Pickleball is the ideal sport for enjoying a fun time with friends. It's a fantastic way to get outdoors and be active. Over the past few years, pickleball has soared in popularity, and Rutgers University boasts several courts on campus for students to enjoy. You can find these courts at the Livingston Rec Center and the Cook Tennis Courts.
While pickleball has recently become a trending sport, it has been around since 1965. It was invented by three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who wanted to create an engaging summer activity for their kids.
So, what is pickleball? It's a racket or paddle sport played between two or four players. The objective is to hit a hollow plastic ball over a net that is 34 inches high, trying to outmaneuver your opponents until they can't return the ball. Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors and offers a perfect alternative to tennis due to its lower impact, making it more suitable for casual play.
Why should you give pickleball a try? It's a wonderful way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle in a fun, interactive setting. Pickleball provides an aerobic workout that doesn't feel like exercise, improving flexibility, balance, and agility. Moreover, it's beneficial for mental well-being, helping to boost mood and reduce stress. Playing pickleball is also a great opportunity for social interaction, allowing you to make new friends.
At Rutgers Recreation, pickleball is offered as an intramural and club sport. If you are a Rutgers University—New Brunswick student interested in playing for fun, Intramural Sports Registration begins in September. Information can be found here. If you prefer to play with a Club Sports team, you can contact the Pickleball President here.
