Hyderabad experiences a surge in pickleball popularity: Play, strategize, and enjoy.

As the sun begins to set over Hyderabad, the courts at Hyderabad Paddle Park come alive with the sound of paddles striking a plastic ball. By 5 PM, the venue is bustling with players engaged in the fast-paced game of pickleball, a sport that has rapidly gained popularity in the city. Dorlodhu Pradeep, a part-time coach at the park, notes the growth in interest, stating, “Earlier there were only 8 to 10 courts in the city. Now you can find courts in different localities.”

Jubilee Hills has emerged as a central hub for pickleball enthusiasts, with venues like Hyderabad Paddle Park and The Kitchen attracting crowds during the evenings. Meanwhile, Madhapur’s Ayyappa Society is home to Pickle Yard, a favorite among IT professionals. For those seeking a larger sports environment, Cross Court Sports in Gandipet offers ample space. Other popular locations include Dink N Dash and the Pullela Gopichand Academy. The shift to indoor courts has been driven by both the city’s sweltering heat and the increasing demand for air-conditioned facilities, which have elevated the sport into a more premium experience.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, played on a court similar in size to a badminton doubles court. Players utilize solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball that can behave unpredictably after bouncing. The game typically requires the ball to bounce once before volleys, and points are scored only by the serving side. Doubles matches are the most common format in Hyderabad, making it a social and engaging activity.

The sport's introduction to Hyderabad can be attributed to viral short-form videos on social media, which piqued the interest of corporate groups looking for new recreational activities. Players like Darla Jyotirmayi, a finance professional, share their initial experiences, noting the sport's deceptive simplicity. “We kept seeing it online and finally decided to try it. Though it seemed simple at first, we discovered it wasn’t,” she recalls.

As players gather at various courts, the diversity of participants is evident. From corporate teams to teenagers with tennis backgrounds, the mix is vibrant. Gaurav Jha, a digital marketer, discovered pickleball during a corporate outing and quickly realized the game's complexities. “I struggled to connect with it,” he admits, highlighting the learning curve that many newcomers face. Experienced players emphasize the importance of proper technique and warm-ups to prevent injuries, with Dorlodhu Pradeep advising that “most injuries happen when players skip warm-ups.”

With court fees ranging from ₹700 to ₹1,600 per hour depending on the venue, and equipment costs adding up, pickleball is becoming a significant investment for many. Yet, for those who embrace the sport, the community and camaraderie it fosters make it a rewarding pursuit.