Can you play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? (2024)

Last Updated on August 9, 2023

Yes, You can play pickleball on a tennis court. Many pickleball players use tennis courts to play their games. Pickleball can be played on a standard tennis court with a few modifications to the court markings and a portable pickleball net.

Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts, so if you want to play pickleball on a tennis court, you’ll need to add some lines. The pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, while a tennis court is 27 feet wide by 78 feet long.

The net height for pickleball is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center, while the tennis net height is 36 inches at the posts and 42 inches at the center.

As more people are playing pickleball, some tennis courts might already have pickleball lines drawn on them. Even though you can play pickleball on a tennis court, it’s important to ask the person in charge if it’s allowed before you start playing.

How to Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court

If you want to play pickleball on a tennis court, you should know the key
differences in the rules and court dimensions. To play pickleball on a tennis court, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Lower the Net at the Center

Pickleball nets are shorter than tennis nets, so you’ll need to lower the tennis net to 34 inches at the center using a net clamp or bungee cord.

Use the Correct Court Dimensions

The dimensions of a tennis court are much larger than a standard pickleball court. You can use the service boxes and sidelines of the tennis court to create a smaller pickleball court.

How to Mark a Tennis Court for Pickleball Play?

To mark a tennis court for pickleball play, you must make a few adjustments to the existing court markings. Here are the steps to follow:

Measure the Court

Using a tape measure, determine the dimensions of the tennis court. For pickleball play, the court should be 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.

Mark the Centerline

Using chalk or tape, mark a centerline down the middle of the court, dividing it into two halves.

Mark the Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is the area closest to the net where players cannot hit a volley. Mark the non-volley zone by measuring 7 feet from the net on each side and marking a line perpendicular to the centerline. This line should be 20 feet long and extend from the sideline to the centerline.

Mark the Sidelines

The sidelines for pickleball are the same as for tennis. Mark the sidelines by extending the existing tennis court lines.

Mark the Baselines

The baselines for pickleball are the same as for tennis. Mark the baselines by extending the existing tennis court lines.

Following these steps, you can easily convert a tennis court into a pickleball court by marking the necessary lines and areas. Just check with the tennis court owner or operator to ensure marking the court for pickleball play is acceptable.

Safety Considerations for Playing Pickleball on a Tennis Court

Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when playing pickleball on a tennis court:

Court Surface

Tennis courts are typically made of a harder surface than dedicated pickleball courts, which can increase the risk of injury. Make sure the court surface is free of debris, cracks or uneven areas that could cause tripping or slipping.

Proper Footwear

Wear shoes with non-marking soles that provide adequate support and traction for the surface you’ll be playing on. Avoid wearing shoes with worn soles or shoes designed for other sports.

Clearing the Court

Make sure the court is clear of any obstacles such as chairs, tables or other equipment. Players should also avoid standing too close to the net or on the sidelines to avoid collisions with other players.

Net Height

Adjust the pickleball net to the proper height to prevent injury. The net should be 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center.

Equipment

Use proper equipment, including a pickleball paddle and ball, to prevent injury. Avoid using damaged or worn equipment.

Communication

Communicate with your partner and other players on the court to avoid collisions and ensure everyone knows where the ball is at all times.

Sun Protection

If playing outdoors, wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after play to stay hydrated and prevent heat related illnesses.

Why Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?

There are several reasons why playing pickleball on a tennis court can be advantageous. Here are some of the main reasons:

Availability

Tennis courts are much more common than dedicated pickleball courts, making finding a court to play on easier. This is especially true in areas where pickleball is still a relatively new sport.

Cost

Converting a tennis court for pickleball play can be more cost-effective than building a dedicated one from scratch. This is because most of the necessary infrastructure is already in place, such as fencing and court surfacing.

Variety

Playing pickleball on a tennis court can change the scenery for players used to playing on dedicated pickleball courts. This can add some variety to their play and keep the game fresh.

Space

Tennis courts are larger than pickleball courts, which can be advantageous for players who like to move around more or have a more aggressive playing style.

Socialization

Playing pickleball on a tennis court can help bring together players from different sports and backgrounds, creating a sense of community and promoting socialization.

Flexibility

Tennis courts can be used for pickleball and tennis, providing added flexibility for players and courts. This can be especially useful in areas where there are limited courts available.

Overall, playing pickleball on a tennis court can be a convenient, cost-effective, and enjoyable option for players who don’t have access to dedicated pickleball courts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing pickleball on a tennis court is a viable option with a few adjustments to court size and net height. Pickleball is a non-damaging sport for tennis courts as long as proper precautions are taken, such as using appropriate balls and paddles and regular maintenance of the court.

Playing pickleball on a tennis court can be a cost-effective and fun alternative to building a dedicated pickleball court. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner looking to try something new, playing pickleball on a tennis court can be an exciting way to mix up your game and enjoy a new challenge.

Does Pickleball Damage Tennis Courts?

No, playing pickleball doesn’t harm tennis courts in pickleball. Tennis courts are strong enough to handle the rough surroundings and can endure the wear and tear of pickleball games. If the tennis court is well-kept, it can be used for tennis and pickleball without damage.

How much does it cost to convert a tennis court to pickleball?

The cost to convert a tennis court to a pickleball court depends on several factors, including the condition of the existing tennis court, the desired quality of the new pickleball court, and the location. The average cost can range from $4,000 to $10,000 or more.

Other factors that can impact the cost of conversion include the location of the tennis court, the availability of contractors and materials in the area, and any permits or approvals required by local authorities.

Is a pickleball court half the size of a tennis court?

Yes, a pickleball court is roughly half the size of a tennis court. A regulation-sized pickleball court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, whereas a regulation-sized tennis court measures 36 feet wide and 78 feet long. This means that a pickleball court has about 1/4th the surface area of a tennis court.

Jhon Wells

Meet John Wells, the passionate pickleball player and founder of Pickleball Advisor. With his love for the sport, John has been on a mission to empower others to succeed in pickleball by providing comprehensive reviews of the latest pickleball gear since 2020.