How Tape Jungle Tapes are Helping Pickleball Leagues

In 1965, three fathers from Washington state were looking for a new summer activity. They put together a badminton net, table tennis paddles, and a wiffle ball to create pickleball.

Today, over 36.5 million people play pickleball. While it was originally an over-50 activity, a growing number of adults from ages 19 to 25 are getting into the sport.

So much attention is increasing the demand for courts, but the number of permanent courts available doesn't come close to meeting the needs of players. It can be tough for pop-up leagues to find somewhere to play, so they need to be flexible and creative in finding solutions. One option is building courts in available areas using nonpermanent options like tape to mark off court boundaries and lines.

Tape Jungle can help you create an ideal play area that can be temporary or permanent. Our tape gives you the chance to play this fun game almost anywhere, anytime - even at night.

The Rise of Pickleball Leagues and Pop-Up Courts

Pickleball participation increased 223.5% from 2021 to 2024 and is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. With millions of people playing pickleball, it is getting tougher to find enough courts to accommodate the growth. Communities across the country are struggling with this issue. Many areas simply do not have extra space to build new courts. Plus, the expense of doing so may be out of the budget.

But pickleball players are resourceful. They understand court options are everywhere as long as they are willing to put a little work into setting them up.

Empty areas, such as mall storefronts, old basketball courts or hockey rinks, and unused blacktop areas are all great places for a court. Many people also make use of tennis courts, which can accommodate four pickleball courts each.

Nonpermanent courts are a great way to make use of existing areas that aren't constantly in use. It's easy to put up a temporary court by using tape to outline the baselines. The tape is easy to remove and leaves no trace behind.

Finding new places to put a court can help expand the game within a community. It also fosters a sense of togetherness when everyone works to bring this sport to their neighborhood.

Benefits of Using Tape Jungle's Floor Marking Tapes for Pickleball Courts

When creating a temporary court, you have to choose your tape wisely. Tape Jungle offers floor marking tapes that are perfect for this type of use. There are a few benefits of using floor marking tape to create a court:

• Easy application and removal: This tape is easy to lay out. It will only take moments to get it in place. It also removes nicely and won't leave residue on the surface or damage it.
• Versatility: Many tapes from Tape Jungle can adhere to various surfaces, from gym floors to concrete.
• Durability: These tapes are strong and resistant to foot traffic and outside elements.

Tape Jungle has quite a few types of tape that will work for a pickleball court:

• Colored vinyl tape: A polyvinyl chloride option, resistant to moisture and the sun. It comes in high-visibility colors.
• Reflective tape: A prismatic, retroreflective tape. This tape reflects light, so it's great for low-light conditions.
• Gaffer tape: Also comes in fluorescent options. It has high visibility, removes cleanly, applies without twisting, resists moisture, and is hand-tearable.
• Duct tape: Available in various colors. This tape is hand-tearable, waterproof, and durable.

This is just a sampling of the many types of tapes at Tape Jungle that are ideal pickleball tape options. A quick search for floor marking tape on the website will bring up a wide selection.

Glow-in-the-Dark Tape for Nighttime Pickleball Games

Tape Jungle also has glow-in-the-dark tape, which can expand your pickleball options. As long as you put the tape in place during the day when it can absorb light from the sun, you can play long after sundown and still see the court. The photoluminescent pigments absorb energy and store it. These pigments then glow in when it gets dark. They have a durable adhesive and are weather-resistant.

The glow-in-the-dark tape from Tape Jungle fully charges in 30 minutes. It will then glow for 6 to 24 hours, depending on the product. This tape is also easy to use. It has an acrylic adhesive and a pull-off backing, which makes it simple to apply. It may be a bit thicker than other tape options, so it is better suited for the baselines and sidelines where it won't trip up players.

Using glow-in-the-dark tape offers many benefits beyond extending your playtime on the court. It increases visibility and is a fun way to take the game to a new level. Everyone who grew up in the '80s or '90s will have a little nostalgic thrill. You may find you end up attracting more players because who doesn't want to play pickleball on a glowing court?

Image credit Superlative Events

Tips for Setting Up Pickleball Courts with Tape Jungle Products

Tape is the ideal solution when setting up makeshift pickleball courts, whether you plan to put it in place permanently or temporarily. However, you need to ensure you choose the right tape and lay out the court correctly.

You want to choose the right area to begin. You'll need a hard surface that will allow the ball to bounce. It also needs to be flat. Before laying your lines, make sure to keep the sun in mind. You don't want the sun blinding some of the players in the middle of a game.

Follow these steps to set up the court.

Step 1: Measure and mark court dimensions

Before you get the tape out, make sure you know where you will lay it. A pickleball court is the same size as a double badminton court: 20 feet by 44 feet. An outline of this size will form the baselines and the sidelines.

You will then place a net horizontally in the very middle of the area. On each side of the court, you need a non-volley zone or kitchen that runs parallel to the net. A horizontal line will be placed 7 feet out to mark this zone. You then need to add a center line that runs vertically from the middle of the kitchen line to the baseline.

Step 2: Choose the appropriate tape types

Tape Jungle has a wide array of tape choices that will suit a variety of needs. It helps to think about the weather conditions, the length of time you need to keep the court in place, and the overall use of the court. Matching the tape properties to your environment and situation will give you the best results.

Consider your needs first to decide which tape will work the best. For example, if you are creating a temporary court and must remove the tape after your game, go with a gaffer tape that will remove cleanly but stay firmly in place while you play. For something more permanent, go with durable and strong duct tape that will stay put for a long time without showing wear.

Keep in mind that some tapes will do better outside than others. For example, colored vinyl tape is resistant to the harsh rays of the sun, so it won't dry out and flake away. It also stands up to moisture and will stick around even through a rainy period.

Visibility is another factor to think about. If you know you will be playing in low-light conditions, consider reflective tape, which will catch any light and allow players to see the lines on the court.

Step 3: Apply tape

When you have your tape ready and the area marked off, you can start laying the lines. For the best results, start with a clean surface. Any debris or moisture on the court surface can impact the tape's adhesive ability. So give the court a good sweep before you begin.

Make sure you lay the tape smoothly and press it firmly for the best adhesion. Roll out the tape slowly to avoid issues with bubbles or ripples. A tape dispenser can help make the process easier for some tapes. This will allow for precise application and help prevent any issues.

A few considerations when making a court

As you plan out your court, you want to keep a few things in mind so that the finished product is the best it can be:

• Choose a tape that is compatible with the weather in your area. Tape that suits the environment will stay in place better after application.
• Avoid slippery tapes. You don't want to create a safety hazard. Using tape specifically made for floor use is a good idea.
• Understand removal properties. This is especially important if you are building a temporary court. You want to avoid a tape that will leave behind residue or be difficult to remove completely.
• Be careful with color choice. Color will impact visibility. Using a color of tape that is too close to the color of the court's surface will make gameplay difficult. Classic white or bright colors that stand out and are highly visible regardless of environmental conditions are your best bet.
• Make sure the tape won't hinder ball bounce. Some tapes will create too much friction and prevent the ball from moving freely or bouncing, so avoid these. The tape also has to lay flat on the court so it is unobtrusive. Certain tapes may be easier to lay flat than others. It may take some trial and error to find what works best in your situation.
• Choose the correct tape width. Court lines should be 2 inches thick, so a 2-inch tape will make it easier to build your court. Otherwise, you may have to go over lines with additional tape to get a width of two inches.

Maintenance To-Dos

Setting up a pickleball court can be time-consuming. If you plan to use the court repeatedly, you want it to last. For permanent installations, you can take a few steps to keep it in the best condition:

• Clean the court as needed. Make sure that you aren't letting wet leaves or debris on outdoor courts sit on the tape lines. This will add moisture that can damage the tape.
• Conduct spot fixes as needed. Watch for areas that curl up or become loose. Replace that part of the tape to prevent the damage from spreading.
• Restrict traffic. Use the court only for play. If you can, restrict people from walking on the court lines outside of game time. This will help preserve the tape and reduce wear and tear.
• Wipe down the tape as needed. This is important for glow-in-the-dark and high-visibility tape. You must keep it clean so that it can work properly. If you notice dirt accumulating on the tape's surface, clean it with mild soap and water.

Crafting a Pickleball Court With Tape Jungle Products

Using tape to create a pickleball court is a creative way to temporarily or permanently mark off court lines. Tape is easy to use and a neater alternative to paint or chalk.

Pickleball enthusiasts and league organizers can use tape as their secret weapon. It's great to have on hand so that you can easily set up a court wherever and whenever you need. Plus, it's affordable and suits the budget of any group.

Tape Jungle has a wide range of over 300 different types of tapes. Many of them are well-suited to pickleball needs. Check out the different types of floor tape to get an idea of what might work for you.

If you're not sure where to begin, contact Tape Jungle's helpful and knowledgeable team. They can help you figure out what tape would work best for your pickleball court needs.