If you play tennis, you’ll surely love playing one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s the pickleball game!
Even though the sport is relatively new, the game boasted approximately 4.8 million players in 2022, and the figure is growing yearly.
Since the game is new, it means that many neighborhoods are not equipped with pickleball courts. But not to worry, because you can play pickleball on a tennis court.
Playing Pickleball on A Tennis Court
Before transforming your neighborhood’s tennis courts to play pickleball, you must first learn how it can be played on the modified court.
Since the court dedicated to playing tennis is now being utilized for two different games (pickleball and tennis), each sport’s dedicated spot will be set apart by different colored lines.
Here’s everything you should know before playing pickleball on a tennis or badminton court.
Lines
When playing pickleball on a badminton or tennis court, there are 3 significant lines you should be aware of:
- Baseline
- Side Lines
- Kitchen Line (No-Volley Zone)
Typically each line on the tennis court surface will be of a different color. It can be white for tennis court lines and blue/red for pickleball lines.
The service lines
The serving areas for a pickleball and a tennis ball are on a similar line. You’ll easily be able to differentiate between the pickleball court lines and tennis court lines since they are far apart and hardly overlap.
However, you may confuse the service line with the serving line of the tennis court. It is only a few inches ahead but is of a different color.
Before you play pickleball on a tennis court nearby, consider asking the management what color represents each sport’s dedicated area.
Side lines
These run along each tennis court side. They are also referred to as out-of-bound lines.
Kitchen Line (no-volley zone)
The no-volley zone line is exclusive to pickleball and signifies the area that doesn’t allow volleys.
Only ground strokes after a bounce are allowed if you want to enter the no-volley zone.
Modifying the Tennis Court
To assemble a pickleball court in a tennis court, all you need to do is draw some lines. Here’s everything you’ll need to consider before creating a pickleball court.
Court Size
Traditional tennis courts are significantly larger than pickleball courts. You can fit up to four pickleball courts in one tennis court!
Tennis courts stand at 78 feet lengthwise and have a width of 18 feet.
There are two types of tennis court sizes. One is for singles, and the other one is for doubles.
Single tennis court
A single tennis court stands at 78 ft lengthwise with a width of 27 ft.
Double tennis court
A double tennis court stands at 78 ft lengthwise, but the width is 36 ft.
Pickleball court
A pickleball court requires a length of 44 ft with a breadth of 20 feet.
Since pickleball courts are petite, you can easily fit more than one in a single tennis court. However, it is recommended that you do not plan any more than two pickleball courts.
The number of lines will be confusing and may overwhelm the players.
Net Size
There’s a difference between the height of the tennis net and the pickleball net. While its position on the ground will remain unchanged, you’ll have to adjust its height.
A tennis net height stands at 42 inches from the ground, while a pickleball net only needs to be 36 inches.
Use Tape and Chalk to Mark the Lines
When marking the lines for the pickleball court, you need to ensure that the integrity of the tennis court is maintained, especially if you do not own the grounds.
For temporary lines, use either tape or chalk. Make sure you use materials that stay in place.
Use tape with a strong enough adhesive that doesn’t leave any residue on the tennis court’s surface. The same goes for chalk.
If you own the tennis court and plan on playing pickleball regularly, consider using permeant paint for pickleball lines.
Required Materials
- Tape measure
- Temporary tape
- Tennis net adjuster
- Pickleball court diagram
Get Permission
If the court is not yours, you must contact management first. If not, you might be charged with vandalism for modifying the playing area without permission.
Setting up the Net
Choose one half-side of the tennis court and set up your pickleball net in the middle.
Pro Tip: Check if the tennis net is adjustable. You can simply change its height when playing pickleball.
Measuring Sidelines
Use the measuring tape to measure the sidelines of the court. Place the measuring tape a foot inside the net and use it as your starting point.
Keep pulling the tape until it reaches the 22 ft mark. Use a temporary marker or chalk to mark along the edge of the tape.
Measuring Baseline
Use the 22-foot mark of the sideline as a starting point for your baseline. Extend the baseline tape up to 20 feet and mark the edges.
Make sure to mark the halfway point (10 feet) as well.
Repeat the step for the other sideline. Connect it to the 20-foot mark of the baseline.
No Volley Zone
You’ll need to measure 7 feet from the net on the sideline. Connect the other sideline at the 7-foot mark as well.
Make sure you mark the halfway point (10 feet).
Final Touches
For the lines to be prominent, you’ll need to tape them. Ask a friend to hold one end, stretch it out, and then slowly lower it down.
Repeat the same process for other sides, and you’ll have your own 44-foot pickleball court.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to play pickleball on a tennis court, it is time that you equip yourself with a pickleball paddle, ball, and a good pair of shoes.
On the off chance, your nearby park doesn’t have lines for pickleball on its tennis court. All you need is tape, chalk, and permission from the management to fashion your own pickleball court.
