How To Set Up and Then Rent Out A Pickleball Court in Your Backyard
Pickleball Court
The growing popularity of pickleball over the last few years means that pickleball courts (including pickleball courts in residential backyards) can potentially become excellent rental opportunities.
A rentable pickleball court in your backyard could appeal to families who are looking to play the sport for fun with their kids, professional players looking to keep their skills up, and new athletes who are just getting into the game alike.
But where do you start? rIn this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set up a pickleball court in your backyard and successfully rent it out.
Prepare the Space and the Ground
The first step in setting up a pickleball court in your backyard is preparing the space and ensuring the ground is suitable for play. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Select a Good Location
Start by choosing the best spot in your backyard for the pickleball court. You’ll need a flat area that measures at least 20 feet by 44 feet. This is the standard size for a pickleball court.
Clear Out the Area
Once you’ve chosen the location, clear the area of any obstacles such as rocks, branches, or plants. Your goal is to create a smooth surface for the court that does not have any tripping hazards.
Level the Ground
Depending on the current state of your ground, you might need to do some leveling work. You can use a shovel, a rake, or even rent a small excavator if you need to.. Remove any large rocks or debris. Fill in any low spots with soil or gravel.
Choose the Right Surface Material
You have many options when it comes to the surface material in your court. One option is concrete, which requires minimal maintenance but is also harder on the joints. Another choice is asphalt, which is somewhat softer than concrete and also requires less maintenance. Sports tiles are interlocking tiles that are conjoined together and are designed specifically for outdoor sports.
They’re usually a lot gentler on the joints and are easier to install. Each tile can be replaced in the event it’s damaged.
Install the Court Markings and the Net
Next, it’s time to set up the court itself!
Here’s a step-by-step process for what you’ll need to do:
Make sure your court is set to professional dimensions. A regulation pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with specific areas designated for different aspects of the game, such as the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen), the service areas, and the baseline.
Once you’ve measured and outlined the court, it’s time to apply the permanent markings. You can use outdoor paint or court marking tape. Make sure the lines are 2 inches wide to be compliant with official regulations. Be precise with your measurements, especially when marking the non-volley zone (which extends 7 feet from the net on each side).
Invest in a high-quality net designed specifically for pickleball. A standard pickleball net is 22 feet wide and should be 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center. Look for a net that is durable and weather-resistant with reinforced edges.
Attach the net to the posts, and make sure it is taut and at the correct height.
Adding Amenities For Renters
The quality of the court itself is super important for renters. But almost as important will be providing certain amenities to help ensure that their experience is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Here’s a checklist of things you’ll want to add:
Provide comfortable seating around the court. Renters will always appreciate having a place to relax and rest between games, so you’ll want to set up benches, chairs, or loungers near the court.
It’s also a good idea to offer a shaded area where players can take a break from the sun. You can achieve this with umbrellas, pergolas, or shade sail.
Installing adequate lighting around your pickleball court allows for extended playing hours, which will make it a more versatile rental option. High-quality LED floodlights are all you’ll need to ensure that renters can enjoy some fun evening or nighttime play.
Staying hydrated is important for players, especially during intense games in the heat. That’s why you can offer coolers filled with ice and some bottled water, sports drinks, or lemonade.
Last but not least, don’t forget to include some professional pickleball equipment that can either be included as part of the overall rental or rented separately. You’ll want to include paddles, pickleballs, wristbands, grip table, and a ball topper.
Marketing and Booking Tips
Once your backyard pickleball court is set up and ready to go, the next step is to attract renters and keep your booking calendar full!
Your rental listing is often the first impression potential renters will have of your pickleball court, so make it count.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Start by writing a compelling description that highlights the unique features and amenities of your court. Emphasize what makes your court special, such as it being marked to professional dimensions and any amenities that you offer with the court.
Take clear, well-lit photos of the court from multiple angles, including shots of any amenities, seating areas, and the surrounding environment. Consider including action shots of people playing pickleball to showcase the fun and dynamic atmosphere of your court.
Create a short video tour where you walk into and around the court. This will give guests a very good idea of what to expect.
To attract more renters, you can offer special promotions and discounts. For example, you could offer a discount for first-time renters, group bookings, or off-peak hours (such as at evening or nighttime).
You can also create a loyalty program that rewards frequent renters with discounted rates or free rental sessions after a certain number of bookings.This is a great way to cater to local pickleball players in your community who may want to host private tournaments of their own.
On that same note, one way to engage with your community is to host local tournaments of your own as a means to attract attention to your rental, with discounted rates for anyone who chooses to participate.
Conclusion
Setting up and renting out a pickleball court in your backyard can be a fantastic way to utilize your outdoor space while generating extra income. But you’ll need to go the extra mile to ensure that your court is in great condition and designed to meet professional standards.
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