Pickleball on the Forty
Did you know that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States? Over 4 million people play this tennis/badminton/ping-pong hybrid every year.
And pickleball is for everyone, seriously. No matter your age, gender, ability, or experience swinging a racquet, you can jump right in to play. Casual or competitive, pickleball gets you moving without too much strain on your body while strengthening your coordination and dexterity.
We're excited to be part of this growing movement, and we invite you to tag along! This page is your guide to all things pickleball on the Forty Acres.
How to Play
It's easy to start playing pickleball, especially if you know the rules. Whether you're just starting out or are in need of a refresher, this guide from Pickleheads is a crash course in pickleball rules:
Need some more resources? USA Pickleball has a comprehensive guide from the basics of play to choosing appropriate attire:
Where to Play
UT students and RecSports members can now reserve courts to play at two locations!
- Caven-Clark Courts (located between Caven-Clark Field and Brazos Garage just south of Jester and San Jacinto Residence Halls) has four new pickleball courts available for play daily.
- Whitaker Courts (located at 51st St. and Guadalupe) has 18 pickleball courts available daily.
Reservations are strongly encouraged up to seven days in advance on My RecSports. Reserve your court and then check-in at the control building at the start of your reservation time to play.
What You'll Need to Play
- To play, you'll need a pickleball paddle and balls.
- We encourage you to wear comfortable shoes. Tennis shoes are ideal because they have flat bottoms that help you avoid twisting your ankle as you move side-to-side on the court.
- Pickleball paddleboards and balls are available for checkout at Caven-Clark Courts and Whitaker Courts. You can bring your own or use our equipment at no cost during your reservation.
Take Your Play to the Next Level
Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating - Join Free!
RecSports is pleased to bring a new rating system to the Pickleball community on the Forty Acres. Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is the most accurate and only global rating system in Pickleball. Our partners at DUPR provide top-notch pickleball ratings for recreational and professional picklers around the country.
DUPR is free to join and open to all. All players, regardless of their age, gender, location, or skill, are rated on the same scale. One match result is all it takes to have a DUPR rating. Add 5-10 match results, and you'll have an even more accurate rating. Learn more and join
Intramural Sports Leagues
UT students and RecSports members who are faculty and staff can participate in intramural sports leagues to compete for an Intramural Championship.
| Spring 2024 Leagues | Registration Dates | Play Begins |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | Feb. 19-March 4 | March 18 |
| Doubles | Jan. 22-Feb. 5 | Feb. 9 |