Yes, pickleball can be played on a tennis court with some modifications and temporary adjustments. Tennis courts are larger than pickleball courts, but you can set up a pickleball court within the boundaries of a tennis court. Here are the steps to convert a tennis court for pickleball play:
Court dimensions: A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, while a tennis court is 36 feet wide (doubles) or 27 feet wide (singles) by 78 feet long. You can fit one pickleball court on each half of a tennis court, resulting in two pickleball courts.
Court lines: Temporary court lines can be added to the tennis court surface using painter’s tape or removable court marking tape. Ensure the tape used is non-damaging to the tennis court surface and easily removable. Before applying the tape, measure and mark the dimensions of the pickleball court accurately, and then apply the tape along the markings.
Nets: The height of a pickleball net at the center is 34 inches, while tennis nets are 36 inches high at the center. You can either lower the tennis net to the appropriate height or use portable pickleball nets that can be set up and removed as needed.
Balls: Use pickleball balls, which are made of plastic with holes and are specifically designed for the sport. Tennis balls are not suitable for pickleball play due to their size, weight, and material.
Paddles: Make sure to use pickleball paddles, as tennis racquets are not appropriate for pickleball play. Pickleball paddles are smaller, lighter, and made of different materials than tennis racquets.
When setting up a pickleball court on a tennis court, be mindful of the impact on the tennis court surface, and ensure any modifications are temporary and non-damaging. Additionally, be respectful of other tennis players and court users, coordinating the use of shared facilities as needed.
If there is a high demand for pickleball in your community, you might consider advocating for the permanent addition of pickleball courts in your area or the installation of blended lines on existing tennis courts, which accommodate both sports without interfering with each other.