Pickleball has officially taken the country by storm and for good reason. This approachable and ultra-fun sport was created in the summer of 1965 by Congressman Joel Pritchard when he and his family went to play badminton and couldn't find their rackets. They improvised and used ping-pong paddles instead and lowered the net to 36 inches, thus creating the game of pickleball. While many think the name has to do with the delicious snack, it's actually a reference to the pickle boat of crew races. As pickleball is an aerobic exercise, it helps to enhance your cardiovascular fitness, regulate your blood pressure, lower your blood sugar and enhance your lung function. We've rounded up the best places to get your game on in the Hamptons, whether you've played for years or you're just getting started.
See Also: The 12 Best Workout Studios In The Hamptons
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11 Kennedy Ln., Hampton Bays / 631.255.4475 / Website
Started in 2021 by pickler Scott Green, Around the Post Pickleball (ATPP) hosts and plans pickleball events. Intending to spread the sport's joy, Green used his experience running Play at the Plate to organize and manage these sporting events. Additionally, at ATPP they can create a professionally lined, temporary court on your already existing court that’ll keep the integrity of the previous court so it’s still playable for both sports. To stay up-to-date on upcoming events and tournaments, text “PICKLEBALL” to 85100.
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1370A Majors Path, Southampton / 631.287.1511 / Website
Get yourself to Southampton Youth Services (SYS) and play with other pickleball fans! At SYS they have five lined courts that are available for play and games occur on a first-come, first-served basis Monday-Friday. Full-court rentals are also an option based on the court’s availability. Memberships or day passes are required for open play, but memberships are not required to rent a court.
2 Gingerbread Ln., East Hampton / 631.329.6884 / Website
As Village People informed us back in 1978, it’s fun to stay at the YMCA! At the YMCA they offer a beginner’s class to teach players the basics of the game. Players then advance to the “Skills and Thrills” class that builds off the beginner program to further develop their pickleball skills.
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142 Montauk Hwy., Westhampton / 631.288.1540 / Website
With five tournament-grade courts, there’s room for everyone at The Barn. This updated tennis and pickleball club offers both member and non-member access. If you’re looking for new gear, they also have a clubhouse that sells pickleball paddles and logo wear. Players of all skill levels will find a pickleball home with pickleball clinics, scheduled round-robin play, weekly social events, private instruction and junior programs for all levels.
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320 Abrahams Path, Amagansett / 631.267.3460 / Website
Players of all levels are welcome at Sporttime Amagansett. In addition to social and level-based group play, their extensive offerings include training for beginners and skill development for everyone. You can also host special events and competitions on courts that are rentable by the hour or season. While becoming a member isn’t required to play, members receive access to exclusive privileges including subsidized lessons, advanced court scheduling, and exciting pickleball programming.
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172 Buckskill Rd., East Hampton / 631.324.0297 / Website
This family-owned country club offers lessons, clinics, and open play via reservation. Spots for these events are limited, so make sure to book your reservation ASAP.
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174 Daniels Hole Rd., East Hampton / 631.537.8012 / Website
Don’t let the name fool you; the East Hampton Indoor Tennis Club also offers pickleball on two of their outdoor courts. Adults, children, members, and non-members can all take lessons from the club's professional instructors. Between open-play and private lessons, this court is jumping with activity from members and non-members alike.
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379 Dune Rd., Westhampton Beach / 631.998.0050 / Website
These indoor courts offer a great escape from the summer heat. Dune Deck offers its affluent members a combination of comfort and delight, making it one of the most popular places to play pickleball in Westhampton Beach.
Regardless of which court you select, these Hampton pickleball courts will have you enjoying the game in no time.
Photography by: Bill Oxford / iStockPhoto / Getty Images
