Pickleball in the Netherlands: the fastest growing sport and why your company needs it
From America to the Netherlands: pickleball is conquering the sports world. Discover why this sport is perfect for events, clinics and team building — and why NTC Amstelveen is THE venue.
Pickleball is no longer a niche sport. What began as a backyard game on Bainbridge Island in the US has grown into the fastest growing sport in the world — and now in the Netherlands too. With an estimated 100,000+ players in the Netherlands and growth exceeding 40% per year, pickleball is the sport everyone is talking about. But what makes pickleball so special? And why is it the ideal sport for your corporate event, team building or sports day? Also read our complete guide to pickleball rules if you want to understand the sport better.
"Pickleball is the great equaliser: on the court, only fun matters — not your job title."
What exactly is pickleball?
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. You play on a smaller court than tennis, with a paddle (similar to a large table tennis bat) and a lightweight perforated plastic ball. The net is slightly lower than in tennis. The rules are simple, rallies are long and the fun is immediate. That's why pickleball is so accessible: within 10 minutes everyone is playing — from age 8 to 80, from beginner to experienced athlete.
- •Court: smaller than tennis, comparable to badminton
- •Equipment: paddle + perforated plastic ball
- •Playable within 10 minutes for complete beginners
- •Can be played indoor and outdoor
- •Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Why is pickleball growing so fast in the Netherlands?
The growth of pickleball in the Netherlands is explosive. The Dutch Pickleball Association registers thousands of new members annually. Tennis clubs, sports centres and municipalities are adding pickleball courts to their offerings. The reason? Pickleball is easy to learn, social, physically challenging but not demanding, and above all: incredibly fun. For companies, it's the perfect sport: nobody needs experience, everyone can join in immediately, and it creates a playful, competitive element that instantly raises the group's energy.
- •40%+ growth per year in the Netherlands
- •More than 200 venues now offer pickleball
- •Low barrier to entry: no prior knowledge required
- •Social: you always play with/against others
- •Physically activating without high injury risk
Pickleball as a corporate event: why it works
The power of pickleball for corporate events lies in the combination of accessibility and competition. Everyone — from the CEO to the intern — stands on equal ground. That breaks through hierarchy and stimulates genuine connection. At 359.tennis we organise pickleball clinics and tournaments for groups of 10 to 500+ people. Our professional coaches ensure everyone quickly learns the basics and can immediately participate in exciting rallies.
- •Ideal as an icebreaker for team building
- •No experience needed — equal opportunities for everyone
- •Quick to learn: after 15 minutes of clinic everyone plays
- •Perfect to combine with tennis, padel and catering
- •Suitable for groups of 10 to 500+ people
Pickleball at NTC Amstelveen: premium facilities
At NTC Amstelveen we have indoor facilities where pickleball courts can be set up quickly and professionally. Our venue offers everything you need: modern sports floors, professional lighting, changing rooms, meeting rooms and a restaurant with catering options. Whether you want a pickleball clinic for 20 colleagues or a large pickleball tournament for 500+ participants — we deliver a premium experience from start to finish.
- •Indoor facilities: always weather-independent
- •Professional sports floors and lighting
- •Meeting rooms for presentations and workshops
- •Restaurant and catering service for every budget
- •Free parking, easily accessible by public transport
Who is a pickleball event suitable for?
The versatility of pickleball makes it suitable for virtually any audience and any type of event. From a sporty team building to an active client event, from a school sports day to an employee incentive — pickleball always fits.
- •Corporate outings and team building
- •Client events and relationship events
- •Sports days for schools and associations
- •Employee incentive programmes
- •Year-end parties and anniversaries
- •Stag/hen parties and birthdays
- •International groups and expat events
Key takeaways
- ✓Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the Netherlands with 40%+ growth per year
- ✓Everyone can join in immediately — no experience needed
- ✓Perfect for corporate events: breaks hierarchy, creates connection
- ✓NTC Amstelveen offers premium indoor facilities for pickleball events
- ✓Combine pickleball with tennis, padel, catering and meetings at one venue
Want to experience pickleball with your team? Organise a pickleball clinic, tournament or sports day at NTC Amstelveen. Request a free quote.
