If you haven’t heard of pickleball, you’ve been living under a rock (or, a landslide of rocks). It’s great exercise, it’s fun, and it can be played on a tennis court (which are much more common than pickleball courts). But does pickleball damage tennis courts and will you get yelled at by the tennis aficionados?
Does pickleball damage tennis courts?
The short answer is: maybe. While pickleball can certainly leave marks on a tennis court, if played properly it doesn’t actually damage the court.
When pickleballs hit the ground, they MAY create small divots on the surface of the court. If left unfixed, over time these divots can become larger holes.
The main reason pickleball does not cause much damage is that pickleballs are made of a relatively soft plastic material, so they don’t cause the same wear and tear as other balls. Additionally, pickleballs are not fuzzy like tennis balls, so they don’t create the same amount of friction.
If you’re worried about pickleball damaging your court, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk.
Don’t worry – pickleball won’t damage your court like this!
How to prevent damage to a tennis court when playing pickleball
Pickleball can also be hard on a tennis court. The pickleball itself is a hard plastic ball that can create divots and scratches on the court. In addition, the pickleball paddles can also damage the court surface or paint. To prevent damage to a tennis court when playing pickleball, it’s important to:
Use pickleballs that are specifically designed for the game
these balls are made of a softer material that won’t damage the court surface
Only use pickleball paddles that have rounded edges
this prevents them from scratching the paint.
Sweep the court after each pickleball session
to remove any debris that could potentially damage the surface
By using the proper equipment, pickleball players can enjoy their game without damaging the court.
The cost of repairing damage to a tennis court caused by pickleball
On average, it costs $6,004 to repair damage caused by pickleball, with a typical range of $1,947 to $10,061. That’s a lot of pickles! However this amount will depend greatly on where you live.
This makes pickleball a great way to improve your tennis skills without having to put in the extra effort of playing on a full-sized court. It’s also a great way to get exercise – you can burn just as many calories playing pickleball as you would playing tennis!
Pickleball is a great way to get a cardio workout, improve your hand-eye coordination, and have some fun with friends. So if you’re looking for a new game and you live by a local tennis court, pickleball is definitely worth checking out.
Alternatives to playing pickleball on a tennis court
Pickleball is a fun, active sport that can easily be played on a tennis court. However, if there are no tennis courts available, there are some alternatives to still get your pickle-fix.
1. Badminton Courts
One option where pickleball can be played is on a badminton court. The dimensions of a badminton court are the same as a tennis court, however the net is higher in badminton. If you’re keen on a lower net, take a look at these portable tennis nets – they can also be used for pickleball!
2. Pickleball on Grass
We have an entire article on this (check it out here), but yes you can technically play pickleball on the grass! It may not be as fast paced as on other courts, but it’s an option to scratch your pickle-itch.
3. Pickleball Courts
Perhaps the best option yet, is to play on a pickleball court! Yes, we’re stating the obvious – but pickleball has been growing in popularity and pickleball courts have been popping up everywhere – and we bet there is one near you!
These courts are designed specifically for pickleball, and they offer a smooth, level surface that’s easy on the (pickle) balls.
Lauren Chervinski is an experienced entrepreneur, former nurse and pickleball enthusiast. With a passion for the sport that inspired her to begin her own pickleball website Racket Royalty, she has become a trusted source of information for others looking to learn more about this fairly new sport.
Yes, most pickleball paddles can get wet. However, paddle handle grip tape is often made of a tacky coating that will start to get really sticky if it is exposed to too much water.
If your paddle gets REALLY wet, it could warp and become difficult to use.
Pickleballs are made of hard plastic that is not affected by water, so they are safe to get wet.
As mentioned above, the handle of your paddle could get sticky when wet. As well, some nets will rust, sag, or loosen with rain. If you have a portable net set-up, it’s best to cover it or take it down in rainy weather.
Yes, playing pickleball in the rain can cause injuries, but it’s not a huge issue if you’re extra careful.
Most injuries caused by playing pickleball in the rain are minor, like scrapes and bruises from slipping, but they could be more serious if you take a bad tumble or trip due to low visibility from the rain.
To avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain, be sure to use extra caution when playing a match. Wear proper footwear (pickleball shoes), be sure the surface isn’t slick or slippery, and check to make sure the visibility is strong.
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