Join in on the fun at the first freeplay pickleball court in Cebu at SM Seaside.
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports around the world, especially in North America. Although it is basically a combination of elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, it is much easier to learn and master.
Cebuanos can try out this new sport at the first public pickleball court in the city, located in one of the biggest shopping malls on the island.
Located on the Upper Ground Level of SM Seaside Cube Wing, this sports venue offers a new exciting activity for fitness junkies and sports enthusiasts, where they can break a sweat and de-stress.
Plus, you don’t have to pay anything to try it.
The pickleball court is open to all during mall hours, and it’s perfect for hanging out with friends and enjoying a popular and rapidly growing sport.
PICKLEBALL COURT GUIDELINES
Looking for new outdoor recreational activities? Give pickleball a try!
Simply scan the QR code and register to play. With only two courts available, it’s going to be on a first come, first serve basis.
Players must wear the proper attire while on the pickleball court. While there are already pickleball-specific shoes on the market, tennis or badminton shoes are good enough to use.
Pickleball shoes are considered non-marking shoes, since they leave no marks on traditional wooden or tiled floors. They are usually worn for indoor sports because of the unique sole that provides maximum friction (2019).
Players must bring their own paddles, but the facility may let you borrow their equipment if available. Items borrowed must be returned in good condition after use.
Each group is entitled to an hour each, and you can either play singles or doubles.
A single game can last 15 to 25 minutes, and whoever wins two out of three games wins the match.
The management encourages sportsmanship and respect when playing at the pickleball court to maintain a positive environment. Smoking, alcohol, and illegal substances are not allowed anywhere near the court.
Participants must adhere to all the rules at the pickleball court. Failure to do so may get you banned from using the court.
Players must also play responsibly in order to prevent any injuries.
HOW TO PLAY PICKLEBALL
Just like any other sport, there are basic pickleball rules for beginners.
Although similar to tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, a pickleball court is smaller in size. It is divided into four service areas, with a shorter net.
It has what is called “the kitchen,” which refers to the area surrounding the net.
It’s a simple sport without the need for high-end equipment. All you need is a good set of paddles, plastic pickleballs, and a pickleball court.
The game is usually played in doubles. It consists of turns called rallies, where one team serves and the other receives. Only the team serving the ball can win points.
One player from the serving team must send the ball to the receiver’s side of the court to put the ball in play. The receivers must then send it back through groundstrokes (hitting the ball after it bounces) or volleys (hitting the ball out of the air).
The rally continues until someone commits a “fault,” which can either be:
- A player failing to serve past “the “kitchen”
- A player hitting the ball directly at the net
- A player hitting the ball out of bounds
Additionally, pickleball players are not allowed to volley inside “the kitchen.” Volleys are only playable once the ball has bounced on both sides of the court.
Failure to follow pickleball rules will result in a fault.
If the receivers commit a fault, the point goes to the serving team. If the serving team commits the fault, the ball returns to them, with the second player serving the ball.
If the second server commits another fault, the teams switch roles as servers and receivers. They are to continue this process until someone scores 11 points.
However, the winner must be up by two points.
So, if the game is tied at 10-10, the next point doesn’t determine the winner just yet. The game continues until someone scores two in a row, so this can make the game go longer than usual.
WHY PLAY PICKLEBALL
This sports venue could potentially bring in people who are interested in trying out pickleball.
Anyone can enjoy pickleball.
Even the most experienced of players are aged 55 and older. Some casual players are younger, and a large segment of new players aged under 24 have surged throughout the years.
It is much easier compared to other racket sports since the ball is less bouncy and does not fly around the court as fast. The paddle is much lighter, and the game utilizes mostly underhand serves, which are easier to do for hitting and returning the ball.
It may be less intense, but it still serves as a pretty good workout, especially if you play enough every week. Additionally, the paddle’s size helps with hand-eye and neuromuscular coordination (2022).
Pickleball is considered a moderate workout for middle-aged and older people. However, an article in the Washington Post stated that you would need four and a half hours a week to meet recommended exercise guidelines (2022).
Most importantly, many pickleball players have raved about how easy it is to get into. Even players over 50 talked about how sociable the sport is and how it has improved their overall well-being.
As physical activities like running and jogging continue to gain popularity among Cebuanos, you may want to try other outdoor recreational activities.
It’s safe to say that pickleball is a great option for those who want to socialize, stay fit, and have fun.
It’s easy to play and it doesn’t take long for you to fully understand the rules. It serves as both an exercise and a competitive social activity with friends and fellow players.
The SM Seaside pickleball court definitely serves as an ideal sports venue for both beginners and seasoned players.
REFERENCES:
Saini, Vijaydeep. 2019. “Non Marking Shoes – Everything you need to know.” Sportsuncle.
https://www.sportsuncle.com/blog/article/non-marking-shoes.
DeMelo, Juno. 2022. “Why Is Pickleball So Popular?” The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/03/well/move/pickleball-popular-sport.html.
Soong, Kelyn. 2022. “Pickleball is popular, but how much exercise are you really getting?” The Washington Post.
https://www.washingtonpost.om/wellness/2022/11/09/is-pickleball-good-exercise/.
