The story of pickleball is one of innovation, spontaneity and timeless fun. Born in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball was created almost by accident when three fathers Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum sought to entertain their bored children.
Using everyday items such as ping-pong paddles, a wiffle ball and a makeshift net, they pieced together a new game.
Initially played on an old badminton court, pickleball quickly evolved from a backyard pastime into a structured sport. By the 1970s, dedicated pickleball courts were being built and official rules were established to guide its play.
Today, pickleball is not only a favorite recreational activity but also a rapidly growing professional sport, complete with international tournaments, celebrity athletes and a vibrant betting market, particularly on platforms like OKBet.
Understanding the history of pickleball gives players, fans, and bettors a richer appreciation for how this modest backyard invention became a global sporting phenomenon.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a dynamic paddle sport that combines the most exciting elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into one easy-to-learn, highly engaging game. Played either one-on-one (singles) or two-on-two (doubles), players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a low net
The game is typically played on a badminton-sized court, which encourages faster exchanges and strategic plays rather than relying solely on physical strength.
The relatively small size of the court, combined with the lightweight ball. It is common to see retirees competing just as fiercely as young athletes, making pickleball a true lifetime sport.
Pickleball Rules
While pickleball’s relaxed origins might suggest a simple game, it is governed by a well-defined set of rules that balance accessibility with skillful play. Here are the core rules that every player must understand:
Serving: Players must serve the ball underhand and diagonally across the court, starting behind the baseline. The serve must clear the non-volley zone, commonly referred to as "the kitchen."
Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Then, the serving team must also allow it to bounce before playing their next shot. This rule prevents immediate volleys and encourages longer rallies.
Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11 points, but players must win by a margin of at least two points.
Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen"): Players are prohibited from volleying (hitting the ball out of the air) while standing within the non-volley zone unless the ball has bounced. This zone adds a tactical layer to net play, rewarding precision and strategy over brute force.
Faults: Common faults include failing to clear the net, hitting the ball out of bounds, or volleying in the non-volley zone without allowing a bounce.
These simple yet strategic rules allow beginners to quickly grasp the basics, while offering advanced players endless opportunities to refine techniques and develop complex game strategies.
Understanding the nuances of pickleball rules is essential not just for players, but also for bettors analyzing match outcomes on betting platforms like OKBet, where knowing how a player handles critical rule-based scenarios can influence betting strategies.
Pickleball Courts in Metro Manila
Pickleball Courts in Manila
1. Manila Pickleball Club
Location: Quirino Ave., Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila
Courts: 4 outdoor hard courts with permanent lines and portable nets
Access: One-time fee required
Canonigo Sports & Recreation Center
Location: Manila, Metro Manila
Courts: 3 courts with permanent lines and portable nets
Access: Information on fees and scheduling is not specified; contacting the center directly is recommended for details
Pickleball Courts in Quezon City
1. Hemady Sports Plaza
Location: Doña Hemady Street, New Manila
Courts: 8 indoor courts
Access: ₱150 per session
Details: Dedicated indoor courts with lighting; popular venue for local players
2. Ayala Heights Pickleball Court
Location: Ayala Heights Village, Ayala Heights Drive
Courts: 1 indoor hard court
Access: ₱250 per session
Details: Dedicated court with permanent net and lines; restrooms available.
3. Quezon City Sports Club
Location: E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave.
Courts: 4 outdoor courts
Access: ₱250 per session
Details: Permanent lines; restrooms available; bring your own net.
4. Magnolia Residences
Location: Doña Hemady Street, N. Domingo
Courts: 1 outdoor court
Access: Requires payment or membership
Details: Dedicated court without lighting.
5. Blue Ridge B Basketball Court
Location: Blue Ridge B, Quezon City
Courts: 4 covered courts
Access: ₱150 per session
Details: Operated by KYUSI Pickleball Club; sessions on Wednesdays, 8 AM–12 NN.
6. Powerplay
Location: 24 Apo St., Sta. Mesa Heights
Courts: 2 indoor courts
Access: ₱400 per hour
7. UP Pickleball Club
Location: Cristy Hernandez Center, behind Engineering College
Courts: 3 indoor courts
Access: Free
Details: Call for schedule; contact Nikko Almario at 0956-162-8669.
8. UP Town Center
Location: 2 H Ventura St., near Balara entrance
Courts: 2 outdoor concrete courts
Access: Free
Details: No reservations needed; contact (02) 7795-9595 for inquiries.
Pickleball Courts in BGC, Taguig
1. Sequoia Pickleball Club
Location: Two Serendra, 11th Avenue, BGC
Courts: 3 indoor wood courts
Access: Membership required; ₱224/hour
Details: Dedicated indoor facility with permanent lines and portable nets.
2. Market! Market! Pickleball Court
Location: McKinley Parkway, BGC
Courts: 2 hard courts (1 indoor, 1 outdoor)
Access: Membership required; ₱150 per player
Details: Dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets.
3. Toby’s Sports Street Pickleball
Location: 31st Street, BGC
Courts: Temporary outdoor setup
Access: Open play sessions on weekends (e.g., Saturdays and Sundays until April 12)
Details: Organized by Toby’s Sports; offers a unique street pickleball experience
Pickleball Courts in Makati
1. The Zone Sports Center
Location: 7224 Malugay St., corner Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. (Buendia), Makati
Courts: 6 indoor wood courts
Access: ₱75 entrance fee; ₱250 per hour court rental
Details: Dedicated pickleball courts with permanent lines and portable nets; lighting available; restrooms and pro shop on-site
2. Makati Sports Club
Location: L.P. Leviste St. corner Gallardo St., Salcedo Village, Makati
Courts: 2 outdoor hard courts
Access: Private club; access by invitation only
Details: Permanent lines with portable nets; restrooms available
3. Activate One at One Ayala
Location: Level 5, One Ayala, Ayala Avenue corner EDSA, Makati
Courts: 2 indoor courts
Access: Open play sessions and weekend clinics; membership details available via their Facebook page
Details: Dedicated pickleball courts with lighting; also offers HIIT, combat training, and basketball shooting areas
4. Magallanes Village Association
Location: Magallanes Village, Makati
Courts: 3 indoor courts
Access: ₱200 per player; schedule varies (Tue/Fri/Sat)
Details: Indoor courts with lighting; contact Conrado Paras at 0917-811-8140 for schedule and access
Details: Permanent lines; portable nets; restrooms available
2. Ortigas Street Pickleball
Location: Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Courts: 3 street courts
Access: Free
Details: Open play on Saturdays (4 PM–9 PM) and Sundays (6 AM–11 AM, 4 PM–8:30 PM); equipment provided; organized by the Philippine Pickleball Federation
3. Doña Juana Basketball Court
Location: C. Raymundo Avenue, Pasig City
Courts: 3 covered courts
Access: Shared use
Details: Available on Saturdays from 2 PM to 5 PM; contact Arch Ronald Angeles at 0917-516-6990 for more information
4. Olympic Badminton Center
Location: 100 Ortigas Avenue, Autocamp Access Road, Pasig City
Courts: Indoor courts
Access: Contact for details
Details: Pickleball sessions held on Thursdays; check their Instagram page for schedules
5. Tiendesitas
Location: C5 corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City
Courts: Outdoor court
Access: Contact for details
Details: Newly opened pickleball court; check their TikTok page for more information
Pickleball Courts in Cebu City
1. SM Seaside City Cebu – Tower Garden
Location: Upper Ground Level, Tower Garden, Cube Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu
Courts: Outdoor
Access: Free play
Details: Cebu's first outdoor free-play pickleball court, open to all players
2. Match Point Badminton and Pickleball Court
Location: Landing Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
Courts: Indoor
Access: Contact for details
Details: Dedicated indoor pickleball courts
3. Citiloft by MSBC Lahug
Location: Citiloft, Lahug, Cebu City
Courts: Indoor
Access: Contact for details
Details: Newly opened pickleball court
4. Cebu Professional Pickleball Association
Location: IL Corso/CCLEX SRP, Lapu-Lapu City
Courts: Indoor
Access: ₱200 per player
Details: Open Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 PM–9 PM
Pickleball vs Tennis
Pickleball vs tennis highlights key differences between these two popular racket sports. While both involve hitting a ball over a net, pickleball is typically played on a smaller court with a lower net and uses a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, making it slower-paced and more accessible to players of all ages. Tennis, on the other hand, is played on a larger court with a heavier racket and a felt-covered rubber ball, requiring more running and power.
These differences in equipment, court size, and gameplay style define the unique appeal of each sport.
Pickleball has swiftly risen from local recreation to a global competitive sport, and today, it boasts several premier tournaments that capture international attention. These events not only showcase the sport’s best talent but also offer exciting opportunities for sports bettors, especially on leading platforms like OKBet.
Some of the most prestigious tournaments include:
Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships: Known as the world’s largest pickleball tournament, it gathers thousands of top-ranked players in Dallas, Texas, each November. This event sets the gold standard for competitive pickleball.
Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships: Hosted annually in Naples, Florida, this tournament is widely celebrated for its festive atmosphere and fierce competition. It attracts players and fans from around the world, making it a top choice for bettors seeking high-quality action.
The Pickle Games – Miami: As a newer event aiming to be the largest pickleball festival globally, The Pickle Games blend professional and amateur competition with entertainment and fan experiences.
Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tours: These tours include multiple major stops throughout the year, offering numerous opportunities for fans and bettors to engage with elite-level pickleball.
For sports betting enthusiasts, these tournaments present dynamic betting markets, with odds fluctuating based on player form, head-to-head matchups, and even environmental conditions like court surfaces and weather.
In any sport, a few names consistently dominate the headlines, and pickleball is no exception. Knowing the top players is crucial for fans who want to follow the action closely and for bettors aiming to make informed decisions.
Anna Leigh Waters: Often called the face of modern pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters became a professional at just 12 years old. She now holds multiple national titles and is celebrated for her aggressive yet tactical playing style. Her dominance across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles makes her a perennial favorite in every tournament she enters.
Ben Johns: Widely regarded as one of the most successful pickleball players in history, Ben Johns has amassed over 125 professional titles. His strategic approach to matches, combined with physical endurance and sharp reflexes, makes him a consistent contender and a prime subject of betting interest.
Federico Staksrud: Representing Argentina, Federico Staksrud has recently overtaken many of his peers, claiming top spots in singles rankings. His rapid ascent and ability to perform under pressure have made him a notable figure in the pickleball betting community.
Simone Jardim: A former world number one and a pioneer in women’s pickleball, Simone Jardim continues to inspire with her exceptional court coverage and tactical prowess. Although semi-retired, she remains a major presence in team events and coaching.
Understanding these athletes’ strengths, weaknesses, and performance trends provides bettors with a significant advantage when analyzing potential match outcomes on OKBet.
Understanding Pickleball Betting Markets
As the sport matures, so does the range of betting opportunities available to pickleball fans. On platforms like OKBet, bettors can find a variety of markets that add an extra layer of excitement to every match.
Key pickleball betting markets include:
Match Winner: The most straightforward wager, where bettors predict which player or team will win the match.
Set Winner: In tournaments that divide matches into sets, bettors can wager on the outcome of specific sets, rather than the overall match.
Handicap Betting: This market offers players a virtual advantage or disadvantage, leveling the playing field and often providing more attractive odds for mismatched opponents.
Over/Under Total Points: Bettors predict whether the total number of points in a match will be over or under a set threshold, based on the anticipated competitiveness of the match.
Outright Tournament Winner: A longer-term bet where players wager on who will win an entire tournament, not just a single match.
Successful betting on pickleball requires a combination of strategic insight, up-to-date player knowledge, and an understanding of tournament structures.
The Future of Pickleball in the Philippines
Pickleball’s rise across the globe is mirrored in the Philippines, where the sport is steadily gaining popularity among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and casual players. As the local sports community becomes more aware of pickleball’s accessibility and competitive excitement, numerous new clubs, tournaments, and training programs have emerged, particularly in major urban centers like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Several factors are fueling pickleball’s growth in the Philippines:
Increased Accessibility: The smaller court size and minimal equipment requirements make pickleball easy to introduce in both rural and urban communities. Schools, sports centers, and even residential developments are beginning to build dedicated pickleball courts.
Government and Private Support: National sports organizations and private stakeholders are recognizing pickleball’s potential, offering support through grants, training seminars, and competitive events.
Community Engagement: Filipino players are naturally drawn to pickleball’s social and competitive aspects. Recreational leagues and corporate tournaments are being organized to build camaraderie while fostering local talent.
Integration with Online Platforms Like OKBet: A critical driver of pickleball’s rising profile is the integration with trusted sports betting platforms like OKBet. Through OKBet, Filipino fans can not only follow international pickleball tournaments but also engage with the sport through dynamic and secure betting markets. This integration elevates pickleball's visibility, making it part of mainstream sports culture in the Philippines.
As international tours like the PPA and APP expand their reach into Asia, the Philippines is poised to become a significant hub for pickleball in the region. With the right support, continued grassroots promotion, and platforms like OKBet promoting active engagement, pickleball’s future in the Philippines looks exceptionally bright.
Why OKBet is the Premier Platform for Pickleball Betting
If you're looking to take your pickleball experience to the next level, OKBet offers the best platform for betting on major tournaments with secure transactions, real-time odds, and a wide range of betting options. Trusted in the Philippines, OKBet makes it easy for fans to engage with the sport while betting responsibly and confidently on every thrilling match.
Pickleball originated in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three fathers created a new game using a badminton net, ping-pong paddles, and a wiffle ball to entertain their children. It has since evolved into a globally recognized sport with professional tournaments and an active betting scene.
How is pickleball played?
Pickleball is played with two or four players who use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net. The game emphasizes strategy and placement rather than brute strength. Points are scored only on the serve, and matches are typically played to 11 points, requiring a two-point margin to win.
What are the top pickleball tournaments for betting?
The premier pickleball tournaments include the Biofreeze USA National Championships, the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, The Pickle Games Miami, and major events under the PPA and APP Tours. These tournaments offer exciting opportunities for sports betting, especially on platforms like OKBet.
Who are the top professional pickleball players to watch?
Leading pickleball athletes include Anna Leigh Waters, Ben Johns, Federico Staksrud, and Simone Jardim. These players are known for their dominant performances and are often the focus of betting markets during major tournaments.
Where can I bet on pickleball in the Philippines?
Filipino fans can legally and securely bet on major pickleball tournaments through OKBet. OKBet offers a variety of betting markets, including match winner, set winner, handicap betting, and outright tournament betting, tailored to the growing interest in pickleball.
What is the future of pickleball in the Philippines?
Pickleball is rapidly expanding in the Philippines, supported by local clubs, government initiatives, and private sector investment. As the sport becomes more mainstream, betting platforms like OKBet are helping further to boost its visibility and accessibility among Filipino sports fans.
Kingwin Ventures Inc., owns the trademark, brand, and business name OKBet.
OKBet is the No. 1 Philippine trusted betting platform via website and mobile application. It offers legal games under the licensing of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
