The Pros and Cons of Pickleball on Concrete

Pickleball is a great game for all ages and can be played on a variety of surfaces, but is concrete the best surface for the game?

Concrete is a very hard surface, and can be unforgiving if you fall or dive for a ball. It can also be very hot in the summer, making the game less enjoyable. On the other hand, on concrete the ball bounces very well and does not roll as much as on other surfaces, making the game faster paced and more exciting.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing pickleball on concrete so that you can make the best decision for your next game.

Can pickleball be played on concrete?

Yes, pickleball can be played on concrete. In fact, many people enjoy playing the game on this type of surface because it is level and smooth. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you head out to the concrete court.

The first thing to consider is the type of concrete you will be playing on. If the concrete is old and has cracks or unevenness, it could present a tripping hazard. In addition, the concrete may be too hard for your paddle and balls, which could damage your equipment. If you are unsure about the quality of the concrete, it is always best to err on the side of caution and find another playing surface.

Keep in mind that you should not play with indoor pickelballs on an outdoor court. The outdoor balls are designed to be softer and have a different bounce than indoor balls. If you use indoor balls on concrete, they will wear out quickly and may even break.

The second thing to think about is the weather. If it is very hot outside, the concrete can get extremely slippery and dangerous. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take breaks often to stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion.

Assuming the concrete is in good condition and the weather is cooperative, playing pickleball on concrete can be a fun and challenging experience. The smooth surface requires players to have good control of their strokes and the level surface means there are no surprises when the ball bounces.

What is the best surface to play pickleball on?

The best surface to play pickleball on is a smooth, level surface without cracks or unevenness. This could be concrete, asphalt, or a synthetic surface specifically designed for pickleball.

The important thing is to find a surface that is smooth and level so that the ball bounces predictably and there are no tripping hazards.

The Pros of Pickleball on Concrete:

1. Concrete is an extremely hard surface, which means that the ball will bounce pretty well when you play on it. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your level of expertise. If you’re a beginner, the consistent bounce can help you keep the ball in play and make progress in the game. However, if you’re more advanced, the predictable bounce might make the game less challenging and fun.
2. Concrete is also a very smooth surface, which some players prefer because it allows them to slide into position more easily. This can be helpful if you’re playing doubles and need to quickly get into position to return your partner’s shot. 
3. Concrete is typically found outdoors, which means that you’ll likely have more space to play on than if you were playing pickleball indoors. This can be great if you want to really open up your game and hit some long shots. 

The Cons of Pickleball on Concrete: 

1. As we mentioned before, concrete is a very hard surface. This means that it can be tough on your joints, especially your knees and elbows. If you have any preexisting joint issues, concrete might not be the best surface for you to play on. 
2. Concrete can also be very hot in the summertime, which means that you might end up with some nasty blisters if you’re not careful. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes and socks to protect your feet from the heat! 
3. Finally, concrete is often found outdoors where there are many obstacles like trees, benches, and you can find yourself playing pickleball in the rain or in a windy day. All of these factors can make playing pickleball on concrete a bit more challenging than playing on a synthetic surface.

What other pickleball surfaces are there?

In addition to concrete, other popular pickleball surfaces include: 

Clay

Clay courts are usually found indoors and can be made of either natural or synthetic materials. Clay is a softer surface than concrete, but you can get an injury easier on clay if you fall awkwardly. Clay is also slower than concrete, so the ball doesn’t bounce as high. This can make rallies last longer, which can be good or bad depending on your level of pickleball expertise.

However, it can also be more challenging to play on because the ball doesn’t bounce as consistently. 

Asphalt

Asphalt is a smooth, hard surface that is similar to concrete. However, it is typically darker in color, which can make it easier to see the ball. Asphalt is also a bit more forgiving on your joints than concrete. 

Polyurethane sports surfaces, with or without cushioning

These synthetic surfaces are designed specifically for pickleball and can be either hard or soft. They are usually brightly colored to make the ball easier to see and have a consistent, predictable bounce. 

Cushioning can be added to these surfaces to make them softer and more forgiving on your joints. However, the cushioning can also make the ball bounce differently,

Grass

Grass can be fun to play pickleball on because it is a soft surface that it’s less challenging than a hard surface like concrete. However, it can be more difficult to control the ball on grass, and the playing area is often smaller than on other surfaces. 

Which surface is best for you?

The best pickleball surface for you is the one that you enjoy playing on the most! If you’re just starting out, you might want to try a few different surfaces to see which one you like best. 

If you have any joint issues, you might want to avoid concrete and asphalt. Instead, try a softer surface like grass or one of the synthetic surfaces. 

And if you’re looking for a challenge, concrete might be the best surface for you. Just remember to wear proper shoes and socks to protect your feet from the heat!

Conclusion

So what’s the verdict? Is concrete a good surface for pickleball? The answer is that it depends! If you’re a beginner or are looking for a smooth surface to play on, concrete could be a good option for you.

However, if you’re more advanced or have joint issues, you might want to consider playing on another surface like grass or clay courts. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of surface will be most enjoyable for your next game of pickleball!