Exploring the Pickleball Scene in New York

Across the United States, pickleball is more popular than ever. In 2023, there were approximately 36.5 million players, a significant increase from previous years. New York is no different as it has the 5th most pickleball courts in the US with 614 pickleball locations in the state. The latest data from TeachMe.To shares where the most popular locations are based on data from pickleball coaching lessons.

1. Manhattan

Manhattan leads the way in the New York pickleball scene, with 51.06% of the coaches in New York and 50.48% of the pickleball coaching lessons booked. This dominance is likely fueled by Manhattan's dense population and recreational facilities. The presence of this number of coaches in Manhattan ensures that all pickleball players have access to quality instruction. With over a dozen courts in Manhattan alone, its easy to see why it takes the top spot on our list.

2. Brooklyn

Brooklyn follows as a significant player in the pickleball community, with 21.28% of the coaches and 18.10% of the lessons booked. Brooklyn's vibrant and diverse neighborhoods contribute to a growing interest in pickleball, supported by community centers and local parks that provide ample space for play. With 8 locations and around 30 courts, you could say Pickleball is picking up speed in Brooklyn. The borough's active lifestyle and community-oriented spirit make it a fertile ground for the sport's expansion.

3. Hudson

Hudson has 4.26% of the coaches and also represents 14.76% of the pickleball coaching lessons booked. Why does pickleball continue to grow so much in New York? Author of Pickleball for All, Rachel Simon, says, "Pickleball has a whole lifestyle surrounding it. You can play casually but so many people get addicted to the sport and attend themed parties, wear specific clothing and sign up for adjacent exercise classes." If you're looking to meet some new friends and have a great time, pickleball is a great activity that is a lot of fun.

4. New York

New York (outside Manhattan) ranks fourth with 10.64% of the coaches in the state and 10.95% of the lessons booked. This balance indicates a stable interest in the sport, where the availability of coaches is well-matched with the demand for lessons. With 56 locations and 201 pickleball courts in New York City, we won’t be surprised to see pickleball continue to grow even more. In fact, according to a new story in the New York Post some NYC residents prefer to do their dating by meeting people on the pickleball court, which will definitely bring more players out to play the sport.

5. Queens

Queens is known for its diverse and populous neighborhoods. This borough shows a moderate level of coaching availability at 8.51% of the coaches and represents 4.29% of lessons booked. With a total of 28 courts that are both indoor and outdoor, there’s no shortage of places to play in Queens. Make no mistake, Queens will likely see an increase in both coaches and coaching lessons booked. Recently, the top pickleball players around the country came to Queens for the2024 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open which had a prize of $150,000 for the winner.

6. Rockville Centre

Rockville Centre rounds out the list with 4.26% of the coaches and represents 1.43% of the pickleball coaching lessons booked at 1.43%. With three locations to play pickleball, don't be surprised if more locations are added to this area soon. Many department stores and warehouses are being turned into pickleball courts, as well as many cities across the country are developing new facilities dedicated to pickleball. 

Pickleball in New York​

The pickleball scene in New York is vibrant and varied, with Manhattan leading the charge for pickleball players. Brooklyn's growing interest and the emerging enthusiasm in Hudson signal a healthy expansion of the sport. The game of pickleball has boomed in popularity in large part because it’s so accessible and easy to pick up. Because of that fact, as more courts are built and the sport becomes more popular, expect pickleball to continue to grow in New York.