Exploring the Pickleball Scene in Long Island, NY
The sport of pickleball is not just a hot trend—it’s here to stay.
And it’s definitely staying in Long Island, New York.
In this blog, you’ll read about…
- Why people love pickleball
- The best spots to play and online communities to join in Long Island
- How to get started if you’re new to the game
- Where to find paddles and other pickleball equipment
Ready to jump in?
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
It’s wild popularity is due to it being easy to learn, fun to play, and accessible to all ages and fitness levels. The social aspect is another reason (probably pickleball’s biggest draw!)—the community is huge and so welcoming. In the US alone, there’s now 36.5 million players.
Reasons people are crazy about pickleball:
- Simple rules
- Small court
- Affordable to play
- A great sport for beginners and seasoned athletes
- Lightweight gear (paddle and balls)
- Improves hand-eye coordination, balance, reflexes, and endurance
- Boosts mood and in-person connection
Pickleball on Long Island, NY
Long Island is home to a ton of outdoor and indoor pickleball courts (along with a thriving pickleball community). You’ll find courts in public parks, recreation centers, and sports clubs.
Let’s discover some of the best indoor clubs on Long Island that will give you the opportunity to begin playing or grow your skills, depending on your pickleball-playing experience.
Pickle N Par Club
Pickle N Par Club has locations in Melville and Smithtown.
Members and non-members are welcome to come to their 2-hour open play and reserve courts.
If you’re just getting started, the club offers beginner clinics:
- Mondays 11 AM – 1 PM (both locations)
- Wednesdays 7 PM – 9 PM (Smithtown)
- Fridays 3 PM – 5 PM (Melville)
- Sundays 1 PM – 3 PM (Smithtown)
Visit the website for more information.
Pickleball Plus
Pickleball Plus is located in West Hempstead, NY and is the 2023 Best of LI winner for its pickleball program.
They offer seasonal play, social and open play, lessons, leagues, tournaments, and other events. It’s the club to join if you want access to all pickleball has to offer in one place.
The Pickle Club
The Pickle Club is the newest indoor club on the island, located in Jericho, NY.
There are no memberships needed to book a court, lesson, or join open play.
Online Long Island Pickleball Communities
If you’re new to Long Island or new to pickleball and want to find an active, high-energy online community to join, we’ve found several Facebook groups for you:
- Long Island Pickleball (11.9k members)
- Pickleball on Long Island (NY) (3.8k members)
- Rockville Centre Pickleball (1.9k members)
- Pickleball Magic – Long Island (1.4k members)
These groups will provide the community aspect of pickleball as soon as you join. Many group members are looking for hitting partners, doubles partners, and more. Others offer lessons, clinics, or intel on the best places to play or events to join.
If you’re looking for an online pickleball community closer to home, a quick Facebook search will help you find exactly the group you’re looking for!
Getting Started As a Pickleball Beginner
Our best tip for getting started is to find an introduction clinic or lesson (either private or group)—it’ll fast-track your learning and you’ll be ready to play a game of pickleball by the end.
Beginner lessons and clinics in Long Island:
- The Friedberg JCC – Offers clinics, lessons, rentals, and open play
- Pickle N Par Club – Offers 5 beginner clinics every week
- Pickleball Plus – Offers private, semi-private, and group lessons
- Long Island Pickleball Pros – Offers a Saturday beginner clinic, private and group lessons
Most places will offer paddle rentals for your first few times, just be sure to wear sneakers and comfortable workout clothes.
Not A Beginner? Level Up with Competitive Play
If you’ve been itching to test your skills outside of open play and clinics, you’re ready to try a league or even a pickleball tournament.
League and tournament play add a totally new layer to the sport—competitiveness, pressure, and tapping into a different mindset.
The Pickleball Index is a great website that keeps track of upcoming tournaments in and around Long Island.
If you’re looking for a league, the Global Pickleball Network lists so many league options based on your location, play level, and gender.
Challenge yourself and see if the competitive pickleball scene is for you!
Find Your Paddle at Spinwave Pickleball
Spinwave Pickleball is the first store to exclusively offer pickleball gear in Long Island.
We sell paddles, clothes, footwear, and other accessories like balls, bags, grips, nets, and more.
Need help finding the right paddle for your style of play? We got you.
We’re a team of passionate picklers and equipment experts that will find the right paddle for your playing style. And we offer a five-day demo program to try before you buy! It’s our way of ensuring you find your perfect match.
Need help finding your place in the pickleball community? We got you.
As proud members of the Long Island pickleball community, we know great places to play, to learn, and to grow your skills. Give us a call or come visit if you’re near Massapequa, NY!
Lean Into the Long Island Pickleball Community
The Long Island pickleball community has the most active and passionate picklers in the nation. We’re happy to welcome new players to the sport or experienced players to the area.
We can’t wait to see you out on the court!
