Yes, I have played pickleball on grass multiple times. My street can be busy at times, so I took my favorite portable pickleball net and set it up in the front yard.
That said, here are 3 things that you need to know about playing on the grass.
And yes, some of these are common sense, but let me explain.
1. The ball does not bounce
The fact that the ball does not bounce is obvious and creates a unique environment playing on the grass.
First, you have to lob the ball and hit the ball in the air from one side of the court to the other. If you play on grass, considering these limitations, I would suggest making a much smaller court.
Also, it’s important to determine the height of the grass. Hopefully, this image helps, but you can see that the grass we played on in the back of this image is on a slope and is maybe 2-4 inches long.
2. Doubles vs Singles
It’s easier to play doubles pickleball on the grass if you are playing with the entire net. Because the ball does not bounce, protecting the whole court was much harder.
If you are playing singles pickleball on the grass, I suggest only playing with half the net.
3. It’s easier on the knees
I recently played pickleball with my father-in-law on the grass, and it felt much easier on the knees. I have found recently that I am experiencing more joint pain while playing on the court, so less joint pain by playing on the grass was a welcome reprieve.
Conclusion
Playing on the grass was fun, but I much prefer playing on the court.
I’d rather play pickleball on the grass than not play at all, so I will take the grass any day.