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 Concord 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 Concord, there are several options. City parks offer everything from multi-use courts to a six-court pickleball setup in Penacook, while Concord's community centers provide options for taking the game indoors.
Here's a beginner-friendly look at pickleball, from the rules you actually need to know to places to play in and around Concord.
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.
Concord has several city-run options for pickleball, including outdoor courts in different parts of the city and indoor facilities for when New Hampshire weather isn't cooperating. Outdoor nets are typically installed in early April, depending on weather and ground conditions, according to Concord Parks & Recreation. Before heading out, it's smart to check with the city for current programs, rentals or court availability.
79 Community Drive, Penacook
If you're looking for a larger outdoor setup, Rolfe Park is a good place to start. Concord Parks & Recreation lists six lighted pickleball courts at the park, with the city's outdoor court lights generally available until 10 p.m. during the season.
Located in Penacook, Rolfe Park is one of Concord's largest parks. Along with the courts, the nearly 38-acre park has a seasonal pool and wading pool, playground, athletic fields and hiking trails, making it easy to turn a game into a longer afternoon outside.
42 Sewalls Falls Road, Concord
Beaver Meadow Park offers another outdoor option. The city describes its courts as multi-use tennis/pickleball courts that are open to the public. If other players are waiting, court users are asked to rotate off so others can play.
The park is open from dawn until dusk and also has a Little League/softball field and picnic tables. The courts can be rented for private play or tournaments, so checking current availability before heading over can save you a wasted trip.
33 Bow St., Concord
For another option in the city, Concord Parks & Recreation lists a lighted combination tennis/pickleball court at Rollins Park. The city generally turns its outdoor court lights on in late April and off in early November, with lighted courts usable until 10 p.m.
Because this is a multi-use court rather than a dedicated pickleball complex, availability can vary. It's a useful option for a casual game, particularly if you're looking for a court closer to the center of Concord.
14 Canterbury Road, Concord
Pickleball doesn't have to disappear when the weather turns. The City Wide Community Center has an 8,000-square-foot gymnasium set up for basketball, pickleball, volleyball and other activities.
Concord Parks & Recreation offers pickleball programming at the center, including drop-in play and organized pickleball clubs at various times during the year. Schedules can change, so check the city's current recreation calendar or contact Parks & Recreation before heading over.
39 Green St., Concord
Downtown players have another indoor option at the Green Street Community Center. According to Concord Parks & Recreation, its roughly 8,000-square-foot gym is lined for both basketball and pickleball.
The city also schedules drop-in pickleball at Green Street during portions of the year. Players should bring their own paddle for those sessions and check the current recreation calendar for dates and times before going.
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, Concord has several places to give the game a try.
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