Philippines’ Pickleball Movers Serve Up Advice on Starting Out, Getting to Next Level

It can be daunting to try out a new sport, but not so much if that new sport is pickleball.

See, pickleball is relatively easy to learn and has a low barrier to entry. It’s not for nothing that so many are picking up a paddle and trying it out—so much so that it is now the world’s fastest-rising sport in terms of popularity.

Starting out, of course, is pretty easy. But getting good at it takes time, and there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.

Get a Good Coach

For Philippines-based coach Gina Aramburo, a great way to start any pickleball journey is to get help from an accredited instructor.

“Filipinos who want to find a certified instructor can choose from four certification bodies,” Aramburo told ABS-CBN. “Each one has its own standards and approach—the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), United Pickleball Coaching & Certification (UPCC), Pickleball Global Academy, and the Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches (AATC), which also offers pickleball training.”

“A good instructor will teach proper paddle handling, including the correct grip and stance. You’ll learn the right way to hit the ball, whether from the ground or at the net. Serving and returning are key skills, along with proper court positioning and how to keep score. Learning to stretch properly before and after playing is also essential,” she added.

Your instructor will also tell you if you’re ready for the next level—that is, to compete in tournaments if that’s your ultimate goal.

Invest in Equipment

Another thing to remember: invest in quality equipment, like paddles, balls, and shoes. But that doesn’t mean going out and buying the expensive stuff just yet. Entry-level equipment will do just fine, as long as it’s of good quality.

“Beginners should start with a solid entry-level paddle, but avoid ultra-cheap options or anything too light or heavy, which often lack durability and control, and can make you prone to injury,” said Grace Woo, a Filipina pickler and distributor of Gearbox paddles and Alset balls. “Beginners often use hybrid balls, but seamless balls are what you’ll see in tournaments. You’ll get better practice and a better feel for competitive play if you train with seamless balls from the start.”

Woo also emphasised the need to wear the right shoes, noting how they don’t just help players perform better but are also integral for comfort and reducing injury risks.

“Wear court shoes or tennis shoes with good side support, plus cushioned insoles to protect your feet and joints,” Woo advises beginners. “The right gear doesn’t just help you play better—it keeps you comfortable and lowers your risk of injury.”

Taking It to the Next Level

If you want to truly test yourself in pickleball, then you’ll ultimately have to compete… and eventually turn pro. In such a case, the best thing to do, according to Filipina pro Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa, is to compete as much as you can—and that will require quite the investment.

“Invest in yourself. Join international tournaments for the experience and exposure,” Lim-Narvasa told ABS-CBN. “The more you play, the more mature you become as an athlete.”

But in case you do turn pro, Lim-Narvasa offers quite a unique perspective: don’t make it all about winning; instead, aim to improve as much as you can.

“Work on your perspective,” she said. “Don’t make winning your identity. Focus on progressing and reaching your full potential. Be humble. Learn from others and be willing to hear what you need to work on.”

The Pro Circuit Can Be Rewarding

In case you’re having second thoughts about ultimately turning pro, do note that becoming a professional pickleball player can be rewarding. This is particularly true in Asia, where pickleball is “going to be huge”, according to Lim-Narvasa, who competed at the PPA Tour Asia Hong Kong Open 2025.

“Even now, the prize money here is already so big—that’s why Australians, and even American players, are coming to compete,” she said. “In countries like Vietnam and China, players don’t even need to leave home. They can make a comfortable living just playing domestically.”

But there’s a caveat. You’ll need to win to make a living off pickleball, and that’s not too easy now, said Lim-Narvasa, who pointed out that “even winning one round is already a big achievement” in high-level tournaments. That’s because the pros are at a level so high already that it’s gotten harder to compete at this stage.

Then again, Lim-Narvasa is proof that Filipinos can play pickleball at that level. That means you can, too. But you’ll need to start somewhere, sometime.

Maybe, just maybe, that time is now.

(With reports from ABS-CBN)