Pickleball Court Layout on a Tennis Court: A Step-by-Step Guide

Got a tennis court but itching to play pickleball? With a few tweaks, you can turn that tennis space into a pickleball paradise faster than you can say ‘dink! Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports. We’re not surprised people are looking for creative ways to play. One common solution? Convert a tennis court into a pickleball paradise. Whether you’re setting up one court or four, here’s a guide to doing it right. 

Why Convert a Tennis Court for Pickleball? 

Converting a tennis court into pickleball courts makes sense for a lot of reasons: 

• Maximize space: A single tennis court can accommodate up to four pickleball courts. 

• Accessibility: It allows more players to enjoy pickleball, especially in communities where space is limited. 

• Dual use: Facilities can still offer tennis while catering to the increasing demand for pickleball. 

Now, let’s get into the specifics of how to set up a pickleball court (or four!) on a tennis court. [1] [2]  

Single Pickleball Court Setup on a Tennis Court 

The easiest choice is to set up one pickleball court directly in the middle of the tennis court. Here’s how: 

1. Net Adjustment: Lower the tennis net to 34 inches at the center (the standard height for a pickleball net). You can use the center strap to do this. 

1. Line Marking: 

1. Mark your pickleball lines 6 feet from the tennis net for the baseline. 

1. Use the existing tennis court’s sidelines and center service line to mark the boundaries of your pickleball court. 

1. The “kitchen” (no-volley zone) will start 7 feet from the net, just like on a standard pickleball court. 

1. Temporary Marking: For quick and temporary markings, use bright court tape or chalk. Both are easy to remove and won’t damage the tennis court surface. 

This layout keeps things simple and makes it easy to switch back to tennis when needed. [3] [4] 

Dual Pickleball Court Setup on a Tennis Court 

If you want to set up two pickleball courts side by side on a single tennis court, here’s what you need to do: 

1. Court Alignment: 

1. Place the two pickleball courts side by side, perpendicular to the tennis net. 

1. The no-man’s land between the tennis court service line and the baseline serves as the playing area for each pickleball court. 

1. Line Marking: 

1. Mark two 20’ x 44’ pickleball courts. 

1. The tennis net will stay in place but is not used for pickleball play. 

1. Portable Nets: Use portable pickleball nets for both courts. Position them 22 feet from the baselines of the tennis court. 

This setup allows two games to be played simultaneously while preserving the tennis court for future use. [5] [6]  

Quad Court Setup: Four Pickleball Courts on a Tennis Court 

This is the most efficient use of space, particularly for tournaments or high-traffic areas. With this configuration, you can fit four pickleball courts on one tennis court. 

1. Divide the Tennis Court: 

1. Start by splitting the tennis court into four equal parts. 

1. Each pickleball court will be 20’ x 44’, fitting snugly into each quadrant of the tennis court. 

1. Spacing: 

1. Allow a 7-foot gap between adjacent courts to give players enough room to move without running into each other. 

1. Position the first baseline of each pickleball court 6 feet from the tennis net. 

1. Portable Nets: Each court needs its own portable net. Position them 22 feet from the baselines of each pickleball court. 

This layout maximizes the use of space and is perfect for events where multiple games need to be played simultaneously. [7] [8]  

Best Tools for Temporary Court Setup 

Temporary setups are the most practical when you need the court to switch back to tennis or need flexibility in location. Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Bright Tape or Chalk: Use bright, contrasting court tape or chalk for marking lines. A durable tape that’s at least 2 inches wide (like Gaffer tape or heavy-duty orange court tape) will last throughout the game. 

• Portable Nets: 

• The SwiftNet 2.1 is often regarded as one of the best portable nets because it’s lightweight and quick to set up. 

• The ZENY Portable Net System is a great budget option, offering a full-size net at an affordable price. 

• Measuring Tools: Accuracy is key, so use a tape measure and chalk to mark your lines before applying tape. 

• Secure Your Nets: If you’re playing outdoors, weigh down portable nets with sandbags to prevent movement, especially on windy days.  

Lighting for Night Games 

Pickleball doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. If you’re converting a tennis court and want to play at night, proper lighting is essential. 

• LED Lights: These are the most efficient and provide high-quality lighting. Look for lights that offer at least 30 footcandles for even illumination. 

• Mounting Height: Lights should be mounted on poles at least 20 feet high to prevent glare and ensure players can track the ball. 

• Glare Reduction: Use full-cutoff fixtures to minimize glare and reduce light spill into surrounding areas.  [9] [10] 

Permanent Pickleball Court Conversion 

If you’re ready to commit to pickleball full-time and want to convert a tennis court permanently, follow these steps: 

1. Resurfacing: Start by resurfacing the court to address any cracks or damage that could affect play. 

1. Remove Tennis Posts: Cap off the post holes from the tennis court. 

1. Install Pickleball Nets: Install permanent pickleball net posts and anchors. 

1. Striping for Pickleball: Stripe the court to standard pickleball dimensions (20 feet by 44 feet). 

This transformation turns your underutilized tennis court into a dedicated pickleball facility. [11] 

Choose the Layout That Fits Your Needs 

Whether you’re setting up one court or four, converting a tennis court into pickleball courts is a smart way to use space efficiently. From temporary setups with chalk and portable nets to permanent conversions, there are plenty of options to make it work. 

• Single Court Setup: Best for casual play. 

• Dual Court Layout: Great for communities with moderate pickleball demand. 

• Quad Court Layout: Ideal for tournaments or high-traffic facilities. 

Whatever your needs, converting a tennis court for pickleball play opens a world of fun for you and your community. 

Got a tennis court and some tape? Encourage the students to share their experiences and the challenges they face. Time to get playing. 🏓