A recent post on Threads has sparked a heated discussion about court-sharing etiquette, as a netizen called out pickleball players for allegedly misusing tennis courts. The issue? Layers of masking and duct tape left behind, marking makeshift pickleball boundaries and leaving the tennis courts in a mess.
The post, shared by user kamsanimb, showed a tennis court covered in tape, presumably left by pickleball players. Frustrated by the state of the court, he urged “pickleball players” to be more considerate.
“Pickleball players, if you want to play on a tennis court, don’t stick masking or duct tape like this, can you? It’s messy and it ruins the court. Even better, go and play on actual pickleball courts. There aren’t even a lot of tennis courts. I play both sports, and I respect each one.”
This sparked a wider conversation about how different sports should coexist without causing inconvenience to one another. Some pointed out the fundamental differences in court design, noting that pickleball courts have different line measurements, while padel courts even include walls—highlighting the unsuitability of a standard tennis court for the game.
One commenter added, “It’s not that they can’t play there, but at least do it at the right place. Using a free space is one thing, but damaging the court is another.”
The discussion quickly gained traction, with others chiming in about similar experiences. One badminton player even expressed frustration, revealing that pickleball players had damaged badminton nets as well, “If you want to play a sport, invest in the proper facilities. It’s unfair to take over someone else’s space and leave it damaged.”
While it’s understandable that players want to make the most of available spaces, it’s essential to be mindful of others who rely on the same facilities. Tennis courts are designed for tennis, and altering them for another sport—especially in a way that leaves lasting damage—is unfair to those who use them for their intended purpose.
Instead of repurposing existing courts with makeshift tape lines, players should seek designated pickleball facilities or approach local authorities to discuss the possibility of more accessible spaces for the sport. Respecting shared spaces ensures that everyone gets to enjoy their game without causing inconvenience to others.
Let’s be considerate—find the right place to play and leave the courts in the condition you’d want to find them!
