New lines will be painted on the Northwood blacktop to create a designated pickleball court for P.E. students.

While pickleball students have generally played on the tennis courts at Northwood, the new lines will provide P.E. students and athletes separate spaces while also making room for recreational pickleball outside of class.

“The facilities request for pickleball lines was submitted a while ago by physical education teacher Ms. Gutierrez for a unique pickleball space,” athletics director Erik Terry said. “The request was approved this year, so P.E. students can practice on courts.”

Pickleball is a part of the racket sports unit in P.E. and the racket sports class. According to girls tennis coach Kayla Almazan, pickleball can be played in singles or doubles, encouraging teamwork and community building among students. Since racket sports exercise various frames of movement within the body, they are considered some of the best ways to maintain flexibility and build strength in abductor and adductor muscles.

“Pickleball is one of the best units in P.E., especially when playing it with friends,” freshman Mariam Siddiqui said. “I would be really happy playing it, especially on courts designed for it.”

If you are interested in joining P.E. or Racquet Sports classes at Northwood, reach out to your counselors at https://northwoodhigh.iusd.org/counseling.