Pickleball after 60 in New Jersey: how to get started

Walk past almost any town park in New Jersey on a weekday morning and you will hear it: the hollow pop of a plastic ball on a paddle, followed by laughter. Pickleball has become one of the easiest ways for people over 60 to get moving, meet neighbors and enjoy a little friendly competition. This guide covers what it costs, what to buy, where to find a game near you and how to stay safe while you learn.

Why are so many older adults playing pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a court about a third the size of a tennis court. Most people play doubles, so you cover less ground than you would in tennis. The ball is light plastic with holes, and it moves slower than a tennis ball. Rallies start quickly, even for beginners.

The sport has grown fast. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) counted 24.3 million American players in 2025, up from about 4.2 million in 2020. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that the game is especially popular with people 65 and older.

Players give a few reasons for sticking with it:

• It is social. Doubles means four people on a court, and open play groups rotate partners, so you meet new people every session.
• It is quick to learn. Most newcomers can keep a short rally going after a lesson or two.
• It scales to your fitness. You can play a gentle game of soft shots at the net or a brisk game with more running.
• It is close to home. Many New Jersey towns have painted pickleball lines on tennis courts or built dedicated courts in local parks.

What does it cost to start?

Pickleball is one of the cheaper sports to try. Many town and county courts are free to use on a first come, first served basis. Some towns charge a small seasonal fee or require a resident permit, so check your recreation department before you go.

Here is what you might pay for:

• A paddle and balls. You do not need a premium paddle to start. Many recreation programs and clinics lend paddles to first timers, which lets you try the game before you buy.
• Court shoes. This is the one item worth spending on. More on that below.
• Lessons or clinics. Town recreation programs and senior centers often run low cost beginner sessions. Private indoor clubs charge more, but they let you play through the winter.
• Indoor court time. Private clubs usually charge per session or by membership. Prices vary widely, so call and ask about off peak weekday rates, which are often lower.

Watch for free events, too. In August 2026, AARP New Jersey ran a free series of beginner clinics at clubs around the state, with registration required. Check the AARP New Jersey events page for future programs.

What equipment do I need?

The gear list is short. Here is what to bring to your first session.

Paddle

Paddles are solid, with no strings, and are usually made of composite or graphite. A midweight paddle is a sensible start for most people. If you have elbow or shoulder trouble, ask an instructor to let you try a few weights before you buy. If you plan to enter tournaments later, look for a paddle on the USA Pickleball approved list.

Balls

Outdoor balls are harder and have smaller holes to cut through wind. Indoor balls are softer with larger holes. Buy the type that matches where you will play most.

Shoes

Wear court shoes made for tennis or pickleball. They support side to side movement. Running shoes are built for forward motion and can make it easier to roll an ankle when you shuffle sideways.

Eye protection

Protective eyewear is not required, but eye doctors recommend it. See the safety section below.

Court basics	Measurement
Court size	20 feet wide by 44 feet long
Non-volley zone ("the kitchen")	7 feet deep on each side of the net
Net height at the sidelines	36 inches
Net height at the center	34 inches

Where can I find courts and beginner sessions in New Jersey?

Court schedules change by season, and many towns post open play times only on their own websites or bulletin boards. These are the most reliable places to look.

How do I stay safe on the court?

Pickleball is gentler than many sports, but injuries do happen, and they happen most often to older players. A study published in 2025 in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics reviewed emergency room data from 2013 to 2022. Players 50 and older made up 91% of pickleball injuries in that study. Fractures and sprains were the most common injuries, and the wrist was the most commonly broken bone. Many wrist breaks come from falling onto an outstretched hand.

Eye injuries are rising too. A 2025 study in JAMA Ophthalmology found that 70% of pickleball eye injuries treated in emergency rooms involved players 50 or older.

Simple habits that lower your risk

• Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes. Walk, do gentle arm circles and leg swings, and hit easy shots at the net before you play points.
• Never back up to chase a lob. Backpedaling is a classic cause of falls. Turn sideways and shuffle, or let the ball go.
• Wear eye protection. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says polycarbonate safety goggles with front and side coverage are the ideal choice. Even sunglasses or regular glasses are better than nothing.
• Wear court shoes and replace them when the tread wears smooth.
• Drink water and take breaks, especially on hot summer courts.
• Pace yourself. Start with an hour or two a week and build up.
• Talk to your doctor first if you have heart disease, balance problems, osteoporosis or a recent joint replacement.

For more ways to stay active, see our guide to healthy aging in New Jersey.

What should I know about etiquette and skill ratings?

Pickleball has a friendly culture, and a few unwritten rules help you fit in fast.

• Follow the paddle rotation. At busy courts, players stack paddles in a rack or line. When a game ends, the next group goes on.
• Call the score before you serve. In doubles, the server calls three numbers: their team's score, the other team's score and whether they are the first or second server.
• Make line calls on your side honestly. If you are not sure, the ball is in.
• Do not walk behind a court during a rally. Wait for the point to end.
• Learn the kitchen rule. You cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in the non-volley zone.
• Thank your partner and opponents with a paddle tap at the net after each game.

What do the skill numbers mean?

Groups often organize play by skill level. USA Pickleball's scale runs from about 1.0 for brand new players to 5.0 and above for experts.

Level	What it usually means
1.0	Brand new, still learning the basic rules
2.0 to 2.5	Beginner who can sustain a short rally and keep score
3.0	Advanced beginner with medium paced shots, still inconsistent
3.5	Intermediate
4.0 and up	Advanced players

You can rate yourself at the start. Be modest. Playing in a group slightly below your level feels better than struggling in one above it. Some players later get a results based rating through DUPR, a system that rates players from 2.000 to 8.000 based on match scores.

Can I compete? The New Jersey Senior Olympics

Once you are hooked, you may want a goal. The New Jersey Senior Olympics are open to athletes 50 and older, who compete in age groups for gold, silver and bronze medals. Pickleball has been part of the program. In 2025, pickleball round robins were played at Ford's Park in Woodbridge during the games.

The 2026 games ran September 11 to 13 in Woodbridge Township. Dates and events for 2027 had not been posted when we checked. For the schedule and registration, visit njseniorolympics.com or call the New Jersey Senior Olympics office at 973-618-1111. Some towns help cover the entry fee for residents, so ask your recreation department too.

Looking for other low cost ways to get out? See our guides to free and discounted things to do in New Jersey and staying connected.

Common questions

Am I too old to start pickleball at 70?

Many people start in their 70s and beyond. Begin with a beginner clinic, play for short sessions and check with your doctor first if you have heart, balance or bone health concerns.

Do I need to buy a paddle before my first lesson?

Usually not. Many town recreation programs, senior centers and clubs lend paddles to beginners. Ask when you sign up.

How do I find pickleball courts near me in New Jersey?

Call your town recreation department or county parks department, ask your senior center or YMCA, and search USA Pickleball's Places to Play finder at usapickleball.org/places-to-play, which runs through the Pickleheads app.

Is eye protection required?

No, but the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends it. Polycarbonate safety goggles with front and side coverage offer the best protection.

Who can enter the New Jersey Senior Olympics?

Athletes 50 and older. Check njseniorolympics.com or call 973-618-1111 for the next year's dates, events and fees.

This guide is for general information. Program rules and income limits change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.