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