Pickleball has rapidly risen in popularity over the last several years, not just on the East End, but across the country. It’s a paddle sport in which a plastic perforated ball is used, and it’s relatively easy to learn, especially for those with a background in tennis, badminton, ping pong, or other racket or paddle sports and games! Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors and as singles or doubles games. This competitive and fun sport doesn’t tend to have the steep learning curve of many other sports like tennis, and it’s a great workout and enjoyable social activity among all age ranges and groups of people. Formerly thought of as a sport for retirees, its rise in popularity with younger groups has gone up in recent years as well.
National Pickleball Month was a way to highlight the sport and draw in new audiences. And since it’s already become so popular in the Hamptons and many facilities are just opening up for the season, we’ve covered a few of the best places to play as summer approaches. Whether you’re looking for a lesson, clinic, casual or competitive game, or even a tournament this summer in the Hamptons, head out to one of these spots for your pickleball fix!
Hampton Racquet Club
172 Buckskill Road, East Hampton
Hampton Racquet is one of the most popular tennis clubs in the Hamptons. With a focus on tennis programs, they also offer several pickleball opportunities that include lessons, court rentals, clinics, open play, and even a glow in the dark pickleball program!
Sportime Amagansett
320 Abrahams Path, Amagansett
At Sportime Amagansett there are brand-new pickleball courts with 3 outdoor and 9 indoor. They offer clinics, lessons, open play, court rentals, and Sportime even hosts a schedule of tournaments for all levels!
The Barn
142 Montauk Highway, Westhampton
Pickleball & Tennis at the Barn is a newly updated, fully outdoor tennis and pickleball club in Westhampton. They have 6 tournament-level pickleball courts with clinics and round robin play available, as well as private and semi-private lessons for booking.
Southampton Youth Services, Inc. (SYS)
1370A Majors Path, Southampton
Pickleball fanatics on the East End have been utilizing the courts at SYS (Southampton Youth Services, Inc.) for open play and court rentals. There are 5 high-quality, lined pickleball courts inside the center rink at SYS. The Southampton Town Recreation Center has become an important facility in the community with multi-use recreation and athletics with fitness classes, multiple sport programs, and several different memberships available.
Around the Post Pickleball
12 Kennedy Lane, Hampton Bays
Around the Post Pickleball is a unique event and tournament company rather than a facility. They host tournaments in Hampton Bays throughout the summer and they also do weekly clinics with certified instructors as well as the opportunity for private, semi-private, and group lessons. ATPP even offers a temporary pickleball court service in which they professionally line pickleball courts on an existing hard tennis court at private homes. The Second Annual Hamptons Pickleball Classic hosted by ATPP will take place in Hampton Bays on May 20th and 21st! Visit https://aroundthepostpickleball.com for more information and to register.
