Traditional tennis courts can be converted into pickleball courts. Ideally, you can fit up to four (4) pickleball courts in a single tennis court. This article explains the best ways to determine the accurate number for this conversion.
Differences between Pickleball and Tennis Courts
If you are looking to convert an existing tennis court for pickleball use; keep in mind that they are different. While the two are similar in terms of the lines, you’ll find a pickleball court smaller.
These are some of the key differences between the two:
Court Size
The size of the playing field (court) is an important consideration. While a pickleball measures 20 inches wide and 40 inches long, a tennis court measures 60 inches wide and 120 inches long.
In terms of the singles and doubles court size, pickleball retains the 20 by 40, while tennis measures 78’ by 27’ for singles and 78’ by 36’ for doubles court.
Also Read: Requirements for Designing a Perfect Pickleball Court
Lines
Another difference between pickleball and tennis court is the lines. Also called the Non-Volley Zone, it refers to the area extending from the net. There is a seven-foot no-volley zone (commonly called “The Kitchen”) in a pickleball court. There is none for the tennis court.
Netting
The net system also differentiates a pickleball court from the tennis variant. Both nets are tall, but of pickleball measures 34 inches at the centre.
Outlining a Pickleball Court in a Tennis Court: What to Know
Before setting about the task of setting up a pickleball court in an existing tennis court; you must take cognizance of the current structure. Among many other things, keep in mind the differences in net height, where the tennis measures 42 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the centre. On the other hand, the pickleball measures 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the centre.
With that being said, here are some important points to keep in mind before converting a tennis court to a pickleball court.
Explore the Layout Options
Determining the accurate measurement for the pickleball court helps you decide on the best way to modify the tennis court.
This can be done in a variety of ways:
Make One Pickleball Court
It’s a good idea to outline a single pickleball court in the centre of an existing tennis court. The primary modification is lowering the tennis net to 34 inches in the centre to meet the basic standards for a pickleball court.
When done, it gives enough room to play pickleball and tennis very easily. Besides, you could use a portable pickleball net to make the adjustment easier.
Also Read: What are the Principles for Designing a Perfect Landscape?
Setting up Two Pickleball Courts
It is possible to set up two pickleball courts on the same tennis court. Using a portable net makes it a lot easier.
Start by setting up the pickleball net base at the centre of the tennis court. Then, position each of the pickleball courts at each half of the tennis court.
Constructing Four Pickleball Courts on a Tennis Court
Yes, it is possible to have up to four (4) pickleball courts mounted on an existing tennis court. The key to getting this right is dividing the tennis court into four (4) places (quadrants). These tips will help you further:
- The quadrants should be equal.
- Create a new pickleball court on each of the quadrants.
- A vertical splitting of the tennis court also creates room to install the pickleball portable nets and No-Volley Zone (NVZ) on either side.
How to Create Your Pickleball Outline
It is imperative to be certain of the best ways to create the pickleball line on a tennis court. The knowledge of this helps to prevent interfered usage of the tennis court at the same time.
Be sure to have sorted out the netting system (whether to use a portable net or lower the existing tennis net).
1. Draw the Pickleball Lines
You’d need a measuring tape to take the accurate measurement and either a temporary tape or chalk. Keep in mind that while any of the two can serve; knowing when to use one is better.
- You are better off using temporary tape to draw the pickleball lines for either indoor or outdoor uses.
- It is better to chalk down the lines if the pickleball court is outside.
When drawing the lines, aim for a 44-inch by 20-inch measurement. It should also be shaped like a large rectangle.
2. Create the NVZ
A pickleball court has a No-Volley Zone (NVZ). This can be manually created on the tennis court by following these steps:
- Position the pickleball net in the middle of one side of the tennis court.
- Measure 15 inches from the baselines (both of the shorter ends). This should extend towards the middle of the court.
- Measure and create a 20-foot horizontal line from the first sideline. Also, make sure to measure and mark 10 feet, being the halfway point of the baseline.
- Create a centerline, as well as the right and left service areas. This is done by dividing the two boxes already created into two. Make sure to do this along the length of the court.
- You can now introduce the pickleball net by lining it along the width of the court. It should be at the centre of the No-Volley Zone (NVZ).
3. Coloring the Pickleball Lines
As a way of differentiating, you can use a colour scheme to vary or mark out the pickleball lines from the tennis lines.
Called the blended lines, these allow you to take note of where the NVZ of the pickleball court starts and ends. Here’s how to add it:
- Use chalk or heavy-duty tape to create the blended lines. This comes in handy for the temporary pickleball court you want to create.
- If you are looking for something permanent (i.e. a fusion of pickleball/tennis court); it’d be a good idea to step up. Make sure to use a pickleball net to mark out the court, before applying a different paint to differentiate the tennis and pickleball courts.
Also Read: Cheapest Ways to Build a Pickleball Court
Conclusion
A pickleball/tennis court combo can exist in one space. The key to getting it right is marking out the lines, installing a permanent netting system and using the accurate, large-rectangular-shaped measurement to create the new pickleball court.
