You walk onto a tennis court with your paddle, see the net already set up, and figure you are good to go. But something feels off when you start playing. Your dinks keep hitting the tape. Your serves feel awkward. Something is not adding up.

The answer comes down to the net height for pickleball being lower than tennis. That difference, though it sounds small, changes how the entire game plays out.

Here's How These Two Nets Actually Differ

At first glance, a net is a net. But when you look closer, pickleball and tennis nets are built for very different games. Here are some of the differences. 

Height at the Center

Pickleball nets stand 34 inches tall at the center, while tennis nets measure 36 inches (per USA Pickleball). That 2-inch gap might sound minor, but it shapes everything from dink angles to third-shot drops. The lower center in pickleball encourages soft, controlled play at the kitchen line rather than baseline power rallies.

Height at the Posts

The difference is even bigger at the sidelines. Pickleball nets rise to 36 inches at the posts, while tennis nets reach 42 inches, a full 6 inches higher. This matters when you hit down the line or attempt around-the-post shots, both common plays in competitive pickleball.

Width

Pickleball nets span 22 feet, just wide enough to extend about a foot past each sideline of the 20-foot court. Tennis nets stretch 42 feet for doubles and 33 feet for singles. The narrower pickleball net leaves room for those highlight-reel ATPs that would be impossible on a wider setup.

Mesh Size

Pickleballs are smaller and have holes, so pickleball nets use a finer mesh to prevent the ball from slipping through on a soft shot. Tennis nets have slightly larger openings since the felt-covered ball is bigger and heavier.

Top Cable

Tennis nets have a thick metal cable running through the tape to handle powerful serves and groundstrokes that can exceed 100 mph. Pickleball nets use a lighter cord since the game generates less force on impact.

Portability

Many pickleball nets are designed to travel. They feature lightweight frames, quick assembly, and carrying cases for players who set up in driveways, parks, or gym floors. Tennis nets are typically permanent fixtures with heavy posts anchored into the court surface.

But Why Is the Pickleball Net Lower?

It all comes down to how the balls bounce. Tennis balls are pressurized rubber-covered in felt. Drop one from 78 inches, and it bounces back to around 46 inches. Pickleballs are hollow plastic with holes. From the same height, they only bounce back to about 30-34 inches.

A lower net makes sense for a ball that does not bounce as high. It also encourages the soft, controlled exchanges at the kitchen line that define pickleball strategy. A higher net would make dinking nearly impossible and turn every point into a power battle.

How Net Height Changes Your Strategy

Here is something both sports have in common: the center of the net is the lowest point. Smart players in both pickleball and tennis aim crosscourt over the middle for the highest percentage shots.

In pickleball, that lower center height (34 inches) opens up more aggressive angles for dinks and drops. You can keep the ball low and still clear the net, putting pressure on your opponent without taking big risks. In tennis, the higher net demands more topspin and power to create those same angles.

So, Can You Just Use a Tennis Net for Pickleball?

For a casual game with friends? Sure. The 2-inch difference at the center will not ruin your afternoon. Many players start this way, especially when tennis courts are more available than dedicated pickleball facilities.

But there are tradeoffs to know about:

• Shots at the sidelines feel different. The 6-inch height difference at the posts is noticeable when you try to hit down the line.
• Let balls behave strangely. Tennis nets have a thicker cable running through the tape. Balls that clip the top may not roll over the way they would on a pickleball net.
• No around-the-post shots. The wider tennis net blocks those highlight-reel ATPs.
• Muscle memory issues. Practice regularly on a tennis net, and you might develop a habit of hitting higher than necessary. That becomes a disadvantage in a regulatory court.

For league play or tournaments, you will need a proper pickleball net. Some players use straps or weights to pull tennis nets down to 34 inches at the center, which works as a temporary fix.

The Right Paddle for Any Net

Whether you are playing on a dedicated pickleball court or adapting a tennis setup, your paddle choice matters. The lower pickleball net rewards precision and touch, especially during soft exchanges at the kitchen line.

At Helios, we design paddles with that precision in mind. Our Helios paddle gives you the control you need for low, accurate dinks that barely clear the tape. Looking for more power on drives and third shots? The Apollo delivers without sacrificing touch. Just getting started? The Helios Beginner Paddle Set has everything you need to hit the court.

The Bottom Line

Pickleball nets and tennis nets look similar from a distance, but the differences matter. The lower pickleball net (34 inches at center vs 36 inches for tennis) accommodates the sport's unique ball and encourages the soft, strategic game that makes pickleball so addictive.

You can absolutely use a tennis net in a pinch. For serious practice and competition, though, playing on the right net height will help your game develop properly. Now get out there and play.

If you are looking for such trivial information about pickleball, check Helios' YouTube channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much shorter is a pickleball net than a tennis net?

Two inches shorter at the center (34 vs 36 inches) and six inches shorter at the posts (36 vs 42 inches).

Q: Why does the net dip in the middle?

Physics. Stretching any net completely taut across its full width is nearly impossible. Both sports use that natural dip strategically, making crosscourt shots over the center the highest-percentage play.

Q: Can I convert a tennis court for pickleball?

Yes. Many facilities do this. You can lower the tennis net with straps, use a portable pickleball net, or simply play with the tennis net as-is for casual games. Just mark the smaller court boundaries with tape or chalk.

Q: What is the official width of a pickleball net?

Twenty-two feet, which extends about one foot past each sideline of the 20-foot-wide court. The extra width allows for around-the-post shots during competitive play.

Q: Does net height really matter if I'm just starting out?

For casual play, not much. But if you plan to join leagues or tournaments, practicing at the correct height helps you develop accurate muscle memory. Shots that clear a tennis net by inches might hit the tape on a regulation pickleball net.