Pickleball in Hong Kong: A beginner's guide

Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis, typically in a singles or doubles format. Players use solid paddles to hit a lightweight plastic ball with holes, and the game has a unique scoring system and specific rules. It’s easy to learn, making it popular for both casual play and competitive matches.

Pickleball rules are straightforward and designed to promote fair play and enjoyment. Here’s a quick rundown:

Court size: The court measures 20 feet by 44 feet for doubles (same for singles), with a net height of 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches in the centre.

Scoring: Pickleball uses rally scoring, meaning points can be won by either team regardless of who served. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least two.

Serving: Serves must be underhand and hit diagonally to the opponent's service box. The server must keep one foot behind the baseline and remember, the serve must clear the non-volley zone, also known as the 'Kitchen'.

Non-volley zone: The non-volley zone extends seven feet from the net on both sides. Players cannot hit the ball while standing in this zone unless the ball has bounced first.
This rule prevents players from spiking the ball too close to the net.

Double bounce rule: After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed. This means the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it, and the serving team must let it bounce before playing it.

Faults: A fault can occur if the ball goes out of bounds, into the net, or if a player violates the non-volley zone rule.

To improve your game, keep these tips and tricks in mind drawn from Albert's years of experience:

Master your serve: A strong serve sets the tone for the game. Practice different types of serves – flat, topspin, and slice – to keep your opponents guessing. Aim for deep serves to push them back.

Work on the dink: The dink shot is crucial in pickleball. It’s a soft shot intended to land in the opponent's non-volley zone. Practice your dinks to keep your opponents from attacking and to set up for a more aggressive shot.

Be patient: Pickleball is often about waiting for the right opportunity. Don’t rush to hit powerful shots. Instead, focus on placement and consistency. Wait for your opponent to make a mistake or for a high ball to attack.

Stay aware of positioning: Always be aware of your positioning on the court. In doubles, communicate with your partner and maintain a side-by-side formation at the net to cover more area.

Use the non-volley zone: Don’t be afraid to step into the non-volley zone after the ball bounces. This area is crucial for controlling the net and setting up effective volleys.

Practice Footwork: Good footwork can significantly improve your game. Work on moving quickly and efficiently, and practice getting into the right position to hit the ball effectively.

Watch your opponents: Pay attention to your opponents’ habits and weaknesses. If they struggle with a particular shot, exploit that by targeting it consistently.

Stay relaxed: Tension can lead to mistakes. Keep a relaxed grip on your paddle and maintain good posture. Breath control can also help during intense rallies.

Play regularly: Consistent practice is key. Play with a variety of partners to experience different playing styles and improve your adaptability.

Have fun: Remember that pickleball is ultimately about enjoyment. Stay positive, celebrate your successes, and learn from your mistakes.

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about Bay Pickle. Located in Tin Hau, Bay Pickle aims to create a community centred around pickleball. 'Bay' reflects their connection to the region, representing the idea of bringing people together through sport, while 'pickle'  not only highlights the sport itself but also brings a sense of fun, playfulness, and accessibility. Ultimately, their goal is to introduce pickleball as something that everyone can enjoy, whether they're beginners or aspiring champions.

Aside from the racquet sport, Bay Pickle offers social mixers, fitness programmes, holiday tournaments, themed events like 'Glow in the Dark pickleball', youth programmes to introduce kids to the sport, and more. They also have bites like pizzas from Carbs and cookies from Cookie DPT, as well as other refreshing drinks to enjoy after you've worked up a sweat. For more info about what Bay Pickle has to offer, visit thebaypickle.com to find out more.