Pickleball Trends On Long Island: What Is This Growing New Sport?

MELVILLE, NY — If you spot a strange version of tennis being played at a court by you, don't be alarmed. It may be the current fastest-growing sport: pickleball. Pickleball is played with paddleboards and is something of a cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong. It's played on a smaller court than tennis and although it's been around for years as a sport older people enjoy because of its less-strenuous nature, younger people are now getting into the act.

Gus Karagrozis, a physical education teacher from Lindenhurst, is a convert. A former badminton player and coach, he was invited by friends to try pickleball and he's been playing ever since. Karagrozis and his friend organized a tournament this summer which attracted the attention of the Town of Babylon's Parks Department, which asked them to organize two tournaments for the town.

Pickle N Par in Melville is the only indoor pickleball facility on Long Island, but Patchogue and Bethpage both have outdoor courts. Enthusiasts organize on Facebook groups like Long Island Pickleball.The game can also be played using the badminton lines are traditional tennis courts. Lindenhurst Village is reportedly planning to build a dedicated pickleball court in Fireman's Park in Lindenhurst.

The game is played with doubles, and since it's more skill-based and less athletically demanding players of all ages have a more even playing field, Karagrozis explained.

"You can play anywhere and it's competitive. It's a lifetime game."

The young people who are newer to the sport are enjoying the social aspect of the game and the tournaments. There are only a handful of rules to know and it can be learned quickly, Karagrozis said.

"It's way more social than tennis. That's why it's the fastest growing sport right now."