Why is pickleball sweeping the nation while tennis remains a classic favorite? It all starts with the court. From size to setup, the differences between pickleball and tennis courts might surprise you—and could change how you play both games.
A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. A tennis court is much larger, with a width of 36 feet and a length of 78 feet. According to Net World Sports, tennis courts are 80% wider and 77% longer than pickleball courts. You could fit up to four pickleball courts on a single tennis court.
Pickleball Non-Volley Zone
In pickleball, there is a special area called the “kitchen.” It is 7 feet from each side of the net and spans the 20-foot width of the court. The kitchen plays an important role in the game because:
- You cannot hit the ball in the air while standing in this area.
- The rule prevents players from smashing the ball near the net.
- Serves are not allowed to land in this area.
- Players can enter the kitchen to play a bounced ball but must leave before hitting another shot.
The kitchen encourages players to use skill and strategy instead of just power. [1] [2]
Modular Court Tiles for Pickleball
Modular court tiles are a flexible option for making pickleball courts. They are easy to install, durable, and can handle different weather conditions. These tiles also allow you to create custom-sized courts and are easy to clean. However, some players report that the ball doesn’t bounce well on them, and there can be “dead spots” where the ball doesn’t bounce at all. Many players prefer traditional surfaces like concrete for better performance. [3] [4]
Pickleball Court Conversion Techniques
There are several ways to turn a tennis court into a pickleball court. The most common methods are:
- Permanent conversion: Resurface the entire tennis court and create four pickleball courts with new lines and nets. This is the most expensive option, costing between $10,000 and $20,000.
- Temporary conversion: Add two pickleball courts using portable nets and temporary lines. This is a more flexible and cheaper option.
- Hybrid model: Create two pickleball courts over the tennis court, which requires fewer lines and maintains the tennis court’s versatility.
Make sure to adjust the net height and properly mark the court dimensions for any conversion. [5] [6]
Court Size Comparison
While both pickleball and tennis are racquet sports, their court sizes and setups are very different:
- A tennis court is 78 feet long and 36 feet wide for doubles, while a pickleball court is much smaller at 44 feet long and 20 feet wide.
- Tennis nets are 42 inches high at the posts, while pickleball nets are 36 inches at the posts.
- Tennis courts have a total surface area of 2,808 square feet, compared to 880 square feet for pickleball courts.
- Pickleball has a 7-foot non-volley zone, known as “the kitchen,” which tennis does not have.
These differences create unique gameplay in both sports. [7] [8]
Court Configuration Options
When setting up pickleball courts on tennis courts, you have a few layout options:
- Single court: One pickleball court can be placed in the center of the tennis court. Lower the tennis net to 34 inches for pickleball use.
- Two courts: Split the tennis court in half to create two pickleball courts.
- Four courts: Divide the tennis court into four quadrants for four pickleball courts.
Make sure to leave enough space between courts for safe play. [9] [10] [11]
Two-Court Tennis Conversion
A common setup is converting a tennis court into two pickleball courts. To do this, divide the tennis court in half and use portable pickleball nets. Each pickleball court should be 20 feet by 44 feet. The tennis net can act as a barrier between the two courts. Ensure that the lines for pickleball and tennis are marked clearly using different colors to avoid confusion.
Quad Court Configuration
You can also convert a tennis court into four pickleball courts. Each pickleball court will be placed in one section of the tennis court, with each court measuring 20 feet by 44 feet. Portable nets are needed, and the centerline of the tennis court helps mark the sidelines for pickleball. This setup is efficient for space but can be tight, with only about 7 feet between courts.
New Court Construction
Building a new pickleball court from scratch requires careful planning. The ideal space for a pickleball court is 40 feet by 64 feet. You need to start by preparing the ground, laying down concrete or asphalt, and marking the court lines. The net should be 22 feet wide and 34 inches high in the middle. Optional features like fencing and lighting can be added for a better playing experience. The total cost for a new court can range from $15,000 to $75,000.
Court Outlining Steps
When converting a tennis court into a pickleball court, outlining is very important. Here are the basic steps:
- Mark a 44-foot by 20-foot rectangle using tape or chalk.
- Measure 15 feet from each baseline to mark the non-volley zone, or “kitchen.”
- Divide the court into left and right service areas.
- Place the net across the width of the court at the center of the kitchen.
For a permanent setup, use paint instead of tape. Make sure to leave enough space between courts for safety. [12] [13]
Parting Words
You are now prepared with everything you need to know about the differences between pickleball and tennis courts. And next time you’re out on the court, or building one, you’ll appreciate why each sport has its own unique charm. Ready to grab your paddle or racquet and get playing?
