Can Pickleball Be Played on Grass? (Explained)
Many pickleball players are wondering if they can play the game on grass. The answer is yes! However, there are a few things you need to consider before hitting the courts.
In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of playing pickleball on grass and offer some tips to get you started. Let’s get started!
Why Play Pickleball on Grass?
There are many local pickleball players who love playing on grass and it is becoming an increasingly popular choice across the country. While some courts might be made specifically for grass, many people will play on a grassy area that has been converted into a pickleball court.
In some areas, there simply are not enough pickleball players to warrant building an all-purpose pickleball court. In other areas, it may be too expensive for the local club or park and recreation department to build out a specialized court. In these cases, adding a pickleball court to an existing basketball or tennis court is a cost-effective option.
In most cases, it might be the only option available.
Why Grass?
Grass offers a softer playing surface than cement or asphalt. And when it is mowed regularly, it provides the ideal cushioning for pickleball shots and reduces the risk of injuries. It also can add to the overall aesthetics of your local park or recreation area.
However, the grass comes with its own set of challenges…
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Grass and Pickleball
Just like any other major sport, you need to consider the condition of the grass. Is it dry and cracked? Or moist and soft? Those who play pickleball regularly, they may be able to tell if the court is in good playing condition as soon as they approach it. However, many first-time players might find it challenging to gauge the condition of the court surface.
This is especially true if there are many park users playing football, soccer, jogging, or other activities on the courts throughout the day. If you play pickleball on grass for an extended period of time, you will notice that your legs tire more easily than usual. This makes it challenging to chase down balls that are hit deep into the court.
The risk of losing a ball in the long grass can also make it more difficult to get back on track during a game. However, bear in mind that this is not an issue you typically encounter when playing pickleball on hard courts or concrete slabs.
Need More Speed?
If playing on grass is a dream come true, you might have noticed one slight drawback… Grass courts require more power and speed if you want to cover the court. In addition to greater leg fatigue after 5-6 games, your shots will also need more velocity to cover the extended distance from backcourt to frontcourt.
In many instances, the speed of a grass court will be similar to a hard court surface. So keep this in mind when you are comparing schedules between hard and grass pickleball courts.
Grass Problems
One of the biggest problems with playing on grass is that there always seems to be someone walking through it or cutting it, leaving disturbing patches all over the court. You will need to deal with this by marking off or removing the loose grass before you begin to play.
Another common problem is that the blades of grass can get very long, which makes it difficult to see your shots. The best tactic is to mark off the area where you want to play so players know how much space they have.
To avoid these problems, you should seek out a flat and clean area for your court.
How to Get Started Playing Pickleball on Grass
Step 1 – Ensure that the grass is soft and free from debris or cracks. You may want to first try playing on a small patch of grass so you can get used to it without worrying about loose grass, holes or other obstacles.
Step 2 – Mark off an area for your court that is roughly 20×40 feet if it will be used for practice only. If you are planning to host pickleball tournaments on the grass, mark off an area that is at least 30×60 feet. Make sure there are no holes or uneven spots.
Step 3 – Ensure that you have enough space on either side of the court so players can step back to return shots. You should also consider how many players will be playing at once and whether or not they will need room to move around freely. Illustrate this with lines on your grass surface.
Step 4 – Remove any loose grass or dirt. You can use a push broom or leaf blower to clean the court area before you begin playing. Keep in mind that you will need some sort of boundary markers, such as cones or chalk lines so players know where the boundaries are.
Step 5 – Mark off and remove any sections of grass you don’t want players stepping on during the game. This will ensure that players won’t accidentally step on such areas and hurt themselves (or others).
Step 6 – If your court is located in a park, you may want to consider marking off several courts or finding time during non-peak hours. This will allow more pickleball enthusiasts to enjoy this unique experience.
How Often Should You Repair a Pickleball Grass Court?
The pickleball grass court should be repaired on a weekly basis. If you notice that there are some holes or patches of grass that players are having trouble reaching, then you will need to remove those areas. This ensures that your court is as accessible as possible and discourages players from walking through the grass during the game.
The grass is great for pickleball players because it’s soft and forgiving, but you will have to maintain it just like any other court surface. Luckily, this type of work doesn’t require high levels of expertise or expensive equipment, so anyone can deal with these issues on their own.
Remember that if your court gives way, you will need to repair the entire area instead of just filling in one or two spots. This is why it’s important to mark off or remove any grass that is loose or uneven.
The most difficult part of playing on grass may be finding a good location where players can enjoy this new experience without worrying about disturbances from people walking through the grass or other issues.
If you want to find a great grass court, then you should look for areas that are flat and free of debris. Just like with tennis courts, you can always buy or order your own portable pickleball court equipment so you don’t have to share the space with anyone else.
You should also consider looking for a park with several courts so you will have more options when it comes to playing pickleball outside. If you want a dedicated grass court in your backyard or in your home, then you can always talk to a landscaping company and ask about creating one of these unique areas.
Take the time to clean up any sports where players might have problems reaching the balls. This will ensure that you have a smooth, even playing surface for everyone involved.
The Benefits of Pickleball on Grass
Grass may be hard to maintain, but it does have several benefits that pickleball enthusiasts will enjoy. First, if you’re tired of playing in the same old location or picking up balls after someone misses one, then grass might be your answer.
You can easily create a new experience for your pickleball players in your backyard or in a park. You can even go to another county or state if you want to find new locations that are perfect for playing this game outside.
Grass is also very soft, which makes it easier on your joints and legs when you’re chasing after the ball. It’s also softer on players’ feet and toes, which means there is less of a chance you will have to stop play due to someone being injured.
If you want your court to be as soft as possible, then set up a sprinkler system so players can enjoy playing on a wet surface. In the wintertime, the grass will freeze overnight and thaw slowly throughout the day, so players will get the best of both worlds when it comes to playing on grass.
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Final Thought
The grass is a very unique surface for pickleball, which means you’ll need to take advantage of this opportunity and make the most out of every game.
If you want your court to last as long as possible, then make sure that players are aware of their surroundings and avoid walking on it whenever they don’t have a ball in hand.
Grass courts are fun, but they can be costly to maintain, so you should always consider investing in your own portable equipment if you want the freedom to play pickleball whenever and wherever.
References
- https://localtenniscourtresurfacing.com/pickleball-court-surfaces-backyard-court-builders/
- https://usapickleball.org/about-us/organizational-docs/pickleball-fact-sheet/
- https://www.amazinaces.com/blogs/news/indoor-versus-outdoor-pickleball
- https://www.pickleballportal.com/blog/diy-pickleball-courts/
- https://www.sandypickle.com/grass-pickleball/
- https://www.sportsimports.com/blog/the-explosion-of-pickleball/
- https://www.turfscapesofarizona.com/blog/the-advantages-of-using-artificial-turf-on-your-paddle-tennis-court
- https://www.vox.com/2015/6/4/8715623/pickleball
