ne of the most common questions we’ re asked is,“ How many pickleball courts can fit onto a standard basketball or tennis court?” The answer depends on how much space you want to have between courts— for a waiting area or a shaded rest space for players— or how intrusive you want pickleball lines to be on multipurpose courts.
2 on 1
4 on 1
6 on 2
Marking lines on multi-purpose courts. Keep in mind that more pickleball courts equal more lines. On a standard tennis court, two pickleball courts can easily be added without greatly interfering with the line structure of the tennis court [ Diagram # 1 ]. It’ s possible to have as many as four pickleball courts on a tennis court, however, the space will be packed, with minimal room between courts [ Diagram # 2 ].
Tennis courts often come in pairs, so we’ ve included the optimal layout using a 6 pickleball / 2 tennis court mark-up. [ Diagram # 3 ].
Repurposing tennis courts— marking lines on courts specifically dedicated to pickleball. While a standard two-court tennis facility can accommodate up to eight lined pickleball courts, it’ s more comfortable to replace the tennis pair with six pickleball courts. Again, the“ 6 on 2” option( Diagram # 3) is ideal, as it allows ample space for a rest / waiting area. Don’ t underestimate the need for a shaded rest area at courtside.
It’ s time to mark the lines.
Here’ s what you’ ll need for both temporary and permanent lines.
Temporary Lines a Two sets of hands, although it’ s possible to mark courts by yourself. a 200 feet of green Frog Tape per court( for temporary lines) a One 25-foot tape measure & one 50-foot tape measure a Chalk or pencil marker
Permanent Lines a 1 to 2 days of sunshine a Two sets of hands, although it’ s possible to mark courts by yourself. a 400 feet of green Frog Tape per court( to create line stencils) a Line Paint a Brush, drop cloth, painting materials a One 25-foot tape measure & one 50-foot tape measure a Chalk or pencil marker
When marking a multi-purpose court, it’ s always easier to work from the court’ s existing lines. For example, when working on a tennis court, use the tennis service line as a line marker for the non-volley zone line( see diagrams # 1, # 2 and # 3). Of course, if you’ re working from a blank slate, you won’ t have lines to use as a guide.
Each new court will require a minimum of 198 feet of tape. While many people mark courts with blue painter’ s tape, we recommend green Frog Tape because it adheres better to the court and doesn’ t leave residue when removed. Also, green Frog Tape doesn’ t interfere with white tennis court lines; pickleball players quickly become accustomed to recognizing the green lines— the white lines will become invisible— and vice versa for tennis players. Yellow Frog Tape and blue painter’ s tape tend to disengage from the courts quicker. Do not use duct tape under any circumstance, as it’ s very expensive and can ruin the surface beneath when removed.
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2018 | MAGAZINE 47