the centre. Non-members pay $2 for each visit.

    Ah Nee – a pity we can’t schedule a night or weekend session for you or any working members. However, if you pick up the basic skill, I can bring you to another centre for the night and Sunday sessions. Most centres do not take in players who have not play pickleball before or who just started pickleball.

    Most of you asked us what kind of paddles you should buy. If you intend to take part in competitions organized by Singapore Pickleball Association, then get the wooden paddles as only wood is allowed presently. This might change in future as composite, graphite and fiberglass are gaining in popularity.

    If you don’t intend to take part, then get either the composite, graphite or fiberglass ones as it is lighter and give you better ball control and placement.

    You can google pickleball paddles and read on the pros and cons of each type/model.

    Re my comments #13 above, the 4 paddles are for t/loan (temporary loan) for the introductory. It will not be on permanent loan. Players must have their personal paddles. Besides, it is very heavy for me to be lugging 5 or more paddles (mine 2 or more included) each and every time I turn up at the centre.

    Eric

  29. Phew!, frm Balestier to Hougang CC, it took me about 45mins (bus/mrt/bus/walk) to reach there, but nevertheless is a good sweat out on this 1st introductory session.
    Thank you EricLeow

    Cheers
    PeterGoh

  30. Hi Eric
    It was interesting seeing how pickleball combines the features of three different racquet games. Will come for practice tomorrow (Thursday) before making the decision on the type of paddle to get.

    Here’s my beginner’s response to the game…
    The ball flew over,
    The bat hit air; the ball dropped;
    Rolled away, laughing!

    cheers :)

  31. Hi Eric,

    Thank you for coaching and include us in your existing Pickleball member players. We are lucky to have the opportunity to play this interesting game, a combination of Tennis, Badminton, Table-tennis and a little bit of Squash. Pickleball is not difficult to play. I enjoyed playing, picking the ball and hitting the ball into the air at times though. I guess practice makes perfect.

    I cannot join you all regularly as I am still working, but I will try to “eat snake” whenever I can…. hehehe :) On our discussion to play at other CC, I don’t know this lady Mary from the Senior Citizen Committee (Kovan); hence, I will try to talk to Michael if he can get a suitable slot for us to play on weekends or evening schedule. I heard Peter also prefer to play at Kovan CC. Thank you again for accommodating my request! :)

    Ah Nee

  33. Hi Eric,
    I have not submitted my name or attended your sessions so far because I have been away from Singapore. However, I am interested to learn this game and I shall be calling over to the CC tmw morning as pre-informed by Lina and as confirmed by my phone call to you a while ago. See you soon.
    Lee Hou Chong

  34. Oh ya……Eric,

    Lina and I have signed up as a member for ActiveSG under its latest initiative by “Sport Singapore” to encourage Singaporean to have an active and healthy living. As a member, we are given e$100 to use for enrolment of any sport activities / booking of badminton courts etc. I wonder if we can use the e$100 in our e-wallet to pay for this Pickleball game.

    Ah Nee

  36. Hi Ah Nee,

    I too have signed up for the $100 voucher, but unfortunately, we cannot use it to pay for the pickleball game as they are under different initiatives. However, you can use this $100 credit to book the badminton hall from Sports Council (NOT Community Club) to play pickleball. Think Sports Council and CC under diff management or stat board.

  38. Thank you, Lina and Hou Chong for injecting my interest to try on this game today and also thank you, Eric and other numerous players for spending their times coaching me on this game. I had a wonderful sweating time this morning.. and I believed this game can really helped to lose weight hor…

    Not sure if I am able to commit this game on a weekly basis but definitely will continue to find time to play whenever circumstances pemitted.

    This game is definitely not so siong as squash or tennis hor…

    Wonder who will be next to join me leh…. Cheers… Dolly

  39. Dolly, I am glad you have enjoyed the session, or rather a wonderful sweating time.

    Actually, and regrettably, I have done little to coach the new players in the game, being busy with my own game and stuff. It is my fellow players (non SHC-members), who under no obligations, supported me and did most of the coaching. For this I am most thankful to them. Unfortunately, I cannot express my thanks to them here since they are not members, and do not read this forum.

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