Pickleball started in a backyard on Bainbridge Island, WA, in the 1960s. And today it's everywhere. The sport went from a fun family pastime to the fastest-growing sport in the USA. In NYC, it's become more than just a trend but a full-blown obsession.

The Early Days of Pickleball

According to usapickleball.org, Pickleball was invented when three dads wanted to create a new, fun game to keep their kids occupied. They found a badminton net, some old ping pong paddles, and a beat-up plastic ball to play with. Using those 3 items, they created a sport that was simple and accessible to people of all ages and athletic abilities. What started as a backyard game has now swept across the nation in schools, gyms, and courts everywhere.

The Rise of Pickleball in the U.S.

By the early 2000s, the game had turned much more into a sport, going from community centers and small towns to big cities. Pickleball, having simple rules and minimal equipment, made it easy to gain a reputation as a social sport, which, in turn, drew people of all ages. Soon, Tournaments, leagues, and professional play followed. This proved that pickleball wasn't just a hobby but was here to stay.

How Pickleball Took Over New York City

In the early days of NYC pickleball, no fancy courts were waiting for you. There were just players with vision and a whole lot of hustle. Groups would organize games through group chats, grab some chalk, and sketch out makeshift courts in local parks. That scrappy, DIY spirit? It's what built the foundation of pickleball culture in New York.

Then came the game-changer: apps like Conquer stepped onto the scene, transforming how New Yorkers play pickleball. Instead of hoping for an open court or coordinating with dozens of people, Conquer created organized, skill-leveled games in every neighborhood across the city. Using tape and portable lines, the app turned overlooked spaces like school yards, empty gyms, and underutilized community centers into thriving pickleball courts. It was the evolution the sport needed.

Fast forward to today, and NYC's pickleball scene is unrecognizable. You've got rooftop courts in Midtown with skyline views, outdoor setups in Brooklyn parks, and school gyms converted into evening all-night pickleball zones. What was once played in the shadows is now becoming front and center, with pickleball courts popping up everywhere you look in NYC. Conquer is leading the charge.

Today’s game looks nothing like it did decades ago, and our Conquer paddles capture that transformation.

The Best Way to Play Today in NYC

Public Courts: NYC has plenty of public pickleball courts spread across parks and schoolyards. They’re free, open to everyone, and a great way to meet new players. The downside would be that it gets crowded and public courts aren't always beginner friendly.
Facility Websites: Many private gyms, sports centers, and tennis clubs across the city now offer pickleball court rentals and open play sessions. You can visit their websites to reserve a spot or join a scheduled game. It's more structured, but also more expensive and often limited by availability.
Use Conquer App: Conquer partners with schools, community centers, and unique spaces all over the city to host games daily. You don’t need to bring gear, organize players, or wait in line. Just sign up, show up, and play.

One of many Conquer-approved courts on the Upper West Side

What Makes Pickleball Different From Other Sports in NYC

New York City has always had a way of turning trends into movements; pickleball is now a movement. There are pickleball courts everywhere, from the Upper East Side to Williamsburg, and New Yorkers treat it like a time to work out and a time to socialize. What is the difference between NYC and other places? It's the energy; magnificent rooftop matches, views of the city skyline, and now school gyms that you can play in at night.

In a city where time is everything, Pickleball allows people to play quickly and get their social time in fast, while still feeling like they've accomplished something.

Final Words

The Evolution of pickleball proves that a backyard game can turn into something that's more akin to a community. In NYC especially, it's more than a game but a movement, where you can find competition, connection, and culture. Whether you like racquet sports or just seem interested in pickleball, there's no better time to join in on the obsession than right now!

If you want to play today without the hassle of finding a court or organizing a group, download Conquer. The Conquer App makes it easy to join organized pickleball games in schools, parks, and gyms across NYC — no setup, no waiting, just play. With 400+ games every month, Conquer gives New Yorkers the freedom to play when they want, where they want.

Conquer makes it easy to play pickleball anywhere in NYC.

Download the app and claim your spot on court: Here

The Evolution of Pickleball: From Backyard Game to NYC Obsession