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.
Get introduced to pickleball with the four-week course for beginners, or take your game to the next level with the Level 3+ course at the VU Sports Center in Uilenstede, Amstelveen.
Are you a beginner? Come learn about pickleball with this four-week course.
You’ll learn the basics of pickleball, such as:
- the rules of the game;
- basic techniques;
- footwork and dinking at the kitchen;
- positioning on the court.
Each class lasts 90 minutes and is taught by highly experienced pickleball player Jiske van Groeneveld.
The minimum age for this course is 15.
Pickleball Level 3.0 or higher
This course is ideal for players who play regularly and want to further develop their skills toward competitive or tournament play.
In this course, you’ll learn, among other things:
- Advanced shots (drops, lobs);
- Strategy in doubles;
- Match situations;
- Consistency and decision-making.
- Footwork and dinking at the kitchen;
- Positioning on the court.
The course lasts 10 weeks; each class is 90 minutes long (except for the class on December 10, which lasts 60 minutes).
The course is taught by the highly experienced pickleball player Jiske van Groeneveld.
The minimum age for this course is 15 years.
We also 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.
When you we play?
Starting August 6, 2026, you can play every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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.