Where to play pickleball on Long Island
Julianne Mazzeo of St James, hits the ball back toward co-owner Mitchell Sloane, as teammate Jeanene Sloane of Bay Shore watches as they play at Pickleball Xpress on June 29. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Pickleball was created in 1965 by three dads: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. What started out as a game for their children has grown in popularity throughout the United States, including on Long Island. "The current and traditional style of equipment utilizes a plastic ball and composite or wooden paddles on a court with a single net," says Jose Moreno, chief marketing and strategy officer for USA Pickleball.
Frank Milillo, owner of Long Island Pickleball Pros, which hosts clinics around the Island, says the game is easy to play and learn. "Pickleball can be as competitive as you want it, but more important, it's an extremely social sport," he says.
Only 25¢ for 5 months
Pickleball was created in 1965 by three dads: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. What started out as a game for their children has grown in popularity throughout the United States, including on Long Island. "The current and traditional style of equipment utilizes a plastic ball and composite or wooden paddles on a court with a single net," says Jose Moreno, chief marketing and strategy officer for USA Pickleball.
Frank Milillo, owner of Long Island Pickleball Pros, which hosts clinics around the Island, says the game is easy to play and learn. "Pickleball can be as competitive as you want it, but more important, it's an extremely social sport," he says.
Here are a few venues to try.
The Pickleball Hall
246 N. Main St., Sayville; 631-380-3580, pickleballhall.com
People play pickleball at Pickleball Hall in Sayville, a venue dedicated to the sport. Credit: Pickleball Hall /Dan Greenberg
- Info Features seven courts for open play and clinics taught by certified instructors for all skill sets. There also are locker rooms, a cafe and a pro shop. For the newbies, there’s staff on-site that can guide you through a game.
- Cost Two-hour open play $20-$25 per person for members; $30-$35 nonmembers. Court rentals are $30-$50. Private lessons start at $100. Membership is $96 per year.
- Hours 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Reserve online.
Pickleball Plus
525 Eagle Ave., West Hempstead; 516-550-5700, pickleballplusllc.com
Charlie Matos, Evan Kaplan, Ryan Kenny and Gerome Wallace play a game of pickleball at Pickleball Plus in West Hempstead. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
- Info Indoor climate-controlled facility with 12 courts. New and experienced players are welcome. Leagues, tournaments and special events are available. All instructors are certified and provide private, semi-private and group lessons. Kids ages 3-17 can enjoy the club’s Junior Academy. Players also can host special events in the facilities party room. Membership (free) is required. For new players, Absolutely Beginner clinic offers a one-hour group session for $12 and teaches the basics including dinking, serving, scoring and "the kitchen."
- Cost Court rentals start at $35 per hour
- Hours 8 a.m.-1 a.m. weekdays, 7 a.m.-1 a.m. weekends. Reserve online.
Pickle N Par Club
62 Lake Ave. S., Nesconset, 631-382-7425; 515 Broadhollow Rd., Suite 500, Melville, 631-777-7425; picklenpar.com
- Info Melville features four courts and Nesconset has nine offering open play, clinics and themed events for all ages.
- Cost Membership is $8 per month. Two-hour open play; $25 members, $30 nonmembers. Court rentals are $50 per hour ($5 per hour guest fee for nonmembers). Clinics geared toward beginners are $55 per person. Lessons are $100 per person.
- Hours 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Reserve online.
Pickleball Xpress
181 Freeman Ave., #4, Islip; 631-861-2668, pickleballxpress.com
Gunilla Simonetti, of North Babylon, plays pickle ball at Pickleball Xpress on June 29 in Islip. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
- Info Features four courts in an indoor air-conditioned facility with pro-cushion flooring. Offers court rentals and open play according to skill level.
- Cost Nonpeak courts $40 an hour, peak $60 an hour. Two-hour open play for up to six people rotating in doubles competition is $20-$25 per session. Free demo paddles are available; bring your own balls or purchase one to use during play. Private lessons cost $100-120 for one hour, and group lessons are available. Basic membership fee $10 a month.
- Hours 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thur. and 6 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat.
Pickleball Smash-it
200 Tanger Mall Dr., #301, Riverhead; Samanea Mall, 1500 Old Country Rd., 2nd floor, above Dave and Busters, Westbury, 516-613-7300; pickleballsmashit.com
Serrano family of Shirley, Laurie, Alejandra and Christopher, play pickleball at All Kids Fair at Samanea Mall in Westbury. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
- Info The facilities with two courts at each location are equipped with Bluetooth, along with vending machines selling paddles, balls, snacks and beverages. To schedule court time, you have to become a member (free). Reserving is done online and once players book a time, they’re given a code to get into the courts.
- Cost Court rental is $50 an hour for up to four players. Private lessons are available starting at $100 plus court fee. Membership is free.
- Hours 6 a.m.-1 a.m. daily. Reserve online.
The Pickle Club
200 Robbins Lane, Suite D2, Jericho; 516-210-6663, The-Pickle-Club.com
- Info Three cushioned courts in a climate-controlled facility. All instructors are certified and provide private or group lessons to both new and experienced players.
- Cost Court rentals are $45 per hour. A two-hour open play $20 per person, and a 90-minute open play is $15 per person. One-on-one drilling with a pro, $40 per 30 minutes. No membership or guest fees.
- Hours 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun.
The Pickle Complex
140 Eileen Way, Suite 200, Syosset; 516-800-0906, thepicklecomplex.com
- Info An indoor climate-controlled facility with two courts and one skinny court complete with 15% force reduction on your body. Certified instructors offer lessons and clinics for all skill sets. Pro shop has paddles, balls, T-shirts, socks and more for an additional fee. Membership not required. Reserve online.
- Fees Membership is $10 per month. Court fee starts at $55 per hour.
- Hours 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.