If you’re just getting started with pickleball, then chances are that you have a lot of questions.
As you will already know, pickleball is a sport that’s often compared to tennis, and they do share a lot of similarities.

Many times, you will also have noticed that designated playing areas will be designed as both tennis and pickleball courts.
But, is a tennis court adequate for true pickleball games? This may be confusing for those who are just getting started out, and are looking for a visual guide for setting up their own court.
But don’t worry, if you’ve found yourself looking for some guidance, then we’ve compiled a handy guide that will help you discover everything you need to know about pickleball nets.
Below, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions, including how high your net should be, where you can purchase your net, and the difference between pickleball and tennis courts.
To find out more, simply take a look below.
How High Should My Pickleball Net Be?
Now, why don’t we jump straight in and answer the titular question, by taking a look at how high your pickleball net should be. This is the first question you should ask yourself when you’re setting up a court.
The answer is incredibly simple. A typical pickleball net should be approximately 24 feet wide, and 34 inches high. This will provide the ideal height for your pickleball net.
The Difference Between Pickleball And Tennis Nets
Next, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the key differences between pickleball and tennis nets.
The key difference between these two is that pickleball nets tend to be far smaller, and take place in close proximity to the other player. Tennis, on the other hand, relies on a larger net, which is 3 feet and 6 inches in total.
There is also a difference in texture when it comes to pickleball and tennis nets. You’ll notice that when it comes to pickleball nets, they tend to be much softer than tennis nets.
That’s because the ball itself is lighter, and doesn’t require as much resistance against the netting.
The materials you’ll traditionally find in pickleball nets include a soft plastic, or metal. Tennis nets on the other hand, are typically made from a far more resistant and tougher material, such as nylon.
They will also have more tension strength in them, so that the net doesn’t sag in the middle during gameplay.
Tennis nets can typically withstand a lot of beatings from balls hitting them, and are incredibly durable.
Finally, the last key difference between pickleball nets and tennis nets is that the former tends to have a wider selection of color options.
If you’ve taken a look at some of the different pickleball nets on the market, you’ll notice that they very often come in bright colors. This fits in with the playful nature of the game.
Tennis nets, on the other hand tend, to come in a few standardized colors, and aren’t typically brightly colored

Where Can I Purchase A Pickleball Net?
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at how high a pickleball net should be, as well as some of the key differences between pickleball and tennis nets, we can move on to discuss your purchasing options.
The good news is that you have a whole host of options to choose from when it comes to purchasing a pickleball net. You can find them sold on Amazon, where they sell them in a wide variety of different colors and designs.
In addition to this, your local sporting goods store will most definitely sell pickleball nets. It’s become such a popular sport in recent years that everywhere in the US will stock goods related to the game.
In terms of choosing pickleball nets, we’d recommend that you choose a portable one. Some people might be put off by the price of these, but they’re the best if you plan on playing on a regular basis.
Because they can be packed up so easily, you can simply retract them and take them with you on the go. This means that you can set up a court virtually anywhere.
Am I Able To Play Pickleball On A Tennis Court?
One of the main questions you might be wondering about, is whether or not you’re able to play pickleball on a tennis court. Tennis courts are so ubiquitous in many areas that it may feel like a convenient space to practice.
We wouldn’t recommend it however, as the dimensions are completely different, and will likely hinder your gameplay. Therefore, we’d recommend that you locate a shared court that allows you to play both tennis and pickleball(see also: Pickleball VS Tennis: Which One Is Easier?).
Many tennis courts will have retractable nets that you can take down, and subsequently pitch your own pickleball net up instead.
If however, this isn’t an option, then you’re going to need to lower the middle of the tennis net, in order to make sure you can adequately get your ball over.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, a pickleball net is typically 24 feet wide, and 34 inches high. It’s usually made from a soft plastic or metal material.
You can purchase a portable pickleball net from your local sporting goods store, or online via Amazon.
- 8 Best Pickleball Resorts In The World - March 22, 2023
- Can You Purchase A Personalized Pickleball Paddle? - March 22, 2023
- Can You Purchase Quiet Pickleball Paddles? - March 22, 2023