You’ve probably scrolled past a clip of people playing on a small court with paddles and a plastic ball—and thought, “What is that?” That’s pickleball. And now, thanks to the SM Active Hub, you can actually try it for yourself.
SM just launched the SM Active Hub, a nationwide effort to get people moving, socializing, and staying healthy. One of the highlights? The growing number of pickleball courts popping up across their malls. As of now, there are 44 courts across 21 branches—and it’s catching on fast.
Here’s why you might want to give it a shot.
It’s beginner-friendly and unexpectedly fun
Pickleball is one of those games that’s super easy to learn, even if you’re not the sporty type. It’s like a mash-up of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton—but with a smaller court, slower ball, and a whole lot of laughs. You don’t need perfect form or serious training. Just grab a paddle and play.
Once you get a rally going, it’s hard not to get hooked.
You can play for free in some malls
What makes this even better? You don’t have to spend a lot just to try it. Over at SM Seaside City Cebu, they’ve set up Cebu’s first outdoor free-play pickleball court right at the Tower Garden. No court fees. No booking apps. Just walk in, bring a paddle (or borrow one if available), and start hitting.
Other locations like SM City Rosario and SM Mall of Asia are also getting attention from local communities and casual players who just want something fun to do after errands.
Great opportunity to display and use your fitness tech
Playing pickleball at the SM Active Hub isn’t just fun—it’s also a perfect way to get more out of your fitness gadgets. If you’ve got a smartwatch, fitness tracker, or smart ring just sitting idle during the week, now’s your chance to put it to good use. You can check out your next tech companion in your health and wellness journey at Cyberzone.
You can monitor your heart rate during matches, track your calories burned, or even analyze your movement and footwork afterward. Some wearables can give post-activity summaries that help you set weekly goals or see how much you’ve improved. And if you’re the type who likes to record your form or gameplay, bringing along a compact action camera or phone tripod makes it easy to capture footage to review or share.
Pickleball may look casual, but it can be a surprisingly effective cardio workout, especially if you’re running back and forth during long rallies. With the right gadgets, it becomes even more motivating to stay active.
It’s not just a sport—it’s a way to connect
Pickleball’s not some ultra-competitive scene. It’s social, easygoing, and full of good vibes. People bring their friends, or make new ones, while playing. At places like SM City Rosario, they’ve even started mini events, bringing together players of all ages—from students to retirees.
Instead of just walking around the mall or waiting for movie time, people are spending their afternoons getting some cardio in and actually having fun.
Getting started is super easy!
Want to know where to go or check if there’s an SM Active Hub event nearby? Just hop on the SM Malls Online app. You’ll find schedules, mall branches with courts, and even details on gear if you need to borrow some.
Pickleball might not have been on your radar until now, but it’s one of those things you end up loving once you try. It’s easy, low-cost, and way more enjoyable than hitting the gym solo. And with SM malls making it more accessible than ever, there’s really no excuse not to swing by and see what the hype’s about.
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