4 May 2022
For all racket sport-lovers, understanding a game like pickleball should not be a problem. The all-American sport is new to a lot of people, but has gained popularity for its simple rules, competitive nature and variation of technique for it to be challenging enough. For a little historical background, back in 1965, Washington locals Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented the sport to combat the boredom their children experienced during a long hot summer. Call it innovative, but the sport came about when the trio realized they did not have the right badminton equipment to play in the court available to them at the time. With quick thinking and remarkable resourcefulness, they thought, “Why can’t we play with ping pong paddles!”
Enter 2022, and pickleball seems to be making a name for itself in the international scene, including the Philippines. It is surprisingly popular in places outside Metro Manila with local clubs sprouting in places like Pampanga and Bulacan, and local tournaments seemingly very well attended. Any Google search for “Pickleball Philippines” will lead you to many different organizations across the country. At the Club, we recently held a Pickleball Clinic to introduce the sport to our Members. We interviewed Ms. Barbie Chuidian, a pickleball enthusiast and a Board Member of the Manila Polo Club, to talk about her love for the game and her hope to see the sport grow at the Club.
Pickleball is a fast-growing sport, but it’s still relatively in its infancy. How did you get acquainted with it and what made you decide to try it?
“I’ve heard of pickleball from friends in the US who have become addicted to the sport. Most of them were friends whom I played tennis and squash with.”
“Their newfound addiction piqued my curiosity so I went online and watched videos – looked super fun! So, during lockdown in Manila, I purchased pickleball paddles and a mini tennis net online and put it in our driveway! The sound of the wiffle ball against the paddles is distinct too so we had neighbors on their bikes stop in front of our house to watch and play. Before long, we had pickleball parties with cocktails afterwards.”
“I finally tried playing actual pickleball last summer in San Francisco, where the public tennis courts are all converted to pickleball courts. I was intrigued by the crowds on the courts each morning – courts are all full with doubles partners and there are players waiting for their turn on the sidelines. So, naturally, we joined in!
“The only racket sport I can think of where grandparents can play with young kids! An excellent family sport.”
Gameplay
“Many say that pickleball is a cross between tennis, squash, and ping pong. It can be played in singles or doubles. You serve crosscourt and your opponent returns the ball and keeps it within the court. You earn points only on your serve. There are some distinct rules that are unique to pickleball – like “staying out of the kitchen”. This refers to the inside of the volley line, and players are only allowed to step in there after the ball bounces. Serves have to be done underhand, and the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying is allowed. Other than that, it’s pretty straightforward. It’s a game of control and strategy. Scoring is from one to 11 and you earn a point only on your serve. In doubles, both players on each team must serve before the ball is turned over to the other team.”
According to Ms. Barbee, this sport is very easy to learn. If anyone has played ping pong, they can learn pickleball! Although having some tennis or squash experience is certainly an advantage. “The only racket sport I can think of where grandparents can play with young kids! An excellent family sport.”, Ms. Barbee said.
After the success of the initial Pickleball Clinic in March, Ms. Barbee and a few other pickleball regulars, whom you will find regularly playing on Friday afternoons, are eager to make this a regular feature at the Club due to the high demand and interest of the Members during the first clinic. “Later this month, there will be a Pickleball Clinic for the seniors at the Club – for me, if we can get some of our senior members back in the court to play, that’s a huge win for the club already.”
For those interested to play, you may contact the Sports and Athletics office to reserve the courts for Pickleball. For lessons, please contact pickleball pro Leander Lazaro at 0917 502 1223.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJnPRTF0-7w