Pickleball on Hilton Head Island
As the fastest growing sport in the United States, pickleball is popping up all over the place — especially here on Hilton Head Island. Many of our Island’s renowned tennis resorts and clubs are now offering everything from new pickleball courts and clinics to pickleball lessons, leagues, and tournaments.
Add in a year-round subtropical climate, beautiful Lowcountry setting, and unparalleled Southern hospitality, and you can see why America’s Favorite Island® is well on its way to becoming “America’s Favorite Place to Play Pickleball”!
Places to Play Pickleball on Hilton Head Island
Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center
With 24 dedicated courts and lessons from a world top 10 pro, pickleball at Palmetto Dunes is a smash hit.
The Sea Pines Racquet Club
If you’d like to play someone new, the Club offers pickleball round-robins each morning, Monday to Friday.
Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club
In addition to lessons and events, Port Royal can even arrange a pickleball tournament or getaway for your group.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pickleball
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You can play pickleball at one of the partner resorts listed above, or check out the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center for more information about public court availability.
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There are quite a few differences between pickleball and tennis, including the rules of play (see “How do you play pickleball?” FAQ below), the court size, and the equipment.
Pickleball courts are 44’ long x 20’ wide, while tennis courts are 78’ long x 27’ wide for singles matches and 78’ x 36’ for doubles. Pickleball paddles and pickleballs are also lighter and smaller than tennis racquets and balls.
Additionally, pickleball is considered more accessible than tennis because of its slower, variable speed of play. It requires less strength and movement to hit a return, and it’s more about quickly reacting to the position of the pickleball, as opposed to the harder hitting and running of tennis.
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The main rules of pickleball are as follows:
- Serves must be made underhanded.
- The ball must hit the ground once before you return it to the other team.
- On each side of the court, there is a non-volley zone (also known as “the kitchen”). This prevents players from crowding around the net and smashing the ball.
- Only the player/team who serves can score a point.
- Games are usually played to 11, and to win you must be ahead by two points.
