With the recent explosion of popularity in the past year, the either highly competitive or nonchalant hobby of pickleball has grabbed the attention of thousands of people both nationally and internationally. Even in our very own Fairfield University community, pickleball has begun to establish itself as an exciting activity to enjoy with friends on campus. An indoor or outdoor sport ordinarily played with two teams of one to two players, pickleball is a racket sport that concludes when a team reaches 11 points. Similar gameplay to tennis and badminton, pickleball involves a serve, volley between the teams and points given if a ball cannot be returned or is hit out of bounds.
Recently, the Fairfield University RecPlex has started offering free lessons with the knowledgeable, resident instructor, Lloyd Dennis ‘25. Dennis is studying finance and management on campus, while continuing his passion for sports by coaching weekly pickleball lessons. Classes range in ability from the true beginner class, to advanced beginner, to intermediate, and even a faculty/staff class. Dennis affirms that pickleball does not discriminate: “all ages,” are welcome to join, regardless of previous experience in pickleball or other racket sports.
Some students may be concerned about the time commitment when beginning a new sport or activity on campus while balancing school assignments, but Dennis assures lessons are “quick and active.” Dennis also says, “lessons are [good] cardio sessions,” that “only last one hour.” Cardio and coordination are important aspects to pickleball and Dennis utilizes beneficial and creative drills that keep students constantly moving on the court. Dennis suggests that dedicated students who are looking for a scheduled workout should attend at least one session per week, yet he also says, “life happens, but if you want to take it to the next level, take two classes if you are feeling ambitious.”
Dennis currently resides in Florida and says, “in my community in Naples, there is an 87 year old that still plays pickleball.” If an 87 year old can play this high-energy and community building racket sport, so can you! If you are interested in signing up for pickleball lessons with Lloyd Dennis at the RecPlex this fall semester, navigate to the IMLeagues website and select the “pickleball lessons” tab in the right hand corner of the screen. Eight time slots are available per week and each lesson can accommodate up to eight students.
Pickleball instructor Lloyd Dennis says that the lessons held at the RecPlex have “added value to what we offer to student’s lives,” and have been an extremely “successful program and launch.” According to Dennis, pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in America and this growth does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Pickleball is a social game and is a beneficial way to meet new people and form long lasting relationships. No matter your previous experience with pickleball, begin or continue your fitness journey with the new pickleball lessons being offered at the RecPlex this fall semester!
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