Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?

(Image: Lincoln Agnew via intopickleball)

Ah, pickleball - the sport that’s growing faster than a Kardashian’s Instagram following. If you’ve been bitten by the pickleball bug but find yourself staring longingly at the abundance of tennis courts, you’re probably wondering...

Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?

The answer? Absolutely!

And not only is it possible, but it’s also wildly fun.

However, before you grab your paddle and storm the local tennis club, let’s dive into the details (and the drama) of transforming a tennis court into a pickleball paradise.

Tennis Courts vs. Pickleball Courts: The Ultimate Showdown.

Now before we get into logistics, let’s talk about the key differences between a tennis court and a pickleball court.

A visual comparison of pickleball and tennis court dimensions, showcasing the size differences between the two sports. The image highlights that a pickleball court is significantly smaller than a tennis court, emphasising why multiple pickleball courts can fit within one tennis court.

  • Size Matters – A standard tennis court is much larger than a pickleball court. A tennis court measures 78 feet long by 36 feet wide, while a pickleball court is 44 feet long by 20 feet wide. This means you can fit four (YES FOUR!) pickleball courts into a single tennis court. (Want to know why pickleball is taking over tennis courts? Read: Pickleball vs. Tennis: why more world-class athletes are making the switch.

A side-by-side comparison of a pickleball net and a tennis net, illustrating their height differences. The image highlights that a tennis net is taller at the posts (42 inches) and center (36 inches), while a pickleball net is lower at the center (34 inches), impacting gameplay dynamics.

  • Net Drama – Let’s talk net height... because in pickleball, every inch counts... The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has set the standard height of a tennis net at 42 inches (106.5 cm) at the posts and 36 inches (91.5 cm) in the center. Meanwhile, a regulation pickleball net is slightly lower, standing at 36 inches (91.44 cm) at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.36 cm) in the center. Those two inches can be the difference between a winning shot and an embarrassing net-hugger... and we don't want that now, do we!?

A diagram illustrating how a pickleball court fits within a standard tennis court using the existing tennis net. The image highlights the size difference and the adaptation of court lines for pickleball play on a tennis court.

  • Lines, lines and more lines – Tennis courts have a lot of lines... but pickleball courts need their own distinct markings. If you don’t want to permanently paint over a tennis court (and upset Roger Federer fans), you can simply use temporary tape or chalk to mark out the pickleball boundaries.

How to set up a pickleball court on a tennis court (without getting kicked out).

So, you’re ready to convert a tennis court into a pickleball battlefield?

A visual diagram showing how to convert a tennis court into two or four pickleball courts. The image illustrates different layout options for maximising space when setting up multiple pickleball courts on a single tennis court.Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

  1. Lower the net (or cheat a little) – If the net is adjustable, bring it down to 34 inches in the center. If it’s a stubborn tennis net, don’t worry - just play as-is and adjust your expectations.

  2. Mark the court – Use court marker tape, chalk or painter’s tape to outline the pickleball court dimensions: 44 feet long by 20 feet wide with a 7-foot non-volley zone (aka the kitchen). 

  3. Set up the right gear – Ditch the bulky tennis rackets and oversized neon balls. Pickleball paddles and wiffle-style balls are the name of the game.

  4. Gather your pickleball squad – This is best played as doubles, especially on a larger tennis court where the ball doesn’t bounce as high as a tennis ball.

  5. Brace yourself for tennis purists – Some tennis players may not be thrilled about pickleballers invading their turf. Stay polite, share the space and maybe even invite them for a game... they might just become converts.

Pickleball on a tennis court: The FAQs.

  • Can I permanently convert a tennis court into a pickleball court?
    Yes, but it requires permanent line painting and possibly lowering the net. Many facilities now offer blended courts to accommodate both sports.

 

  • How many pickleball courts fit on one tennis court?
    Up to four! If you use temporary nets and markings, you can create a mini pickleball tournament on a single tennis court. (Looking for the best places to play? Check out our shortlist of where to play pickleball in New York City and Pheonix in 2025.

 

  • What’s the best surface for pickleball?
    A hard court, similar to tennis, works best. Grass courts? Not so much... unless you enjoy surprise wipeouts!

 

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? The Final Verdict...

A surreal and humorous collage featuring well-known figures playing pickleball in a tropical setting. The image highlights pickleball's rapid rise in popularity, capturing the sport’s fun, competitive spirit and growing influence in pop culture.(Image: Sarah Parsons via bellevue)

Yes, you can play pickleball on a tennis court and honestly, you should!

It’s an easy and accessible way to get into the sport without needing dedicated pickleball courts. Plus, who doesn’t love a sport that lets you smash a plastic ball and call it exercise?

So grab your paddle, find a tennis court and start dinking your way to victory. Just remember: if a tennis player side-eyes you, invite them to play... because deep down, we all know they secretly want to try it.

(Speaking of sports taking over, check out will pickleball be an Olympic sport? Everything you need to know)...

Now go forth and pickle!