Pickleball isn't exactly a niche hobby anymore. The easy-to-learn paddle sport has found fans of just about every age and skill level, and the Ellington area is no exception.
If you've heard friends talking about "the kitchen" but still aren't entirely sure what they're talking about, getting started is easier than it may look. You don't need years of tennis experience or much equipment — just a paddle, a ball and somewhere to play.
And around Ellington, there are several options. Robert Tedford Memorial Park has courts striped for pickleball, Ellington Racquet Club offers indoor play and nearby Somers and Tolland have additional public courts.
Here's a beginner-friendly look at pickleball, from the rules you actually need to know to places to play in and around Ellington.
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a court smaller than a tennis court, with a net, a plastic ball with holes and solid paddles. It can be played as singles or doubles, although doubles is especially common.
Part of the appeal is that you don't need to master a long list of rules before getting into a game. USA Pickleball's beginner guide describes the sport as one that can be played by people of different ages and skill levels, with relatively simple fundamentals for newcomers to pick up.
That doesn't mean the game can't get competitive. There's plenty of room to work on strategy, placement and technique once you've gotten the hang of it. But if your immediate goal is simply to get outside with some friends and figure out which end of the paddle to hold, you can do that, too.
You don't need to memorize the entire official USA Pickleball rulebook before your first game. A few basics will at least help you know what's happening on the court:
USA Pickleball has a more detailed guide to serving, scoring and the kitchen rule if you'd like to know a little more before showing up for your first game.
The basic equipment list is refreshingly short: a pickleball paddle, pickleballs, a net and a court. If you're playing at a public court with a permanent net, that makes things even easier.
Wear comfortable athletic clothes and supportive sneakers or court shoes, and bring water — especially during warmer weather. If you're trying the sport for the first time, there's also no need to turn paddle shopping into a major investment before you've played a single game. Check with a recreation program, club or the friends you're joining to see whether equipment is available to borrow.
Ellington players have both outdoor and indoor options in town, with additional public courts a short drive away in Somers and Tolland. Before heading out, it's smart to check with the municipality or facility for any current schedules, reservations, programs or court closures.
45 Sadds Mill Road, Ellington
Robert Tedford Memorial Park is one of Ellington's main outdoor recreation facilities, with tennis and basketball courts, athletic fields, a playground, volleyball court, covered pavilion and parking.
Town records show that the two tennis courts at Tedford Park were striped for pickleball, giving local players an outdoor option without leaving Ellington. Because the town's current park page does not list pickleball-specific hours, reservation rules or net availability, check Ellington Parks & Recreation for current information before heading over.
55 Lower Butcher Road, Ellington
For an indoor option, Ellington Racquet Club offers dedicated pickleball courts, along with open play, clinics, leagues, tournaments and court reservations.
You don't have to be a member to reserve a court, although members receive different rates and booking benefits. The club's rates, programs and open-play offerings can change, so check its current court reservation information before you go.
96 Field Road, Somers
A short drive north of Ellington, Field Road Park offers another outdoor option. Somers Senior Center's current recreation information lists four pickleball courts at the park's tennis courts and says paddles are provided during its organized pickleball program.
The Senior Center program is for registered participants age 55 and older, with weather-permitting sessions listed on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Separately, the Town of Somers lists Field Road Park as open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check with the town before visiting for current court availability or programming.
64 Cider Mill Road, Tolland
Nearby Tolland is another useful option for outdoor play. The town's 2026 recreation guide lists three pickleball courts at Crandall Park, along with three tennis courts, a basketball court, ball fields, a swimming pond, bathrooms, hiking trails and a picnic area.
Tolland says its parks are open from sunrise to sunset. Players can also check Tolland Recreation for current programs and facility information before making the trip.
If you're new to pickleball, you'll probably run into the phrase "open play." Rather than reserving a court with the same group of friends for an hour, open play generally means players rotate in and out of games with other people who show up during a designated period.
The exact setup varies from place to place, so don't assume every open-play session works the same way. Some are divided by skill level or use particular courts, while others are more casual. If you're unsure whether a session is beginner-friendly, check with the organizer or recreation department before you go.
One reason the sport has attracted such a broad following is that it can be adapted to different ages and ability levels. The smaller court means players cover less ground than they would in tennis, and newcomers can start with a fairly basic serve-and-return game before worrying about more advanced shots and strategy.
Still, pickleball is a sport. Warm up, wear shoes that provide good support for side-to-side movement and play at a pace that makes sense for you.
You don't need to know every rule, own an expensive paddle or have a perfectly executed "dink" shot before showing up at a court.
Learn the basic serve, remember the two-bounce rule, stay out of the kitchen when you're volleying and go from there. Whether you're looking for a new way to get moving, meet some neighbors or finally find out why everyone seems to own a pickleball paddle now, Ellington and the surrounding area have several places to give the game a try.
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