NYC guide

How to actually play tennis in New York?

NYC tennis scene can feel intimidating with permits, wait lists, and unwritten rules. Here's how to actually play this week.

Getting started

Permits and costs: what you need to know

NYC requires permits for all outdoor public courts from April through November. Here's the complete breakdown of costs and requirements.

Permit costs breakdown

Adults (18-61)$100

Unlimited season play

Seniors (62+)$20

Season access

Juniors (under 18)$10

Season access

Single-play tickets$15/hour

Test before committing

Important details

Time limitsSingles 1h; Doubles 2h

Guaranteed court time

Where to buyNYC Parks website

Online permit portal

Indoor courts$40-80/hour

Private facilities (no permit required)

Pro tip

Buy by February 15 to avoid 3-week mail delays when season starts

Court booking

How to actually get court time

Two main systems: walk-on courts (most locations) and online reservations (limited locations). Here's how each works.

Walk-on courts

Show up early when signup sheets are posted (usually 6am)

Write your full name clearly (not initials or you'll get passed over)

Wait your turn and be patient, especially at popular courts

Bring coffee and a good attitude for weekend waits at Central Park

Limited online reservations

Only Central Park and Prospect Park Tennis Centers offer online booking:

Cost: $16 for 1-hour reservation (on top of your permit)

Booking window: Up to 7 days in advance

Punctuality matters: Arrive within 5 minutes or lose your court

Payment: Bring $15 cash to avoid $1 credit card fee

Budget-friendly

Free and budget-friendly options

You don't always need to pay. These courts cost nothing and offer amazing experiences.

Completely free courts

Hudson River Park (Pier 25 & 40)

No permit required

Well-maintained hard courts

Beautiful Hudson River views

Roosevelt Island Octagon Park

Free year-round

Less crowded than Manhattan

Easy F train access

East River Park

Recently reopened

6 new courts with modern surfaces

Stunning Manhattan skyline views

Money-saving strategies

Do the math: If you'll play more than 7 times, the $100 permit beats $15 daily tickets

Cross the river: Take PATH train ($2.90) to Hoboken for free courts with skyline views

Split costs: Indoor courts become reasonable when you split 4 ways for doubles

Time it right: Off-peak hours at private facilities can be 40% cheaper

Rules & etiquette

What gets you kicked out

NYC tennis has strict enforcement and unwritten rules. Know these to avoid fines and conflicts.

Strict enforcement rules

Maximum 6 balls per court

Penalty: Asked to leave immediately

Tennis shoes with non-marking soles only

Penalty: Ejected from clay courts

No permit during season

Penalty: $100 ticket (same as buying legally)

Good tennis etiquette

Write full names on signup sheets, not initials or abbreviations

Switch ends on odd games even if the scoreboard is broken (NYC tradition)

Sweep clay courts yourself after play (brooms provided on fences)

Lower nets after sessions at free courts (staff notice helpers)

Shake hands after matches even after tough losses

Finding partners

Connect with NYC tennis players

In a city of 8 million, finding compatible tennis partners shouldn't be hard. Here are the best methods that actually work.

The modern way: Tennis apps

Doyouplay

Matches you with players at your exact skill level in your neighborhood

TennisNewYork

Local ladder system for competitive players tracking improvement

UTR Flex

Universal Tennis Rating system for serious match play

Traditional methods

Facebook groups

"NYC Tennis Players" has active members

Court bulletin boards

Old school but effective for partner requests

Tennis leagues

USTA leagues provide structured play with regulars

Action plan

Your first month in NYC tennis

Follow this step-by-step plan to go from NYC tennis newcomer to regular player within 4 weeks.

Week 1: Get setup

Buy your NYC Parks permit online

Download Doyouplay to browse partners

Visit Hudson River Park for pressure-free practice

Study court locations near you

Week 2: Find your people

Try 2-3 different partners through the app

Join "NYC Tennis Players" Facebook group

Book a lesson if you're rusty

Observe court etiquette at popular spots

Week 3: Explore courts

Reserve Central Park online for full NYC experience

Try free East River Park for amazing views

Connect with local players in your neighborhood

Test different court surfaces and locations

Week 4: Build routine

Establish regular times with 2-3 compatible partners

Join a casual league or tournament

Share court recommendations with your network

Plan for indoor season transition

Avoid these mistakes

NYC tennis rookie mistakes

Learn from others' mistakes. These common errors can cost you time, money, and court access.

Showing up without proper shoes

Clay courts will turn you away immediately

Always bring tennis shoes with non-marking soles

Bringing too many balls

Six is the maximum. Period. More gets you ejected

Count your balls before heading to any NYC court

Not understanding wait times

Popular weekend morning courts can have 2-hour waits

Arrive early or book online reservations when available

Forgetting your permit

Random checks happen and fines are expensive ($100)

Always carry permit. Take a photo backup on your phone

Ignoring court etiquette

NYC has specific unwritten rules that regulars enforce

Observe before jumping in. Ask questions politely

Ready to start playing tennis in NYC?

NYC tennis rewards those who understand the system. Start with Doyouplay to find partners at your skill level, grab your permit, and experience tennis in the greatest city in the world.

Find your next tennis partner

We built exactly what you need to start playing. Safe, easy, zero friction.

Connect through chat: Our chat system makes it easy to connect with other tennis players directly.
All skill levels welcome: From beginners buying their first racket to seasoned 5.0 players, everyone can find suitable partners.
It's free: Enjoy all the benefits with no fees. Finding tennis partners has never been easier.