Before you begin playing pickleball on a tennis court or vice versa, it’s important to understand how each setup is different. Even small changes can affect how the sports are played. The key differences between pickleball and tennis nets that affect how courts are adapted for each game include net dimensions, setup, and composition.
Net Dimensions
Height
According to the USA Pickleball Association, a regulation net should be 36 inches tall at the sidelines and 34 inches tall in the center. Many posts will be marked with the 36-inch height so players can quickly check they’re playing with an accurate setup.
The center of a tennis net is 36 inches instead of 34. These two inches can make a huge impact on down-the-middle shots. Players transitioning from tennis to pickleball will definitely notice the difference.
Width
In pickleball, the net itself must be at least 21 feet and 9 inches long from post to post. In tennis, the net must be 33 feet wide for singles and 42 feet wide for doubles. Most courts accommodate doubles by sticking to a net that’s 42 feet wide.
Net Setup and Composition
Posts
Since a tennis net is substantially larger than a standard pickleball net, the posts need to be much sturdier. Tennis posts are larger and may even have a pair of supporting posts to ensure the net stays in place. Pickleball nets, on the other hand, are lighter and portable for traveling play.
Weave
Tennis balls are smaller and faster than a pickleball, so the net’s weave needs to be able to accommodate this. A smaller net weave ensures the tennis ball doesn’t pass through the net. Pickleball nets have a larger or looser weave because the ball is slower and larger.
Playing Pickleball on a Tennis Court
It’s fairly common practice to play pickleball on a tennis court because tennis courts are more widely available.
In order to set up a tennis court for pickleball, players need to use a center strap to anchor the tennis net’s center down to 34 inches and use tape to temporarily mark the court’s new dimensions for accurate play. Always check with the court owner, club, or facility before altering the court.
Due to the difference in net width, up to four pickleball courts can temporarily be made on an existing tennis ball court. Setting up a tennis court to accommodate multiple pickleball courts is as easy as understanding the difference between tennis and pickleball nets and finding nets that match regulation. Our team at All Star Tennis Supply is happy to help you find the pickleball supplies that you need, whether it’s nets, posts, or even the center straps.