Okay, so I’ve been getting really into pickleball lately. It’s, like, the perfect mix of ping pong, tennis, and badminton. But finding a dedicated pickleball court? Forget about it. They’re always packed! So, I had this crazy idea: could I just use a tennis court?
The Experiment Begins
First, I grabbed my pickleball paddle and a ball, and headed to my local park. They have tons of tennis courts, and usually, at least one is empty. Sure enough, I found one wide open. Score!
I stood there for a second, just looking at the tennis net. It’s way higher than a pickleball net, right? Pickleball nets are 34 inches in the middle, and tennis nets are 36. I figured, “Close enough!” and just started playing (against myself, because, you know, solo practice).
Making it Work (Sort Of)
- The tennis court is obviously much bigger than a pickleball court. A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. A tennis court is bigger. Way bigger.
- I used the existing lines and didn’t bother with the kitchen for this trail. I imagined where the “kitchen” (that non-volley zone near the net) would be.
- I focused on just hitting the ball back and forth, getting a feel for the space.
- The higher net definitely made a difference. I had to hit the ball with a little more oomph to get it over.
The Verdict
So, can you use a tennis court for pickleball? Yeah, you totally can! At least for some casual practice. It’s not perfect, and it won’t be the same as playing on a real pickleball court, but it’s a decent substitute if you’re just itching to play and can’t find a dedicated court.
I ended up playing for about an hour, and it was a good workout. I will definitely do this again. And next time I will invite my friend Jack to play together!
