Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads (2024)

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads (1)

Do you have a tennis court near you? Then I bet you’re wondering… can you play pickleball on a tennis court? You know – the rapidly growing sport now played by millions of Americans.

Of course, it’s best to find local pickleball courts in your area. But if you can’t then a tennis court can totally work – even if the lines and nets are different. Read on and discover how to play pickleball on a tennis court.

Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?

The quickest answer is: yes, you can play pickleball on a tennis court. That’s huge for pickleball fans since it makes the game much more accessible.

In fact, the Tennis Industry Association estimates that there are 270,000 tennis courts in the United States alone. That means there are hundreds of thousands of places to play pickleball, and chances are good that there’s one near you.

Sometimes, you’ll find tennis courts that have pickleball lines on them as well – either permanently, or because they’re used regularly enough for pickleball that players leave them in place. In that case, they’ll typically be a different color from the tennis lines.

Otherwise, to play pickleball on a tennis court, you’ll need to customize the space a little. Thankfully, it’s easy.

Pickleball courts vs. tennis courts - the differences

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads (2)

When comparing pickleball courts vs. tennis courts, there are three primary differences that come into play:

  1. Court size: A pickleball court is 44′x20′ (including the lines), while a tennis court is 78′x27′.
  2. Net height: A pickleball net is a 36″ high at the sidelines and 34″ high in the middle, compared to 42″ high at the sidelines and 36″ in the middle for tennis.
  3. Line configuration: In addition to the boundary, middle, and sidelines shared between both courts, pickleball courts have a 7-foot no-volley zone called “The Kitchen.”

You can fit four pickleball courts within a tennis court. So, you could have 16 people playing pickleball at once on one tennis court.

How to play pickleball on a tennis court

Understanding different lines for pickleball vs. tennis

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads (3)

There are four sets of lines to keep in mind:

  1. the side lines
  2. the service lines (or baselines)
  3. the center lines, and
  4. the kitchen line (or non-volley zone line)

The kitchen line is exclusive to pickleball. Other lines will also exist on the tennis court but in different places. In just a little while, we’ll cover how to draw your own pickleball lines on a tennis court.

Can you use a tennis net for pickleball?

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads (4)

You can use a tennis net to play pickleball on a tennis court if the net is adjustable, or if you’re playing casually and don’t mind the height difference. A pickleball net is about 2 inches lower than a tennis net at the center.

A pickleball net is 36 inches where it’s attached at the side posts and 34 inches tall in the center. On the other hand, a tennis net is 42 inches high at the posts and 36 inches in the center. Those few inches don’t seem like much, but they make a big difference in the context of actual gameplay.

Adjustable nets aren’t the default, but they’re becoming more common with the meteoric rise of pickleball’s popularity. You can also purchase tennis net adjusters, which allow you to adjust a tennis net so it's the right size for pickleball. But most players prefer their own nets.

When playing pickleball on a tennis court, It’s common to place up to 2courts on either side of the court:

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads (5)

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads (6)

This allows you to fit 4 pickleball courts in the space of 1 tennis court. It also makes it easier to string up your own pickleball net, and there’s much less confusion with the tennis lines.

We always recommend you play pickleball with a pickleball net of the proper height. But if you’re just casually playing a game and don’t mind the size difference, you can play with a tennis net. Do whatever’s most fun for you and your friends!

How to draw your own pickleball lines on a tennis court

As we’ve discussed, a pickleball court is about a fourth of the size of a tennis court. So, drawing your own pickleball lines on a tennis court means subdividing the court. Our introduction to how to play pickleball offers a good explanation of the dimensions of a pickleball court. So check that out, too!

What you’ll need for drawing pickleball lines on a tennis court:

  • Measuring tape
  • The correct pickleball court dimensions
  • Chalk or another temporary marker to mark the lines
  • Temporary tape (like painter’s tape) to lay the lines

How to mark pickleball lines on a tennis court

  1. Set up your net at the middle of one side of the tennis court.
  2. Measure the first sideline: Start your measuring tape a foot inside the net. Then mark a 22-foot line extending away from the net.
  3. Measure the baseline: From the 22-foot mark on the sideline, measure and mark 20 feet horizontally for the baseline. Mark the halfway point at 10'—you’ll need it later.
  4. Measure the second sideline: Once again, start a foot inside the net from the opposite side post. Connect a straight line out to the end of the baseline.
  5. Mark the non-volley zone (The “kitchen”): Measure 7' from the net on each sideline and mark it. Connect those two points across the court. Mark the halfway point, too (10 feet).
  6. Connect the two 10' halfway points (you should have one halfway along the baseline, and one halfway across the kitchen line).
  7. Tape along the lines. Stretch the tape out from the base point to the end point. Then, gently press it down so it applies straight and evenly.

Get further instructions on setting your lines in this tutorial from OnCourt OffCourt:

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How to set up a pickleball net on a tennis court

Many pickleball players buy and transport their own net. The best pickleball nets are readily available for purchase online and usually cost between $100-$200. Setting up a portable pickleball net is super easy. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Typically, the basic setup for a pickleball net looks like this:

  1. Set up the base pieces. Put the two base feet in place. There will usually be a middle-point base piece, too. Poles will connect all of these to form the base.
  2. Put the net posts into the net.
  3. Put the net posts into the base.
  4. Put the center rod in the middle of the net.

Usually, there may be some butt caps that go over exposed rod ends, or velcro straps to help everything stay locked in place firmly.

What is the cost of converting a tennis court into a pickleball court?

Converting a tennis court into a pickleball court can be done in a number of ways. Costs vary depending on the permanence of the solution as well as the materials used.

We’ve already discussed applying temporary lines. The cost of temporary lines is close to nothing, making this a very accessible option for players. Chalk, temporary tape, and measuring tape can all be purchased for less than $25.

Adding permanent pickleball lines to a court usually costs between $200 and $600 to be done professionally. Alternatively, it can be done in a DIY fashion for the cost of the paint, but we don’t recommend it. If you make a mistake applying permanent lines yourself, it can be difficult to undo. Adding permanent pickleball lines to a pre-existing tennis court is a very popular option for private communities with court amenities.

Important disclaimer: It’s illegal to add lines to public or private courts you don’t have permission to mark! You don’t want to end up like Denver’s “mayor of pickleball”, who ended up in jail over this… (he’s since been released phew).

A complete conversion from a tennis court to a pickleball court will typically cost tens of thousands of dollars. It varies widely based on a variety of factors, particularly the materials used for the original court, as well as its condition. If it needs to be resurfaced, it will cost much more than if everything simply needs to be repainted.

In many communities in which tennis courts don’t see much use, pickleball court conversion is becoming more and more popular. In such communities, it is an active interest in the sport is giving those courts a vibrant second life.

Bottom line

When was the last time you had the opportunity to be involved at the beginning of sports history?

Right now, there’s nothing quite like the energy of the pickleball community, since the sport is growing so rapidly. Even people who don’t normally play a lot of sports are finding that pickleball helps them get in shape, socialize, get outside more, and have more fun.

Now that you know how to play pickleball on a tennis court, we encourage you to go out and give it a try.

For veteran players: how has pickleball impacted your life? And, to those who haven’t tried it yet – what’s stopping you?

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads (2024)

FAQs

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? | Pickleheads? ›

A tennis net is slightly higher than a pickleball net, and you'll need to mark your own lines, but the playing surface of a tennis court

tennis court
A tennis court is the venue where the sport of tennis is played. It is a firm rectangular surface with a low net stretched across the centre. The same surface can be used to play both doubles and singles matches.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Tennis_court
is perfect for playing pickleball on. Just remember to respect the tennis players, as they get a little cranky about over-eager pickleheads.

How do you play pickleball on a regular tennis court? ›

One Pickleball Court per Tennis Court

The simplest way is to just lower the tennis net to 34" in the center. Lines may be taped or painted on the court for pickleball (always check with facility first). Then the court can be used for both tennis and pickleball very easily.

Can you make a tennis court into a pickleball court? ›

With a tennis court being 60' wide, 120' long, there is an ample amount of space to outline your pickleball court. Since a standard pickleball court is 20' wide and 44' long, you can actually fit up to four pickleball courts on one tennis court.

Is there a difference between pickleball and tennis courts? ›

Pickleball is played on a much smaller court. Whereas tennis courts are 60 feet wide and 120 feet long, pickleball courts are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, about the same size as badminton courts. You can actually fit four pickleball courts on a standard tennis court!

Can you play pickleball with a tennis net? ›

Yes, but not without changing the dimensions of the court and the height of the net. A pickleball court is 20 x 44 ft while a tennis court measures 27 x 78 ft. A tennis net measures 42in at the post and 36in in the center. A pickleball net should measure 36in at the post and 34in at the center.

What is the cheapest way to make a pickleball court? ›

The acrylic “hard court” system will have the lowest cost, followed by the standard and premium ProCushion systems. The ProCushion systems are liquid applied acrylic coatings that are fortified with granulated rubber.

Can you put two pickleball courts on one tennis court? ›

The playing lines are also different, as is the net. To fit pickleball onto existing tennis courts, multiple layouts may be used. One, two or four pickleball courts are possible using a one court space.

What is mini pickleball? ›

Skinny singles in pickleball, or mini-singles, is a form of singles pickleball where you do not use the entire pickleball court.

What are illegal serves in pickleball? ›

The rules for pickleball serves

No hitting from above, or from the side. The point where the paddle makes contact with the ball must be below your waistline, specifically below the level of your navel. The taller you are, the higher this limit will be.

Why do people like pickleball more than tennis? ›

Playing pickleball allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your body. Pickleball is a wonderful alternative for older players who used to play tennis, but have physical limitations such as hip, shoulder, knee, or other joint problems.

How many pickleball courts fit into a tennis court? ›

Answer: You can fit four standard pickleball courts on a tennis court, as long a the corners are square and it is regulation size (60′ x 120′). Each pickleball court should consist of the playing area of 20′ x 44′, and the total recommended size of each court with overrruns is 30′ x 60′.

Are you allowed to step in the kitchen in pickleball? ›

Pickleball players are allowed inside the kitchen (non-volley zone) but not able to return the ball until the ball has bounced in the kitchen. It is common practice for experienced players to step into the kitchen to return a short dink casually. If you step into the kitchen, be sure to exit as soon as you can.

Can you get in shape playing pickleball? ›

Pickleball is similar to tennis but has its own court, paddle, ball and rules. Most people find it more forgiving than tennis and easier to play. But even though it can be less impactful on your joints, it's still a great workout, says physical therapist Jim Edwards, DPT.

How many people can play pickleball at one time? ›

Like many racket sports, pickleball is for two to four players. One person serves the ball; then it's hit back and forth across the net to earn points. Here's how you play: Serving is always underhand and must happen without the ball touching the ground.

Can you play paddle on a tennis court? ›

Can you play padel on a tennis court? No, you can't play padel on a tennis court. Padel courts are designed for four players and are roughly 25% smaller than the size of a tennis court.

How to lower a tennis net for pickleball? ›

The center strap is a vital tool that will assist you in accurately adjusting the tennis net height. Start by loosening the two screws that hold the net securely in place. Once these screws are loose, slide the net down the center strap, paying careful attention to the exact height required for pickleball.

Is there a smaller version of a pickleball court? ›

The Mini-Court transforms any space into a half-sized pickleball court, complete with a regulation-sized kitchen area. Ideal for driveways, garages, or parking lots, this portable court offers flexibility and convenience for players.

How to play pickleball without a court? ›

If you don't have access to a court, consider using a portable net. You can also practice Topspin Drives over a barrier of some kind, like a low couch or chair. Remember, it's best to practice pickleball drills in an enclosed space to avoid hazards. Do not practice this in the driveway.

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