Pickleball is all the rage now, and the sport is gaining popularity. We’ve tested a few methods of converting tennis courts into pickleball courts and have the best strategy for you. It’s no secret pickleball is on a significant rise, but there are still places that don’t have a dedicated court. Lucky for us, tennis courts are in no short supply.
The good news is you can DIY your court. Want to know how to convert a tennis court into a pickleball court?
Keep reading!
Yes, you can play pickleball on a tennis court. Here is why. A pickleball court measures 40 feet long and 20 feet wide which is around the same size as a double badminton court. A tennis court measures 120 feet long and 60 feet wide which will fit two pickleball courts comfortably.
A tennis court is four times bigger than a pickleball court. It’s not recommended, but you could fit up to four courts on a tennis court. While the size of the court is different, another difference between the two is the markings. Both have centerlines, but the pickleball court lacks the doubles sideline and a No Man’s land.
However, this should not hinder you from playing pickleball on a tennis court.
This is How You Turn a Tennis Court Into a Pickleball Court.
You can set up a temporary pickleball court on a tennis court. Before making any modifications to a tennis court, you first need to know the correct specifications of a pickleball court. A standard pickleball court measures 44 feet long and 20 feet wide.
Each tennis court has a centerline in the front that divides the court. This will be your pickleball courts’ right and left service areas.
1) Measure and tape a 10′ strip on each side of the tennis court’s center line divider. We recommend 2′-3′ from the net to allow you to maneuver for long shots. If possible, remove the tennis court net for ample room.
2) Using tape, create a large rectangle measuring 44 feet long, connecting it to each side of the baseline you previously taped.
3) Then, from the baseline, measure 22 feet toward the middle court; this is the middle of the court where the net will go, and I like to mark it with a strip of tape.
4) From there, measure 7 feet from the center of the court and tape a rectangle the width of the court to create the no-volley zone. Finally, place the pickleball net in the center of the no-volley zone.
5) Once the markings are in place, you can set up the pickleball net. Make sure the pickleball net is down to 34 inches in the center. Adjust the ratchet on the net post if the tension is very tight.
There you have it, So now you CAN play pickleball on a tennis court.
(Are you looking for new pickleball courts and players in your area? Read our latest post on how to find them)
What Do You Need?
The simplest way of converting a tennis court into a pickleball court is to lower the net to 34 inches at the center. However, players will have to follow the ball for the entire length of the tennis court. Well, this can leave players panting and exhausted. To convert a tennis court into a pickleball court, you’ll need the following:
- Tape – for temporary markings
- Net – to act as a barrier and prevent players from following the balls full-length f the court
- Pickleball net and posts (Check our Pickleball Net guide)
You may have to remove the existing tennis posts in a sleeve or concrete footer, but you don’t have to remove the pipe anchor cemented into the base. This is because you can find pickleball nets with sturdy steel posts and curved side legs that prevent tripping. The thick, durable net also comes in a carrying case with wheels and straps for easy transportation.
Are The Courts The Same Size?
No, a pickleball court is not the same as a tennis court. First, a tennis court is bigger than a pickleball court. In fact, four pickleball courts can fit in one tennis court. These dimensions are inclusive of the outbound lines, no volley zones, and the net.
Second, tennis courts have areas of the court called double alleys. These areas widen the court when playing doubles since there are four players, not two. When it comes to the pickleball court, the size of the court remains the same for singles and doubles.
Third, on a pickleball court, there is a seven-foot no-volley zone extended from the net. Also called the kitchen, the rule is players should not volley within the no volley zone. Basically, this rule prevents players from executing smashes from any position within the zone.
Final Words
Pickleball is an exciting game to play. Thanks to its growing popularity, it’s becoming a common feature in many neighborhoods and towns. In fact, many people are now converting old tennis courts and even community tennis courts into pickleball courts. Follow the steps above!
Want to know how many calories you burn playing pickleball?
Check out our latest post: How to calculate pickleball calories burned
