Where to play pickleball indoors on Long Island

Pickleball was created in 1965 by three dads in Washington state. What started out as a game for their children has grown in popularity throughout the United States, including on Long Island. 

"The current and traditional style of equipment utilizes a plastic ball and composite or wooden paddles on a court with a single net," says Jose Moreno, chief marketing and strategy officer for USA Pickleball.

Frank Milillo, owner of Long Island Pickleball Pros, which hosts clinics around the Island, says the game is easy to play and learn. "Pickleball can be as competitive as you want it, but more important, it's an extremely social sport," he says. 

Here are a few venues to try.

The Pickleball Hall

246 N. Main St., Sayville; 631-380-3580, pickleballhall.com

• Info Features seven courts for open play and clinics taught by certified instructors for all skill sets. There also are locker rooms, a bar, vending machines for snacks and beverages and a pro shop. For the newbies, there’s staff on-site that can guide you through a game.
• Cost Two-hour open play $25 per person for members; $30 nonmembers. Court rentals are $50-$60. Private lessons start at $100. Membership is $96 per year. 
• Hours 8 a.m.-midnight daily. Reserve online.

Pickleball Plus

525 Eagle Ave., West Hempstead; 516-550-5700, pickleballplusllc.com

• Info Indoor climate-controlled facility with 12 courts. New and experienced players are welcome. Leagues, tournaments and special events are available. All instructors are certified and provide private, semi-private and group lessons. Children ages 7-17 can enjoy the club’s Junior Academy. Members can host special events in the facilities party room. Membership (free) is required. For new players, Absolutely Beginner clinic offers a 90-minute intro class offering all the basics for $25 per person.
• Cost Court rentals start at $20 per hour.
• Hours Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Reserve online or call. 

Pickle N Par Club

62 Lake Ave. S., Nesconset, 631-382-7425; 515 Broadhollow Rd., Suite 500, Melville, 631-777-7425; picklenpar.com

• Info Melville site features four courts and Nesconset facility has nine offering open play, clinics and themed events for all ages.
• Cost Membership is $8 per month. Two-hour open play: $25 members, $30 nonmembers. Court rentals: $55 per hour ($5 per hour guest fee for nonmembers). Clinics geared toward beginners are $50 per person. Lessons are $100 per person.
• Hours 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Reserve online. 

Pickleball Xpress

181 Freeman Ave., #4, Islip; 631-861-2668, pickleballxpress.com

• Info Features four courts in an indoor air-conditioned facility with pro-cushion flooring. Offers court rentals and open play according to skill level.
• Cost Nonpeak courts $40 an hour, peak $50 an hour. Two-hour open play for up to six people rotating in doubles competition is $25-$30 per session. Bring your own balls or purchase one to use during play. $5 basic equipment rental. Private lessons cost $100-130 for one hour, and group lessons are available. Basic membership fee $19 a month. There is a $5 guest fee for nonmembers.
• Hours 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 6 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat.

Pickleball Smash-it

200 Tanger Mall Dr., #301, Riverhead; Samanea Mall, 1500 Old Country Rd., 2nd floor, above Dave and Busters, Westbury, 516-613-7300; pickleballsmashit.com

• Info The facilities with two courts at each location are equipped with Bluetooth, along with vending machines selling paddles, balls, snacks and beverages. To schedule court time, you have to become a member (free). Reserving is done online and once players book a time, they’re given a code to get into the courts.

• Cost Open play is $10 per session, court rental is $50 an hour for up to four players, membership not required. Monthly memberships is $50, includes one free open play per day. Private lessons are available starting at $100 plus court fee. 
• Hours 6 a.m.-1 a.m. daily. Reserve online.

Box Pickleball 

605 Old Country Rd., Riverhead; 631-591-0269, box-pickleball.com

• Info Nine courts in an indoor air-conditioned facility. In addition to court rentals, Box Pickleball offers open play according to skill level and weekend clinics. Also, four billiard tables, two Cornhole alleys and darts are available. All instructors are certified and provide private, semi-private and group lessons. Children 12 and younger require a parent or guardian present unless they are under the direction of the Box Pickleball coaching staff. A menu for food and drinks is available. Parties and special events are available.

• Cost Member court rentals for up to 6 players is $25-$50 per hour. Non-member court rental for up to 6 players is $35-$60 per hour. Open play is $20-$30 per two-hour session. A 60-minute weekend intro clinic for $35 per person.
• Hours 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Kitchen and bar hours: 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, closed Mondays.

The Pickle Club

200 Robbins Lane, Suite D2, Jericho; 516-210-6663, The-Pickle-Club.com

• Info Three cushioned courts in a climate-controlled facility. All instructors are certified and provide private or group lessons to both new and experienced players.
• Cost Court rentals are $45 per hour. A two-hour open play is $20 per person, and a 90-minute open play is $15 per person. One-on-one drilling with a pro, $40 per 30 minutes. No membership or guest fees.
• Hours 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun.

The Pickle Complex

140 Eileen Way, Suite 200, Syosset; 516-800-0906, thepicklecomplex.com

• Info An indoor climate-controlled facility with six courts and one skinny court complete with 15% force reduction on your body. Certified instructors offer lessons and clinics for all skill sets. Pro shop has paddles, balls, T-shirts, socks and more for an additional fee. Membership not required. Reserve online.
• Fees Membership is $10 per month. Court fee starts at $60 per hour.
• Hours 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.