A Pickleball Guide to Hilton Head Island
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, and here on Hilton Head Island, it's quickly becoming a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. Here, you'll find that many of our renowned tennis resorts and clubs are adding pickleball to the mix — offering everything from new pickleball courts and clinics to lessons, leagues, and tournaments.
With a year-round subtropical climate and a beautiful Lowcountry setting, it's easy to see why America's Favorite Island® is quickly becoming “America’s Favorite Place to Play Pickleball”! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner eager to learn the game, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy pickleball on Hilton Head Island.
How Is Pickleball Different from Tennis?
There are several key differences between pickleball and tennis, including the rules of play, court size, and equipment used.
Pickleball courts measure 44 feet long by 20 feet wide, while tennis courts are significantly larger at 78 feet long by 27 feet wide for singles matches and 78 feet by 36 feet for doubles. Additionally, pickleball paddles and balls are lighter and smaller than tennis racquets and balls.
Perhaps most importantly, pickleball is seen as very accessible by many players. This is due to its pace of play and emphasis on reaction speed over pure strength — ultimately resulting in a game that is easy to pick up and play, but a real challenge to master.
How Do You Play Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn paddle sport that combines many of the best elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a court similar in size to a badminton court, but with a lower net. The sport also has its own distinct plastic perforated balls and paddles.
Basic Rules of the Game
- Serving: The ball must be served underhand and crosscourt.
- Double Bounce Rule: Both teams must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed.
- Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the 7-foot area in front of the net.
- Scoring: Games are typically played to 11 points, and only the serving team can score. To win, you must be ahead by two points.
- Doubles or Singles: Pickleball can be played in either format, though doubles is more popular.
Where Can You Play Pickleball on Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head boasts numerous public and private courts that cater to players of all skill levels. Here are some of the top places to enjoy a game:
Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center
Palmetto Dunes is home to 24 dedicated courts, all equipped with lighting so you can continue rallying once the sun goes down. The award-winning Center offers a full schedule of clinics, lessons from a world top 10 pro, and activities, and features a Pro Shop with a wide selection of apparel and equipment.
The Sea Pines Racquet Club
This world-class Racquet Club at Sea Pines Resort offers six pickleball courts for guests to learn and play, lessons for youth and adults, and a Pro Shop. If you’d like to rally with someone new, the Club also offers round-robin play every morning, Monday to Friday.
Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club
Each week, the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club has everything from ”Intro to Pickleball” lessons to round robins and drills. In addition to renting out pickleball equipment and running custom clinics, they can even arrange a tournament or getaway for your group.
You can play pickleball at one of the partner resorts listed above, or check out the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, Dill Dinkers Pickleball, or South Beach Racquet Club for information about public court availability, lessons, and more.
What Equipment Should I Bring (or Rent)?
Regardless of whether you’re a first-timer or a dedicated player, having the right equipment enhances the game. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Gear
- Pickleball Paddle – Made of composite or graphite, paddles vary in weight and design.
- Pickleball Balls – Look for outdoor balls, as they’re designed to handle different playing surfaces.
- Court Shoes – Tennis or pickleball-specific shoes provide proper grip and support.
- Comfortable Clothing – Wear moisture-wicking activewear to stay cool.
You can rent or purchase equipment from most Hilton Head Island resort pro shops, or go to a specialty store like Players World of Sports to shop for an extensive collection of pickleball equipment.
Looking for other things to do once you put the paddle down? Hilton Head Island’s diverse event calendar ensures there’s always something exciting happening to cater to every interest— no matter if you’re a foodie, music lover, art enthusiast, or pickleballer.
Plan your visit to coincide with one or more of these top events and discover the Lowcountry charm, creativity, and cuisine on America’s Favorite Island.
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