Is pickleball finally taking over your free time? Us too, and not just because FarSight Studios hooked us on the release of PPA Pickleball Tour 2025, the only officially licensed Pickleball video game. For a long time, we rode the tennis train, but with the emergence of the fastest-growing sport, the decision to transform the existing court into a space marked with pickleball lines was an easy decision. If you're also on a mission to make the conversion from tennis court to pickleball court, here's how to do it:

1. Assess the Tennis Court

  • Measure the space. Your standard tennis court measures 78 feet long by 36 feet wide. Standard pickleball courts are smaller, measuring just 44 feet long by 20 feet wide. Depending on how much extra space you have surrounding your entire tennis court, this means you might be able to fit up to four pickleball courts on a single tennis court. If you're planning on installing multiple nets, make sure you measure and account for the new pickleball posts.
  • Need surface repairs? Pay attention to imperfections in your tennis course surface, and use an acrylic resurfacer to correct cracks, uneven areas, and blemishes.

2. Plan the Layout

  • Determine the court orientation. Decide on the number of pickleball courts (honestly, unless you're planning on hosting tournaments with your friends, just do one). To create multiple courts, you'll need to make sure there's sufficient space between them to avoid interference during play.
  • Mark the boundaries. Use sidewalk chalk or tape (like construction tape or another heavy-duty tape) to outline the pickleball court dimensions. This helps visualize the final layout before painting. If you're on the fence about the conversion, so ahead, play around. Having your own pickleball court feels nice, right? You look just like a professional pickleball player.
Pickleball game aerial photo
Measure and mark the lines so your tennis court is narrowed and shortened to match the dimensions of a pickleball court. Credit: halbergman / Getty Images

3. Gather Materials

Sure, you can lay green tape for a temporary pickleball court and call it a day, but if you want to paint permanent pickleball lines, either purchase a pickleball marking kit, or make a plan to use masking tape to create clean, straight lines. When it comes to choosing paint for your pickleball boundary, pick an outdoor paint suitable for court surfaces.

4. Paint the Lines

Measure and apply two coats of paint to each line.

  • Baseline: 20 feet wide at each end.
  • Sidelines: 44 feet long on each side.
  • Non-Volley Zone: Mark 7 feet from the net on each side, extending to the sidelines.
  • Centerline: Divides the court into two equal halves, running from the baseline to the non-volley zone.

5. Install the Net

  • Adjust the height of your tennis court net. Pickleball nets are 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. You can adjust your tennis net or purchase a portable pickleball net that meets pickleball standards.
  • Or install a new net. The net should be centered on the court's width, ensuring it's taut and properly secured.

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A Few More Details

  • Gather a collection of court accessories, and integrate storage. If you're going to get a crew to show up and play, it helps to have pickleball paddles, balls, and other pickleball equipment for new players. Consider adding storage racks or benches.
  • Enhance your outdoor lighting. If the court will be used in the evening, install lighting so you can safely make use of your new backyard pickleball space.