You may have heard the thwack-thwack-thwack of pickleball play coming from courts in Center City and Northwest Philly. Pickleball has been America’s fastest-growing sport in recent years, so City Cast Philly wanted to learn what all the fuss was about.
The team hit the court last year with USA Pickleball ambassador and local instructor Andrew Freedman to get the inside scoop on how you can start playing in the city.
What Is It?
The game is a mix of pingpong, badminton, and tennis, and it originated in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Freedman said it all started when families there were looking for ways to entertain their restless kids during the summer. They incorporated different elements of each sport, and boom: pickleball was born 🏓
Trenae Nuri and Andrew Freedman enjoying a morning of pickleball at Seger Park. (Abby Fritz/City Cast Philly)
Equipment
Pickleball doesn’t require much gear, and it’s relatively affordable. All you need is a paddle (which you can snag for under $60), and a pickleball (you can grab a pack of 3-4 for under $20).
Where To Play in Philly
- Seger Park has four courts. You can join this meetup group and play with fellow enthusiasts through October (the organizers request an $8 donation per player at each meetup). Freedman, one of the organizers of the group, also offers lessons to beginners for $50 per session.
- A group meets three times a week at East Passyunk Community Center ($8 donation per meetup).
- Fishtown has a pickleball club that meets at the neighborhood rec center.
- FDR Park has four outdoor courts.
- There are six lighted courts at the Water Tower Recreation Center in Chestnut Hill.
- Find even more spots to play in Philly Mag’s ultimate guide to pickleball courts across the region.
Don’t worry if you’re not naturally athletic. Pickleball is light on running, beginner-friendly, and accessible for people of all ages. We believe in you! 💪
This article was originally published in September 2023. It was updated with more current information in July 2024.
