Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., attracting players of all ages with its simple rules, fast pace, and minimal equipment requirements. But with that popularity comes a common logistical question: can you play pickleball on a tennis court?

The short answer is yes—but with a few adjustments.

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The Basics: Pickleball vs. Tennis Court Dimensions

The standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, significantly smaller than a tennis court, which measures 36 feet wide by 78 feet long for doubles play. This means you can fit multiple pickleball courts within a single tennis court, depending on how it's configured.

Even though the surfaces are compatible—both are typically hard courts—the difference in size and net height means that simply stepping onto a tennis court with pickleball paddles isn’t quite enough.

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Converting a Tennis Court for Pickleball

If you're using an existing tennis court, there are two primary ways to play pickleball:

1. Temporary Setup
   Many casual players use temporary court markers or chalk to outline a pickleball court within the bounds of a tennis court. Portable pickleball nets (which are shorter than tennis nets) can also be placed in the correct position to replicate the real court experience.
2. Shared Use with Painted Lines
   Some public and private facilities have embraced the sport’s growth by permanently painting pickleball lines over their tennis courts. In these cases, both sports can share the court, with different color lines to distinguish boundaries.

Regardless of approach, the tennis net may still be used, although it's slightly taller than regulation pickleball height. While the official pickleball net is 34 inches at the center, a tennis net is about 36 inches. It's playable, but serious pickleball players may prefer to lower the net or use a dedicated portable one.

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Number of Pickleball Courts Per Tennis Court

Given the size differences, you can fit up to four pickleball courts across a single tennis court when orienting them perpendicular to the tennis net. However, that kind of setup usually requires permanent or semi-permanent lines and nets.

For more casual, one-court use, it’s common to simply overlay one pickleball court on a tennis court using the center as a guide, particularly if the net is being shared.

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Surface and Playability

One major advantage of using a tennis court is that the surface is ideal for pickleball. Hard courts provide the bounce and consistency pickleball requires, and there's usually plenty of room around the perimeter for safe play and movement.

Outdoor tennis courts are particularly popular, as they already have the fencing, lighting, and amenities that work well for pickleball games, too.

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Is It Worth the Conversion?

If you're considering converting a tennis court for frequent pickleball use, it’s worth investing in proper court lines and a portable net. The setup is straightforward, the cost is relatively low, and it allows for consistent play with correct court dimensions.

For parks and rec centers, offering dual-use courts is a practical solution to accommodate both player bases without sacrificing space.

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Final Thoughts

So, can you play pickleball on a tennis court? Absolutely. With some quick adjustments—or even permanent line additions—a standard tennis court can double as a fully functional pickleball setup.

Whether you're just experimenting with the game or looking to establish a regular play space, tennis courts offer an accessible and adaptable venue for this fast-growing sport.