Have you heard? Pickleball is the next best thing for anyone looking to get out and get active. It’s not just tennis players–your grandma, your neighbor, and before you know it, you will be playing pickleball. Don’t have a pickleball court near you? There will be one soon enough. However, all this excitement makes finding a place to play harder than ever. Finding pickleball near you can be harder than ever, but we’re here to help.

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What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a popular paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a modified tennis net, using solid paddles and a plastic ball with holes. The objective is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent's court, scoring points when they fail to return it successfully.

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Pickleball is known for its accessibility and appeal to players of all ages and skill levels. The rules are relatively simple, making it easy to learn and enjoy. The game promotes agility, strategy, and hand-eye coordination, as players engage in fast-paced rallies, employing dinks, smashes, and volleys to outmaneuver their opponents.

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Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles format and can be adapted to various settings, including indoor and outdoor courts. Its popularity has grown significantly in recent years, with dedicated pickleball communities, tournaments, and clubs emerging worldwide. The sport fosters social interaction, friendly competition, and a sense of camaraderie among its participants, contributing to its widespread appeal.

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How Do I Play?

To play pickleball, you'll need a pickleball court, paddles, and a plastic ball with holes. Here's a basic guide on how to play:

• Setting up: Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts. The dimensions are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for doubles, with a net positioned at 36 inches height at the center. Each side has a non-volley zone (kitchen) within 7 feet of the net, where you cannot volley the ball.
• Serving: The game starts with an underhand serve, and the ball must cross diagonally to the opponent's service court. The serve should clear the non-volley zone.
• Rally: After the serve, players hit the ball back and forth, letting it bounce once on each side before volleys become legal. The ball must be hit without letting it bounce and must stay within bounds.
• Scoring: Points are scored only by the serving team. If the receiving team fails to return the ball, the serving team earns a point. Games are typically played to 11 or 15 points, and a team must win by at least two points.
• Rotation: In doubles, players rotate positions on the serving team when they win a point until they reach the serving position again.

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Remember, these are just the basics. Pickleball has more intricate rules and strategies, but with practice, you'll become more familiar with the game and its nuances.

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How Do I Find Games Near Me?

To find pickleball games near you, there are a few options available:

• Local community centers or recreational facilities: Check with your local community centers, parks, or recreational facilities as they often offer pickleball programs or have dedicated courts where you can join games or leagues.
• Pickleball clubs and associations: Search for pickleball clubs or associations in your area. They may have scheduled games or can connect you with other players in your vicinity.
• Online platforms and directories: Utilize online platforms and directories dedicated to pickleball. Websites, forums, and social media groups often have information on local games, tournaments, and players looking for partners.
• Local sports stores: Visit sports stores in your area and inquire if they have any information on pickleball groups or events.

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Remember to check the specific days, times, and requirements for each location to ensure you have the most up-to-date information about pickleball games near you. 

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Or you could use the Conquer app! The Conquer app makes it easy to find pickup games near you for any sport! Simply download the app in the Apple or Android Play store, make an account, and select your favorite sports! Once in the app, you can filter for pickleball games, and you’ll see a plethora of pickleball games in your area! Outdoor, indoor, amateur, advanced, it doesn’t matter! Tailor your search to your specific parameters and find the game that’s perfect for you! The Conquer app makes it easier than ever to find open play pickleball in New York City, so whether you’re looking to get out and play with some friends, or get competitive and meet new people, use the Conquer app to find your perfect game today!

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