What sport is a mix of table-tennis, badminton and tennis? Answer: Pickle-ball. Originating from the United States, the game has been gaining steady popularity here since its introduction in the late 1980s.
Using a racquet similar to an enlarged table-tennis bat and a perforated plastic ball the size of a tennis ball, the game is usually played on badminton courts in housing estates and community centres (CCs).
Played by two or four players at a time, its rules are similar to that of tennis while points are scored in the same way as in a badminton game. Players race to score 11, 15 or 21 points to win a match.
A versatile and family-oriented game, its largely low-impact nature has also attracted a following of slightly older players.
The Singapore Pickle-ball Association (SPA), for instance, currently has a membership of 150 players, most of whom are over 35 years of age.
Madam Ng Eng, the SPA's secretary, said that pickle-ball is now offered in 75 CCs and it is included as part of the Singapore Sports Council's Sports For Life scheme.
The 65-year-old retiree, who has been playing pickle-ball for 12 years now, added that the sport is also a great way for people her age to keep fit and socialise.
By allowing players the option of bouncing the ball before returning a serve, the pace of pickle-ball games can be slowed down to suit older players, said Dr Teh Kong Chuan, a senior consultant with the sports medicine service at Alexandra Hospital.
Given the light-weight plastic ball and racquet used, there is also less chance of impact-related injuries.
Dr Teh said it is up to the players to control the pace of the game.
'While it can be a less strenuous sport, it all depends on how intensely you choose to play,' he said.
One newcomer to the sport is Mr David Er, who picked up the game from colleagues 1-1/2 years ago and has since become a die-hard fan.
The 50-year-old storekeeper, who is also a swimming coach, said the game is a good fit for him - he loves badminton and played tennis during his national service days.
Such is his passion for the game that he now promotes it among his fellow Choa Chu Kang residents, through his district's sports recreation centre.
Compared to badminton, pickle-ball is well suited for someone his age as it is less intense. Yet, it still provides a very good workout for the whole body, he said.
'I always go to work feeling refreshed the day after I've played a game,' he said.
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.
