What You Need to Know Before Your First Pickleball Game

The paddle sport is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in the Philippines. Before you grab that paddle, coach Paolo Enriquez has a few tips.

Two summers ago, golf was the sport to try, and Pilates was the new workout craze. Last year, running picked up speed anew, alongside hiking and bouldering. And who knows if this is the effect of Challengers or Alex Eala, but racket sports have also piqued Filipinos’ interest, and this year, pickleball is putting itself in the game.

Pickleball originated from Bainbridge Island, Washington, in the summer of 1965. It was founded by three fathers: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Initially created to entertain their children, they invented the sport on a badminton court, improvising with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic wiffle ball. Now, the sport has over 50 million players worldwide and is beginning to become a popular sport in the Philippines.

According to the Philippine Pickleball Federation, the country has over 46,400 registered players, almost 500 affiliated clubs, and upward of 420 playing venues nationwide. “Rising interest in the sport came around 2023. Some people started playing, and there were a couple of tournaments, but we usually played on a basketball court, then it evolved,” says pickleball coach Paolo Enriquez. “There’s no sign that I know of pickleball slowing down, especially in Southeast Asia. As of now, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Philippines, and Singapore are leading the world in terms of pickleball growth.”

As the sport gains momentum, Enriquez shares a few things you need to know before your first session.

Previous racket sport experience is great, but not required

According to Enriquez, previous racket sport experience puts players at an advantage. “You’re already used to the hand-eye coordination and the basic footwork from other racket sports that usually transition well into pickleball,” he says. Some of the more technical skills may also transfer into the way that you play pickleball, giving you a unique playstyle.

However, you don’t need to have one before signing up for your first pickleball session. “The difference from other racket sports is that it’s easy to learn,” he says. “I’ve taught various ages. The youngest I’ve taught so far is 3 years old, and the oldest is 88 years old.”

When you’re starting, buying a paddle is not the top priority

The right equipment matters, yes. But before buying your first pickleball paddle, Enriquez suggests borrowing fellow players’ paddles first to get a feel for which one works for you. “It’s a bit of an investment,” he says.

For those who insist on buying their own paddles, he recommends Vatic. “It’s the most popular paddle that beginners would buy because it’s affordable, lasts long, and you’re able to play with Vatic from beginner until intermediate.”

Good shoes are a must before stepping on court

While you don’t need to buy your own paddle as a beginner, good shoes are a non-negotiable for Enriquez. There’s no need to fret, though. According to him, you don’t necessarily need to buy pickleball shoes. “It can be either badminton shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, or pickleball shoes,” he says. “You just have to find the perfect pair for you.”

For those coming from a tennis background, Asics or Nike are popular choices. Skechers also carries its own line of pickleball shoes. Enriquez prefers basketball shoes because they accommodate his wide feet better and offer a bit more ankle protection.

Yes, you should sign up for formal classes

Like any sport, you could probably learn how to play from other players, but Enriquez advises taking a formal class. “It’s so that we can teach you how to enjoy pickleball, play the sport properly, and at the same time, take care of your body,” he says.

Although the sport is easy to pick up, improper play can still cause injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and lower body, such as shoulder bursitis, pickleball elbow, sprains, and knee injuries. To avoid these, proper training on grip, form, movement, and warm-ups is essential.

Play with people of the same level

“If you go to an open play without knowing how they play or their skill level, for sure you will be intimidated by the players, and you won’t enjoy it,” Enrique says. Instead, he recommends playing with friends who are also beginners, taking a few classes to learn the basics, and once you’re confident enough, proceeding to open play.