It’s no secret that pickleball is sweeping the nation in popularity. We can understand why because we can’t get enough of this fun-filled sport!
With pickleball’s explosive popularity, pickleball courts are in more demand than ever. This can make it trickier to find an available pickleball court, especially as players move indoors during the cooler months.
We want to help you get your pickleball fix wherever you are – on tennis courts, on your driveway, or even at the beach! Okay, we admit that last one is a bit trickier, but we’re here to help you give it your best shot.
Can you set up a pickleball court on a tennis court?
Yes, a tennis court is a great place to set up a pickleball court whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors. You can fit up to four pickleball courts on one tennis court, so the more the merrier.
Some tennis courts are already marked for pickleball. If your local court isn’t, use the written guide or video below to start playing in no time.
What do you need to set up a pickleball court?
There are four main items you’ll need to set up your own pickleball court wherever you like:
Portable pickleball net (optional; you can use the existing tennis court net if you don’t have your own)
Ruler or straightedge
Measuring tape
Painter’s tape
What are the dimensions of a pickleball court?
Here are the basic dimensions of a pickleball court:
Court length: 44 feet
Court width: 20 feet
Baseline distance from net: 22 feet
Service court width: 10 feet
Kitchen depth/service line: 7 feet
Net width: 22 feet
Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle
How to set up a pickleball court on a tennis court
You have two options for setting up a pickleball court on a tennis court. If you have a portable pickleball net, follow option one below. If you do not have a portable pickleball net, follow option two
Option one: Playing pickleball on a tennis court with a portable pickleball net
If you have a portable net available or would like to make space for two pickleball courts on a tennis court, follow these steps.
First, put your portable net together so it’s ready to be placed at the center of your pickleball court.
If you’re okay with a slightly larger pickleball court (most players won’t even notice), save yourself some work by using the light blue 21-foot junior tennis court lines that are already on many tennis courts.
If you want to be exact, you can measure 6 inches inside the blue lines and tape your own lines on the court.
Find the tennis court service line in the middle of the tennis court and use this as one of your kitchen lines.
Measure 7 feet away from this service line to mark your center line.
Set up your portable net on the center line marks.
On the other side of the net, measure 7 feet and mark and tape your other kitchen line.
Now, measure 22 feet from the net to the back of the court to mark your baseline.
Tape your baseline across the back of the court from one of the outside lines to the other.
Mark the middle of the baseline and the kitchen line and tape your center line to connect the two.
On the other side of the net, measure 22 feet from the net and tape the baseline across the back of the court.
Now, you’re ready to play!
Option two: Playing pickleball on a tennis court without a portable net
If you don’t have your own net, you can use the tennis court net to play pickleball. If possible, lower the tennis court net two inches to the appropriate pickleball height. If that isn’t possible, just know that there will be a difference in net height from what you’d typically use for pickleball.
To use this option, just draw the lines at the dimensions listed above using your ruler, straightedge and tape.
What is the correct pickleball net height? Is this the same as a tennis net height?
A pickleball net is slightly lower than a tennis net. Here is a breakdown of their heights:
Pickleball net height: 34 inches in the middle and 36 inches at the posts.
Tennis net height: 36 inches in the middle and 42 inches at the posts.
If you’re planning to use a tennis court net, you may be able to lower the net to the pickleball net height using the crank on the side of the net posts.
How do I find outdoor or indoor pickleball courts near me?
Use Google maps to search for local pickleball courts.
Search for nearby pickleball clubs on Facebook.
Check out local racquet sports clubs and recreation centers to see if they have pickleball courts.
Stop by a local racquet sports store to get the inside scoop.
Visit nearby tennis courts to see if they’ve been marked for pickleball.
How do you set up a home pickleball court?
If you have a large area of cement/concrete, you can set up your own pickleball court. A driveway or cul-de-sac can be a great spot for creating one at home.
Check out the recommended gear and dimensions above for advice on how to set up your court.
Before you get started, find the greatest distance available and mark the middle point where you will set up your net. You may need to make your court shorter or narrower than the standard dimensions, but be sure to keep your kitchen lines seven feet from the net.
How do you set up a pickleball court in your backyard or on the beach?
If you’re playing on grass or sand, you can play your own version of pickleball using a portable net and making temporary lines.
If you don’t have a hard surface, the ball won’t be able to bounce. So it’s not technically pickleball, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it!
Ready to get playing pickleball?
Whether it’s on a tennis court, pickleball court, or anywhere else you choose, we’re ready to get you on the court playing pickleball. Stop by one of our stores to find the best pickleball gear, or check out our online shop for portable nets, paddles, balls, and more.
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