Why convert a tennis court into pickleball
Building a brand new pickleball court is super expensive: want to raise or finance ~ $50,000 for a court? Yeah, didn’t think so.
As a result, pickleball enthusiasts are looking around at seldom used basketball and tennis courts and asking their local leaders if they can use these spaces to help satisfy the demand for courts. The demand for pickleball courts will be hot for years – this sport is not a trend. In 2023 the demand for courts will surge even more.
This guide (with included videos) provides you with the step-by-step process needed to convert a tennis court into a pickleball court.
It boils down to these 2 options:
- A tennis court can be converted to permanent pickleball courts (4 pickleball courts fit perfecting on a tennis court).
- Convert a tennis court into a multipurpose court (i.e., play both tennis and pickleball on the same court); this can be 1, 2 or 4 courts.
Tennis court to pickleball conversion
Though converting a tennis court into pickleball courts sounds a bit complicated, the major win is getting a tennis court “approved” to be converted into pickleball courts. Surprisingly, there can be resistance from dedicated tennis players not willing to give up their courts and towns being buried in red tape requiring permits, ordinances, etc.
There’s a growing number of tennis players who are steaming that this new sport is taking over their courts. There are cities and towns that have dozens of unused tennis courts which leaves pickleball players scratching their heads behind the chain link fence. And this just recently: Battle over pickleball courts in Lake Oswego neighborhood.
Putting a pickleball court on a tennis court requires you to consider removing existing tennis net posts then, of course, adding new pickleball court posts. Then you will need to resurface the entire “new” court and add lines (aka stripes) for pickleball play.
When thinking of creating pickleball courts in your community in 2023, here are some items to consider and questions to ask.
- do you have permission to even start?
- has legal counsel been involved?
- cover all your bases… notices, permits, environmental, etc.
- the last thing you want is start to convert a tennis court to pickleball courts and get stopped along the way because of one “technicality”
- tennis players and those opposed to the pickleball ball noise may try to stop you any way they can
In effect, it comes down to two realistic options:
- multipurpose court conversion: the tennis court is reconfigured so that it can be used for both tennis and pickleball; this can be 1, 2 or 4 courts.
- permanent court conversion: the tennis court is entirely replaced by pickleball courts; 4 pickleball courts fit perfecting on a tennis court.
Converting a Tennis Court into a Pickleball Court: A Step-by-Step Guide
Court Dimensions: The first and foremost consideration when converting a tennis court into a pickleball court is the dimensions. A standard tennis court measures 78 feet in length and 36 feet in width. A pickleball court is much smaller, typically 44 feet in length and 20 feet in width for doubles play. Mark and adjust the court dimensions accordingly to ensure a proper pickleball playing area.
Surface Preparation: Before you can start playing pickleball on a converted tennis court, you need to prepare the surface. Here are some key steps to follow:
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the tennis court surface, removing any dirt, debris, or loose material.
- Patching: Inspect the court for cracks or damages. Fill any cracks with appropriate patching material and level the surface.
- Resurfacing (Optional): If the tennis court surface is in poor condition, consider resurfacing with a specialized pickleball court coating. This can enhance the playing experience and provide better ball bounce and traction.
- See more at: Unraveling the best pickleball court surfaces for 2023
Net Setup: Pickleball nets are positioned lower than tennis nets. Set up a pickleball net in the center of the court, ensuring it is 34 inches high at the center and 36 inches high at the sidelines. This lower net height allows for the unique style of play in pickleball. Use proper net stands that are designed for pickleball. These stands are typically made of metal or PVC and can be easily set up and taken down. Nets are easy to set up and take down and can be adjusted to the correct height for pickleball play.
See: Best pickleball nets under $400 for tennis courts
Line Markings: Proper line markings are crucial for pickleball court conversion. Using a high-quality tape or paint, mark the court according to the standard pickleball dimensions. Key markings include:
- Baseline: Mark a 22-foot baseline at the end of the court, parallel to the net.
- Non-Volley Zone (NVZ): Also known as the “kitchen,” this is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Clearly mark this zone to ensure players abide by the rules of pickleball.
- Sidelines and Centerlines: Mark the sidelines and centerlines to define the boundaries of the court accurately.
Equipment Requirements: To fully optimize your pickleball court, consider the following equipment requirements:
- Pickleball Paddles: Provide information and recommendations on selecting suitable paddles for players of different skill levels.
- Pickleballs: Explain the different types of pickleballs available and suggest suitable options for various playing conditions.
- Court Accessories: Highlight optional accessories such as ball holders, scoreboards, and windbreakers that can enhance the playing experience.
Potential Challenges: During the conversion process, you may encounter some challenges or considerations. Address the following points:
- Local Regulations: Research and adhere to any local regulations or permits required for converting a tennis court into a pickleball court.
- Community Engagement: If the tennis court is located within a community or shared space, communicate with relevant stakeholders and obtain their support for the conversion.
Converting a tennis court into a pickleball court opens up a world of possibilities for pickleball enthusiasts. By following these guidelines and considering the suggested tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a fantastic pickleball playing experience. Remember, the most important aspect is to have fun and enjoy the game with your fellow players.
Multipurpose use tennis court and pickleball courts
Let’s clarify:
This allows both pickleball players and tennis players to use the same court (not at the same time). This entails adding pickleball court lines and temporary pickleball nets, etc. Not all roses: both pickleball and tennis players may find the multitude of lines on the court confusing. Most players adapt within time, but the initial reaction is one of “I need a place to play pickleball and this is the best I have”.
The cost range to add pickleball court(s) to a tennis court has one more variable: the number of pickleball courts you want to add. But pickleball line sets and temporary nets are not that expense. Expect the full cost of adding pickleball courts to a tennis court for multipurpose use to be range between $5,000 to $10,000.
See more at choosing the best color combination for a pickleball court.
Use our [FREE] simple and intuitive Pickleball Court Estimator with exclusive features and options to create a professional cost estimate for converting a tennis court to pickleball. Get an accurate estimate on the cost – all free. And the best part is you’ll get a PDF to use now or later.
Pickleball Court Estimator
The most common hybrid model in 2023 is adding two (2) pickleball courts over the tennis court; less lines than adding four (4) courts.
Here are the three most common options to convert a tennis court to pickleball.
#1. Putting 4 pickleball courts on a tennis court
Considerations for 4 pickleball courts on a tennis court
Pros
- the best multipurpose solution
- accommodates tennis and pickleball
- very affordable
- maximizes court space
- getting 4 pickleball courts!
Cons
- many lines may be confusing in the beginning
- you will need a pickleball line set and portable nets
What to look for:
Don’t skimp on the equipment you need such as the nets and lines. You want to get years out of this equipment and you will get horrible quality if you try to save money and buy from a one-off merchant.
Pickleball line sets can instantly transform any tennis court with minimal effort. These inexpensive court lines can be transported anywhere and placed to set up the boundaries of a standard court. Make sure you buy a non-slip rubber/plastic blend that won’t trip players or move.
Pickleball nets can be conveniently put together or broken down within minutes. Look for powder-coated steel frame in order to resist rust and locking mechanisms for security so that it stays strong in any setting. See best pickleball nets under $400 for tennis courts.
#2. Putting 2 pickleball courts on a tennis court
Considerations: 2 pickleball courts
Pros
- less lines than the 4 pickleball courts
- accommodates tennis and pickleball
- very afforadable
- average solution to the hybrid model
Cons
- still too many lines
- only 2 pickleball courts
- still need a pickleball line set and portable nets
- not really maximizing space
#3. Adding just 1 pickleball court to a tennis court
Considerations: 1 pickleball court
Pros
- minimal lines added
- uses the tennis court net
- the most affordable option
- average solution to the hybrid model
Cons
- just 1 pickleball court added
- not really maximizing space
- tennis players may still not like
Converting [permanently] a tennis court into four pickleball courts
This is much more than just a tennis court with pickleball lines.
This requires resurfacing the entire tennis court surface. From there, the 4 courts would be added which includes the lines, nets, and any amenities such as backboards, windscreens, lighting, seating, etc.
Why does this work so well?
This is the ideal situation for communities where pickleball play surpasses tennis and you’re looking for a permanent one-stop solution.
It’s ideal but can be pricey. While this concept is cheaper than building a brand new pickleball court from scratch, you will still need to remove the tennis net, resurface the existing tennis court, add pickleball lines, nets, etc. The range is great but expect this to cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.
Find out in much greater detail how much this will cost by going to our PickleballCostEstimator. You can customize your tennis court to pickleball conversion and get an estimated cost in minutes – and a free PDF to share with others!
PickleballCostEstimator
It is possible to build four (4) standard pickleball courts onto one (1) tennis court as long as the following exist:
- the tennis court is the standard size of 120′ X 60′
- and each of the pickleball courts is 60′ X 30′
Considerations for 4 pickleball courts
Pros
- best long term solution
- lines and colors for pickleball only
- dedicated for pickleball players
Cons
- approval process
- can be more expensive than other alternatives
Our recommendation?
If you have a decent budget and want a 1st class pickleball court, then the permanent conversion is the way to go.
Players with limited resources will find adding 2 courts to a tennis court is the best; fewer lines added and only 2 temporary nets and line sets are needed.
Conclusion
Setting up a temporary pickleball court on a tennis court or other surface is a great way to enjoy the game without the need for a dedicated court. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure a safe and fun gameplay experience. Remember to adjust the court dimensions and layout as needed, and always prioritize safety when setting up your temporary court. Happy pickleballing!
