Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? (And Should You?)

At Indianapolis Pickleball Club, we know not everyone starts their pickleball journey on a pristine indoor court like ours. Some of you start by looking at that empty tennis court down the street and wondering:“Can I just play pickleball there?”

Short answer: Yes, you can.Longer answer: It depends.

Let’s break down when, how, and whether you should play pickleball on a tennis court, and what it means if you're just starting out in Indy.

Is It Possible? ✅ Yes.

Tennis courts are larger than pickleball courts, but that doesn't stop people from using them creatively. In fact, one tennis court can often be converted into 2–4 temporary pickleball courts, depending on space and layout.

Here’s how to do it right:

🎯 Use portable pickleball nets

🎯 Measure and tape out the correct court dimensions (44’ x 20’)

🎯 Use court-safe tape or chalk – NEVER paint unless it’s yours

🎯 Bring outdoor balls – they’re designed for rougher surfaces

Perfect if you're playing casually, testing the game with friends, or figuring out if you want to get more serious.

But Should You? 🤔 Let’s Talk Tradeoffs

🟢 Pros of Playing Pickleball on a Tennis Court:

• It’s easy to find tennis courts — they’re all over Indy

• It’s a good way to try pickleball without commitment

• You can play outside on a nice day ☀️

• Perfect for spontaneous games with friends

🔴 Cons to Consider:

• Tennis surfaces are made for bigger bounces, not dink battles

• No dedicated lines means more setup (and confusion)

• Playing with tennis shoes? Careful — they don’t grip as well for side-to-side play

• Wind, sun, heat… outdoor pickleball is its own kind of chaos

That’s why many players start outside but quickly shift to indoor courts like IPC, where things are controlled, consistent, and court-ready 24/7. 🏟️

Pro Tip: Walking Shoes ≠ Pickleball Shoes 🚫👟

If you're playing on hard tennis surfaces, you need proper court shoes.Walking shoes don’t provide lateral support — which can lead to slips, rolled ankles, and not-so-fun next mornings.

At IPC, we see it all the time: someone plays outside in the wrong shoes, then shows up sore.Don’t be that player. 🙅‍♂️

Bonus: What About Grass or Driveways?

Technically? Yes.Should you? Only for fun.

Pickleball on grass or uneven surfaces is like playing basketball in flip-flops. Great for a laugh — not great for your form, rhythm, or knees. 😂

When It’s Time to Make the Switch to Real Courts 👇

If you’ve taped your way through enough tennis-court games and you’re starting to love the sport — it’s probably time to graduate to the good stuff.

Here’s what you get when you play indoors at IPC:

✅ Regulation-sized indoor courts

✅ Grippy, safe surfaces

✅ No setup or teardown

✅ Weather-proof, year-round play

✅ A community of players at your level

You’ve put up with wind and chalk lines. Now it’s time to see how pickleball is really meant to be played. 🔥

Final Thoughts: Do What Gets You on the Court

There’s nothing wrong with playing on a tennis court. If that’s your way to get started, go for it.But when you’re ready for:

• Better rallies

• Safer footing

• Real competition

• Real fun

👉 Come play with us at IPC. We’ve got the courts, the vibes, and the community waiting for you.