As pickleball fever sweeps the nation, the transformation of tennis courts into vibrant pickleball havens has become a thrilling trend. Imagine the buzz of activity as four pickleball courts emerge from the footprint of just one tennis court.
The best part? Converting your local tennis court into pickleball courts is simpler than you can imagine. So, let's dive into the excitement with this easy-to-follow DIY (Do-it-yourself) guide on crafting your own pickleball paradise.
Believe it or not, you can fit up to four pickleball courts in a single tennis court. The good news is, it's not as complicated as you think. So, without further ado, here's a DIY (Do-it-yourself) guide on converting a tennis court into pickleball courts.
Pickleball Court vs. Tennis Court: What's the Difference?
The main difference between the courts in pickleball and tennis is the size. A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, while a standard tennis court measures 60 feet wide and 120 feet long. In pickleball, singles and doubles use the same court size. But in tennis, a court for singles is 27 feet wide, while a court for doubles is 36 feet wide. For both formats, tennis courts are 78 feet long.
Both courts have a transition zone, but a pickleball court has a Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), while a tennis court doesn't. Also called the kitchen, this unique area is seven feet from the pickleball net on both sides. Moreover, pickleball nets are 36 inches tall at the sidelines and 34 inches tall at the middle. On the other hand, tennis nets 42 inches tall at the posts and 36 inches tall at the center. You may also see the table below.
| Pickleball | Pickleball | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size (Ft) | 20 x 48 | 60 x 120 |
| Singles (Ft) | 20 x 48 | 27 x 78 |
| Doubles (Ft) | 20 x 48 | 36 x 78 |
| Net Height - Sides (Inches) | 36 | 42 |
| Net Height - Middle (Inches) | 34 | 36 |
| Non-Volley Zone | 7 feet away from the net on both sides | None |
Related Post: Pickleball vs Tennis Compared: Similarities and Differences
Factors to Consider Before Tennis Court Pickleball Conversion
While a tennis court's dimensions shouldn't be a problem when converting it into pickleball courts, you're not done yet. Remember, you will install a pickleball court so the community can enjoy the sport, not just yourself. You also cannot do it alone. So, before getting too excited about it, consider these factors first.
Permit and Consultation
Converting a tennis court into pickleball courts requires securing permits, especially if there will be a massive reconstruction. Apparently, this factor contributes mainly to the problems of converted tennis courts. Different states may have different laws and regulations when building a pickleball court. Make sure you follow them religiously.
Aside from securing a permit, you should also consult a construction expert. It will help you understand the activities to be done and the estimated cost. If the tennis court is in or near a residential area, you should also talk to the residents. Aside from poor planning, not consulting the neighborhood can lead to conflicts and lawsuits.
Temporary or Permanent?
If the tennis court is still in use, you should only install temporary pickleball courts. It means that you will just add lines for pickleball. Although shared courts are possible, adding lines can confuse players initially. You can use paint or tape for the pickleball lines, depending on your preference. Chalk is the cheapest option, though.
You may remove the net and net posts if the tennis court is old and no longer used. It will also need resurfacing, repainting, and other manual jobs. Therefore, you might need a contractor, which requires a budget. But whether the pickleball court will be permanent or not, you should have an extensive plan to avoid problems.
Court Surface
There are several pickleball court surfaces, such as asphalt, clay, concrete, and grass. Indoor courts usually have wood or rubber floors. Polyurethane, acrylotex, and plexiform are the most common cushioning materials for additional safety against falls. For complete details, you can read our Pickleball Court Surfaces Guide.
In most cases, the floor must be resurfaced to clean the cracks, and coating alone may not be enough. If the cracks are deep, you should fill them with a mixture of cement, sand, and acrylic crack fillers. This is also why you should consult an expert or hire a contractor to do the job. Otherwise, accidents are waiting to happen.
Fencing
Pickleball balls don't roll as much as tennis balls do. So, if the tennis court has no fence but is surrounded by grass, you might not need to build a fence. The standard height of a pickleball court fence is at least 4 feet, while fences of professional courts are 10 feet tall. If you need one, a wire fence is the most common and ideal for courts with lighting.
If the tennis court will be converted into multiple pickleball courts, installing a fence between them is a good idea. The primary purpose is to prevent the ball from getting to the other courts. Getting hit by a pickleball ball from another court is very rare and not fatal. However, it can cause slips and falls when unnoticed or disturbing the players.
Pickleball Noise Reduction
Pickleball is much noisier than tennis and creates noise in the world of sports. Noise in pickleball courts is a significant blow to the sport's popularity, and complaints from annoyed residents are attracting media attention. USA Pickleball has added a Quiet category to some products to help reduce the noise. However, we know that this is not enough.
Pickleball noise does not cause hearing damage, but its high pitch and continuous sound can be very annoying. Aside from the paddle, the ball and the court surface are contributing factors. It's also the main reason why you should talk to your neighbors before the reconstruction. If possible, also consult with a sound expert.
Additional Amenities
Regardless of how many pickleball courts you plan to construct, you must provide additional amenities such as seating areas, shade, and lighting for night plays. If you intend to hold tournaments, the area should also have an office, locker rooms, restrooms, a storage area, a paddle holder, a clinic, and a food court or snack bar.
Paddles and balls are not considered amenities, but having some extras is better. This way, you can easily invite people to try the sport. Better yet, look for a pickleball coach or trainer to teach and assist the beginners. You can also start a club within your community to promote the converted court more efficiently.
Cost
With all the factors involved come the expenses. Generally, the cost of converting a tennis court into pickleball courts depends on the condition of the existing court and the number of courts you want to buiid. But to give you an idea, the makeover may cost between $4,000 and $10,000. Yes, it's not cheap, but it's definitely worth spending on.
How to Convert a Tennis Court Into 1 Pickleball Court
Converting a tennis court into a single pickleball court is the easiest and cheapest project. Only minor changes are required if the court is in good condition and still used. Just add temporary lines for pickleball and use a color different from the tennis court lines. Based on the layout below, the pickleball net is aligned with the tennis net.
How to Use Tennis Net for a Pickleball Court?
You can use the existing tennis net for pickleball, but you must adjust it to match the required height mentioned earlier. You just have to lower the tennis height on both sides by 6 inches (42-36) and 2 inches (36-34) in the middle. If the net has a center strap, simply loosen the screws and slowly lower the net and tighten the screws again. If there’s no center strap, unscrew the net and screw it again once you’re done.
How to Convert a Tennis Court Into 2 Pickleball Courts
The layout below shows how two pickleball courts fit in a tennis court. Each pickleball court is placed horizontally at each half of the tennis court. The base of the pickleball net is at the center of the tennis court's dead zone (no man's land). Like pickleball, this area is between the baseline and the half-court.
How to Convert a Tennis Court Into 3 Pickleball Courts
Converting a tennis court into three pickleball courts is rare but possible. These courts are placed vertically for permanent conversion, as shown in the layout below. Here, the middle court will replace the location of the tennis net. For shared courts, two vertical pickleball courts are on one side and the other horizontally on the other side.
How to Convert a Tennis Court Into 4 Pickleball Courts
This method is the most common since it maximizes the use of the court. The tennis court is divided into four equal quadrants, each with a pickleball court. The main challenge is that some tennis courts have angled corners. Obviously, it is also the most expensive. But then, more people can enjoy playing.
Tennis Court for Pickleball Pros and Cons
Using a tennis court for pickleball is cheaper than building a new one. Yet, it is not all positive. Aside from the challenges, from planning to the actual conversion, there are also some drawbacks. So, before even thinking about it, here is a summary of the pros and cons of transforming a tennis court into pickleball courts.
Pros
- Helps promote pickleball
- Maximizes use of space
- More eco-friendly than building a new one
- Great for lovers of both sports
- Potential increase in revenues for paid courts
Cons
- Not applicable in a quiet neighborhood
- Lines can be confusing at first
- Shared courts may not always be available for use
- Not ideal for huge tournaments
- Might upset tennis players who don't want to play pickleball
Final Thoughts
With the rapidly rising popularity of pickleball, repurposing underutilized tennis courts can help meet the growing demand for accessible sports facilities. By embracing this conversion, communities can foster inclusivity and cater to diverse interests within their population. Ultimately, the transition signifies a forward-thinking approach to adapt to changing recreational preferences while optimizing existing infrastructure.
