Can You Play Pickleball On Concrete? Picky Paddle

One of the most common questions asked by pickleball novices is can you play pickleball on concrete? Building your own court can be a really rewarding experience and some players prefer to construct their own courts, either exclusively for pickleball or in connection with other sports.

Concrete can be an excellent option if you are looking to build a court, as it provides a firm base, but remember that raw concrete should not be used – it’s best to apply a top coat such as polyurethane or acrylic for safety reasons.

This can transform your court into a slick playing surface and will also reduce chances of any injury. So if concrete is one of the materials for your his potential project, think about its advantages and make sure to use an outer layer for optimal performance and safety!

Do Not Forget to Read: Best Pickleball Paddles

Can You Play Pickleball On Concrete?

Yes, you can play pickleball on concrete, but with a few considerations. To start, concrete can be a little unstable on impact, so it may not be the best surface for serious competitive play.

Concrete alone is usually not suitable as a playing surface either – it needs a topcoat and softer padding to provide players with an enjoyable experience. Plus you’ll lessen the risk of injuries and reduce fatigue caused by hard surfaces!

Do Not Forget to Read: What Muscles Does Pickleball Work?

Why Concrete Court Is Not Suitable For Playing Pickleball?

Why Concrete Court Is Not Suitable For Playing Pickleball?

Raw concrete is not a suitable flooring option for pickleball courts because it is too hard and unforgiving, which can lead to injuries and discomfort for players.

Less Forgiving

One of the main reasons why raw concrete is not suitable for pickleball courts is that it is much harder and less forgiving than other flooring options.

When players fall or collide with the floor, the impact can be jarring and potentially cause injury.

In addition, the hard surface of the concrete can be uncomfortable to stand on for extended periods of time, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort for players.

No Shock Absorption

Another reason why raw concrete is not a good choice for pickleball courts is that it does not provide enough cushioning or shock absorption.

This can make the game feel bouncier and less controlled, which can be frustrating for players. 

In addition, the hard surface of the concrete can cause the ball to bounce unpredictably, making it difficult for players to anticipate the trajectory of the ball.

Prone to Cracks

Finally, raw concrete is not a good choice for pickleball courts because it is prone to cracks and other types of damage over time. This can create uneven surfaces that can trip players or cause the ball to bounce in unexpected ways.

In addition, the surface of the concrete can become slippery when wet, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

Will Pickleball Bounce On Concrete?

Will Pickleball Bounce On Concrete?

One question that often arises among pickleball players is whether the ball will bounce on concrete. The short answer is yes, pickleball will bounce on concrete.

However, the bounce may not be as high or as consistent as it would be on a proper pickleball court with a smooth, flat surface.

Concrete is a hard and durable material, but it is also rough and uneven. When a pickleball bounces on concrete, the rough surface can cause the ball to bounce irregularly or unpredictably.

This can make it difficult for players to predict the trajectory of the ball and make accurate shots.

In addition, the ball may not bounce as high on concrete as it would on a properly maintained pickleball court.

Pickleball courts are typically made of a smooth, porous surface such as asphalt or a rubber composite. These surfaces offer a more consistent and predictable bounce for the ball.

While pickleball will bounce on concrete, it is not recommended to play the game on this surface. Concrete can be rough and uneven, which can cause the ball to bounce erratically and make the game less enjoyable for players.

It can also be hard on the ball itself, causing it to wear out faster and need to be replaced more often.

If you want to play pickleball on a surface other than a proper court, it is recommended to choose a flat, smooth surface such as a gym floor or a tennis court.

These surfaces will provide a more consistent and predictable bounce for the ball, making the game more enjoyable and easier to play.

How Big Of A Concrete Pad Do I Need For A Pickleball Court?

If you are considering building a pickleball court in your backyard or at a community center, one of the first things you need to consider is the size of the concrete pad. 

Here are some guidelines to help you determine the size of the concrete pad you need for your pickleball court:

  1. Official dimensions for a pickleball court are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. However, if you are building a recreational court for casual play, you may want to consider a slightly smaller size. A court that is 18 feet wide and 36 feet long is often recommended for recreational play.
  2. In addition to the playing surface, you also need to consider the space needed for the net and any surrounding areas. For a 20×44 foot court, you should allow for an additional 2 feet on each side for the net and an additional 2 feet on each end for the surrounding area. This means that your concrete pad should be 24 feet wide and 48 feet long.
  3. When building your concrete pad, it is important to make sure that it is level and has a smooth surface. This will help to ensure that the ball bounces consistently and players can move around the court without tripping or stumbling. A concrete pad that is 4 inches thick is usually sufficient for a pickleball court.
  4. If you are building your pickleball court in an area with heavy rainfall or prone to flooding, you may want to consider adding a slope to the concrete pad to help drain water away from the court. A slope of 1 inch per foot is usually sufficient.

Do Not Forget to Read: Can You Play Pickleball On Grass?

Pickleball Surface Options

There are several options for pickleball court surfaces, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common options:

Asphalt:

Asphalt is a popular choice for pickleball courts because it is durable and relatively inexpensive to install. However, it can get hot in the summer, making it uncomfortable to play on.

Asphalt courts also require regular maintenance, including crack filling and sealcoating, to keep them in good condition.

Concrete:

Like asphalt, concrete is a durable and relatively inexpensive option for pickleball courts. It does not get as hot as asphalt in the summer, but it can be slippery when wet.

Concrete courts also require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.

Acrylic:

Acrylic surfaces are a popular choice for indoor pickleball courts because they provide a consistent, low-bounce surface that is easy on the joints.

They are also slip-resistant and easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive to install and maintain than asphalt or concrete.

Textured coatings:

Textured coatings are applied to asphalt or concrete courts to provide a non-slip surface for pickleball. They come in a variety of colors and can be customized to fit the needs of the facility.

Textured coatings are relatively easy to install and maintain, but they can be more expensive than other surface options.

Artificial turf:

Artificial turf is a popular choice for outdoor pickleball courts because it is low maintenance and does not require watering. It provides a consistent, low-bounce surface that is easy on the joints.

However, it can be more expensive to install and may not provide the same level of traction as other surfaces.

Ultimately, the best pickleball surface option will depend on the needs and budget of the facility, as well as the preferences of the players.

It is important to consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and overall playing experience when choosing a pickleball surface.

Do Not Forget to Read: Pickleball Party Ideas

Final Words

Despite some drawbacks, many people enjoy playing pickleball on concrete because it can be a fast-paced and challenging game. If you’re in good physical condition and you have the proper equipment and footwear, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a good game of pickleball on concrete.

Just make sure you’re aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to stay safe and have fun.

Michael Stevenson

Michael Stevenson

Hi, my name is Michael Stevenson and I’m a passionate pickleball player. I’ve been playing the game for many years and I’m pretty highly skilled at it. Pickleball is one of my favorite topics so naturally, I love to write about it.

Whether it’s tips for beginners, guides for experts, reviews of new paddles, or advanced playing techniques – if it relates to pickleball then I have something interesting to write about it. So if you’re looking for entertaining and informative information on the topic of pickleball, look no further than my written works!