Pickleball
The pickleball hype has also reached the Netherlands!
At Sportcentrum VU, we now have the facilities to play this simple and accessible racket sport, which is above all a great deal of fun!
On Sunday March 22, we hold the Pickleball Amstelveen Open organized by Pim Huberts. Do you want to participate? Check for more information this page: Pickleball Amstelveen Open and register for the event.
Why pickleball?
- Accessible: easy to learn and less physically demanding than tennis or squash.
- Social: it's all about fun and connection – ideal for recreational players.
- Versatile: can be played indoors or outdoors.
- Fast-paced: the ball moves rapidly from left to right on a small court.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a combination of badminton, table tennis, tennis and padel. It is mainly played 2 against 2. Compared to, for example, tennis and padel, the sport has other characteristics that make the sport grow so fast. The speed of the ball is about a third of a tennis ball. The court is about a third of a tennis court. And unlike a tennis racket, the "paddle" has no strings, making it easier to hit the ball. This combination makes the sport extremely accessible. With pickleball anyone without a background can immediately play a nice game.
We now offer pickleball in the sports hall. Various courts will be set up for playing, and you don't need to make a reservation!
Please check the class schedule, as classes may be canceled due to exams for VU students.
Pickleball can be played on:
Starting Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the following options are available on Tuesday evenings:
- 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.: for beginners, instruction, guidance, and free play on 3 courts.
- 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.: for experienced players, guidance, and friendly matches on 6 courts.
On Friday afternoons, (starting April 10, 2026):
- 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.: for beginners, instruction, coaching, and free play on 6 courts.
- 4:45 – 6:00 p.m.: for experienced players, coaching, and friendly matches on 6 courts.
Prices:
- Free if you already have a subscription.
- Students without a subscription: 10-trip ticket for €55.
- VU employees with or without a VU in Motion subscription: 10-trip ticket for €55.
- Others without a subscription: 10-trip ticket for €65.
- One-time access: €7.50.