'Silent pickleball': Mountbatten residents trial playing with foam balls to reduce noise

In a bid to promote considerate play amid the sport’s growing popularity, Mountbatten residents of all ages are giving silent pickleball a go.

- Nadine Chua

At a tryout event on Jan 11, residents received free foam balls, replacing the regular plastic balls typically used for the paddle sport and which result in significantly quieter gameplay.

Speaking to reporters at the event at Mountbatten Community Club, which drew over 120 residents, MP for Mountbatten Gho Sze Kee said she had received feedback from residents on the noise generated by players.

A blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis, the game is typically played on a badminton-sized court, and has become popular due to its ease of learning and accessibility.

"The general consensus is that there is no issue with playing pickleball at the neighbourhood courts, but the issue is the very sharp 'pop' sound that's being generated," said Ms Gho, of the noise made by plastic balls striking hard paddles and ricocheting off the ground.

"Understandably, some residents may feel uncomfortable that their daily routines are disrupted by the noise."

Complaints about noisy pickleball games have surfaced periodically on social media, a source of tension among some residents.