Have you joined the pickleball craze yet? If it feels like everyone from your boss to your teenage kids has picked up a paddle lately, you’re not imagining things — pickleball in Singapore has exploded in popularity over the past few years.

The sport blends the best of tennis, badminton and table tennis into a fast-paced, easy-to-learn format. Played with a perforated plastic ball and a lightweight paddle, every rally delivers that distinctive, satisfying “tock” with each rebound. Sustaining rallies is easier than in many other racket sports, making pickleball a welcoming game for beginners, social players and enthusiasts of all ages.

According to Sport Singapore, bookings for pickleball courts at ActiveSG sport halls rose from fewer than 20 a month in 2014 to almost 8,000 monthly in the first half of 2025. The Singapore Pickle-Ball Association president, Mr Lim Ee Kiong, noted that participation in the annual Pesta Sukan Pickleball Championships grew from 321 players in 2021 to 2,016 in 2025. 

“Driving around, I see more people playing pickleball everywhere,” says Mr Lim. “Pickleball gear is also now widely available on local e-commerce platforms, whereas quality equipment used to be found only on US sites. All these signs point to a surge of interest in the sport.”

To meet this growing demand, CSC is giving members more dedicated and convenient spaces to play. Each clubhouse — at Bukit Batok, Changi and Tessensohn — now features four indoor pickleball courts, available for booking from 7 November 2025. Members keen to learn can also check the CSC Events Listing for upcoming pickleball classes for beginners.

What makes pickleball tick (and tock) 

Once a sport mostly associated with retirees who repurposed tennis or badminton courts during off-peak hours, pickleball’s wider availability — including evening and weekend slots — has attracted a new wave of working adults.

“Another common factor for many players is that they’re following their doctor’s advice to get out of a sedentary lifestyle and stay active for mental and physical wellness,” says Mr Lim.

As a lower-impact alternative to tennis or badminton, pickleball is gentler on the joints while still improving cardiovascular health, muscle strength and flexibility. The game’s quick exchanges also sharpen reflexes and hand-eye coordination — a great way to boost focus, relieve stress and lift your mood.

That said, Mr Lim encourages newcomers to play safely under guidance. “Many players come in thinking they can pick up where they left off decades ago. If you’re not in peak fitness, it’s best to start with a coached session so the coach can tailor progressive activities to your fitness and skill level.”

And because it’s often played in doubles, the sport’s social side is a big part of the fun. “Pickleball helps to level the playing field between youths and seniors, or even men and women,” adds Mr Lim. “You’ll often see players chatting and laughing over the net while rallying.”

Why choose CSC courts

Pickleball’s surge in popularity has made public courts busier than ever. Many players find it tough to secure a regular slot, with peak-hour bookings filling up quickly and private venues charging premium rates.

Across Singapore, venues handle court sharing differently. Some community centres may limit pickleball sessions on badminton courts or require booking the entire hall, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. With the sport’s growing fan base, it’s clear that more dedicated spaces are needed to meet demand.

That’s where CSC comes in. Its new indoor pickleball courts give members a comfortable, purpose-built space to play. Designed for exclusive use by CSC members, the courts offer fixed hours, well-maintained surfaces, clear rules and easy access to amenities like toilets and dining spots — everything you need for a seamless playing experience.

For those looking to improve their game, CSC has also partnered with the Singapore Pickle-Ball Association to offer affordable coaching sessions and club ladders. Mr Lim, who will lead the Learning to Play clinics at CSC, shares that participants can look forward to picking up the rules, mastering rallies and positioning for meaningful play. “Pickleball is fun and social,” he says. “Players will find that your phones will soon be exploding with new contacts! We look forward to initiating CSC members into this wonderful sport.”

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Tips for playing pickleball in public spaces

Mr Lim of the Singapore Pickle-Ball Association offers some friendly advice to keep the game enjoyable for everyone, including nearby residents:

• Protect yourself from the heat. In outdoor courts, sun protection is a must. Wear a cap or sun hat with UV screening and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Wear the right shoes. Use court shoes for better stability instead of running shoes.
• Be mindful of others. Keep noise levels down, especially if the courts are near residential blocks.
• Clean up after yourself. Pick up cracked balls and empty bottles after your session — leave the space ready for the next group.

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Between 30 October to 6 November, all CSC Clubhouses will be having free court usage. Join our free Pickleball clinic on 29 October (CSC @ Tessensohn), 4 November (CSC @ Changi), 5 November (CSC @ Bukit Batok). Limited slots available, book now!