New York City has a new exciting pastime, and it's not a new Broadway show! Pickleball is the #1 fastest-growing sport in the city, and you need to be a part of it. From rooftop pickleball courts in Manhattan to community gyms in Brooklyn, the sport is becoming the “go-to” way for New Yorkers to stay active and social. If you want to meet more people or simply get into better shape, then this beginner's guide to pickleball is for you.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes the sports of tennis and ping pong. It is played on a smaller court than tennis, with a net that's shorter too. It is played either 1 vs 1 or 2 vs 2, which makes it a great social sport. You use paddles, normally made of plastic or fiberglass, that are similar to ping pong paddles but larger. The rules are very simple, making it an easy game to pick up and start playing. Yet, it has a wide skill range with lots of strategy, which can make it competitive. With a fast learning curve like pickleball, New Yorkers seem to be addicted, and people from all walks of life are getting on the pickleball court.

Where to Play Pickleball in NYC?

Public Pickleball Courts - Bring Your Own Equipment. Long Waits:

These are some great free options for public pickleball courts in the NYC area. just remember some of these pickleball courts are first come first serve and spots are not guaranteed.

Carl Schurz Park, Yorkville: 3 pickleball courts right by the water on the upper east side with painted lines. Nets are already set up but the people here aren't always open to newcomers.
DeWitt Clinton Park, Hell’s Kitchen: 2 painted pickleball courts in a lovely park. You must bring your own net and paddles to play here.
James J Walker Park: Located in the West village, 2 painted pickleball courts here, sometimes a 3rd with a taped court. Once again, you must bring your own net to this location.

Private Courts - Guaranteed Leveled Play:

No matter what borough you are in, we can guarantee there's a pickleball court near you to play at through Conquer, but here are just a few of our favorites.

Upper East Side (PS6): Indoor and outdoor courts, plus regular beginner clinics.
Lower East Side (The Island School): A tight-knit community open to newcomers with plenty of Indoor open play.
Williamsburg (PS17): Four lively outdoor courts with lots of first-timers and people from the neighborhood.
Upper West Side (PS191): 2 beautiful rooftop courts with a fantastic view.
Upper West Side (PS145): Remember to check out the Conquer App in the App Store to find a court near you!

Skyline pitch in the Upper West Side / Midtown West

What You Need to Get Started

What do you need to play?

Athletic clothing, because you will sweat
A water bottle
Sneakers with good support
Pickleball paddle
Pickleball Net
A Pickleball
At least one other person to play with

Conquer provides paddles, nets, balls, and courts of course, so there's not a whole lot you need to bring if you sign up on the app.

Super Basic Rules:

Pickleball has some very straightforward rules, which make it easy to play, and you don't have to memorize the rules as a beginner because there will always be someone to help you at Conquer.

Serve underhand into the diagonal box.
You only score points when your team is serving.
Let the ball bounce once on each side after the serve before hitting it in the air.
Play to 11 points, and you have to win by 2.
Stay out of the kitchen (the small area near the net) when hitting the ball out of the air.
If the ball touches any part of the line, it’s in.

Simple Tips and Tricks for Beginners:

Here are some tips that might make your first time playing just a little easier.

Start with doubles: It’s easier to cover the court and less intimidating.
Focus on consistency: Keeping the ball in play matters more than power.
Practice the dink: A soft shot near the net that’s key to strategy.
Ask a bunch of questions: Whether your a beginner or not, pickleball is a friendly space where almost anyone you play with is happy to answer questions you may have.

Sign Up for Clinics or Social Play

For any beginner pickleball player in NYC, the best way to play is to sign up for clinics or social open play matches in the Conquer app. We recommend anyone who’s never played before to start with a clinic to help them learn the basics.

Clinics are best if you want to focus on a specific area of your game or you are just starting off in the pickleball scene. It’s beginner-friendly depending on the skill level you choose, flexible, and a great way to practice.
Social open play is more casual and community-driven. Think of it as a mix between exercise and a meetup. It’s perfect for new players who want to learn the game and meet people at the same time.

Beginner clinic at one of our Dumbo courts

Final Word

Pickleball isn't about the game as much as the community around it. Students, adults, and kids of all ages are brought together from different neighborhoods to connect and play the sport everyone in the city can't get enough of. With pickleball courts in every area of the city and very little equipment needed to play it is an ideal new hobby for anyone who wants to meet cool new people and stay active.

Conquer is here to form a community, and the biggest pickleball platform in NYC is doing just that! If you’re looking to get started and become part of an awesome community, we’d love to invite you to check out our app. We have 400+ games every month across the city

Download the app and claim your spot on court: Here

Beginner’s Guide to Playing Pickleball in NYC (Manhattan Edition)