If you don’t already know, pickleball is a fun and unique sport played by thousands around the world. You need standard equipment such as a paddle and the ball itself, but something that’s often forgotten about is the tape. Pickleball tape is used to help established guidelines on the court. In order to save you money, we’ve come up with in-depth reviews of the five best pickleball tape options out there. These will stay in place, can be used indoors or outdoors, and can even add a splash of color to the court. Let’s see what made the cut.
Table of Contents
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…
1. Champion Sports Floor Marking Vinyl Tape
- DESIGNED CHAMPION STRONG: Quickly and easily define any space with this Floor Marking Vinyl Tape from Champion Sports! With 60 yards of 1-inch wide tape, you will be able to define classrooms or gym courts with straight lines and curves
- THE TOUGHEST TAPE: Our extra-durable gym tape is designed to adhere to any floors or hard surfaces and remain in place It will hold up to high foot traffic or equipment, so you can depend on this floor tape to keep your areas spaced and marked
- KEEP YOUR FLOORS CLEAN: Never worry about ruining your floors with this high-quality flooring tape! This heavy-duty tape is designed to never scuff the floor or leave residue behind so that you can peel it away and leave your floors clean
- PERFECT COLORED TAPE: This flagging tape comes in a variety of colors and sizes so that you can select the perfect tapes whether you’re making a dance floor or sports court Colors include white, black, blue, green, orange, purple, red, and yellow
- IDEAL FOR ANYWHERE: This super-strong tape is perfect for marking floors, guidelines, or social distance requirements anywhere! It can be used in schools, gyms, homes, restaurants, businesses, rec centers, and more for all your spacing needs
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Available in eight different colors, Champion Sports floor marking vinyl tape is one of the best pickleball tape options available. You can choose from blue, purple, or pink. There are also Bright and reflective colors such as white and yellow. Champion Sports offers this tape in five different sizes as well, perfect for any court size or location.
As you can tell by the name, this pickleball tape is made out of high-quality vinyl. It won’t wear down quickly or tear if a player steps on it. It can be applied to any hard smooth surface, inside out outside. Even though this tape can handle a lot of foot traffic, you won’t have to worry about it being hard to remove.
It comes off with ease and won’t end up scuffing the floors. This is perfect if the court is used for different seasonal games. It can be applied in straight lines for pickleball or curved lines other court-based sports. If needed, you can even apply this product to the walls to create a makeshift scoreboard.
One of the best things about the Champion Sports floor marking vinyl tape is that it doesn’t leave a residue. Unlike blue painters tape, this stuff stays in place until you’re ready to remove it. Whether you want to add it to an outdoor tennis court or a school gym floor, it’s a solid choice.
What We Like:
- Several color options
- Available in different sizes
- Easy to apply
- Can be used to create curves
- No residue upon removal
- Can handle a lot of foot traffic
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t stick long on uneven or rough surfaces
2. School Specialty Vinyl Gym Tape School Pack
- DESIGNED CHAMPION STRONG: Quickly and easily define any space with this Floor Marking Vinyl Tape from Champion Sports! With 60 yards of 2-inch wide tape, you will be able to define classrooms or gym courts with straight lines and curves
- THE TOUGHEST TAPE: Our extra-durable gym tape is designed to adhere to any floors or hard surfaces and remain in place It will hold up to high foot traffic or equipment, so you can depend on this floor tape to keep your areas spaced and marked
- KEEP YOUR FLOORS CLEAN: Never worry about ruining your floors with this high-quality flooring tape! This heavy-duty tape is designed to never scuff the floor or leave residue behind so that you can peel it away and leave your floors clean
- PERFECT COLORED TAPE: This flagging tape comes in a variety of colors and sizes so that you can select the perfect tapes whether you’re making a dance floor or sports court Colors include white, black, blue, green, orange, purple, red, and yellow
- IDEAL FOR ANYWHERE: This super-strong tape is perfect for marking floors, guidelines, or social distance requirements anywhere! It can be used in schools, gyms, homes, restaurants, businesses, rec centers, and more for all your spacing needs
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This pickleball tape is designed for inside or practice courts. It’s best used on laminate or smooth flooring. You’ll have the option of choosing from yellow, green, blue, red, purple, and orange whenever you’re ready to set up the court.
It’s designed with a moderate amount of tack. This makes it stick well, yet is easily removable when needed. This is one of the best pickleball tape options due to the heavy-gauged vinyl it’s made out of.
Even with equipment placed over it or a lot of foot traffic, this tape will remain in place, without wearing out. Since you get all six colors when you buy this set, you can have more fun with it. One side of the court can be yellow, while the other is orange. If you have kids playing pickleball, this can be a way to jazz up the court a bit.
Like the other tape option, this pack won’t leave any residue on the floor. The tape itself is 60 yards long and an inch wide. While it’s great for pickleball courts, it can be used in the classroom, on the wall, and more.
What We Like:
- It stretches when pulled
- Comes with six color options
- Easy to apply and remove
- No residue leftover
What We Don’t Like:
- Adhesive could be stronger
- Could be longer-lasting
3. iFloortape White Reflective Foil Pavement Marking Tape
- INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS – It is critically important that you apply a TEST PIECE to the target area to determine if the surface is suitable for application prior to installation. Apply to thoroughly clean and dry surface at a temperature above 50°F (10°C) by hand and firmly tamp with a rubber mallet or similar tool to ensure complete adhesion. Refer to the Installation Instructions in the products images for a detailed application guide.
- SUPERIOR ADHESIVE – When properly applied to a temperate clean and dry surface this high tack adhesive tape maintains a secure bond to asphalt, pavement, concrete and most other smooth surfaces rain or shine. Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil material provides long lasting results.
- GLASS BEAD REFLECTIVE SURFACE - Designed to provide improved visibility for low light and nighttime conditions. Foil marking tape reflects light and becomes highly visible when exposed to car headlights or similar illumination. A great reflector on non-traditional items that require additional visibility at night, such as, fire hydrants, fences, posts, and mailboxes.
- HOME OR SHOP – Excellent for a wide variety of projects. Ideal for marking basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts. Also used to mark parking spaces, driveways, shipping lanes, Dashed Lines, L Shapes, T Shapes, or anywhere traffic markings are required. Often used in industrial or commercial applications to designate specific areas for safety and zoning.
- MADE IN THE USA and distributed by ifloortape, a family owned, and operated company located in Keizer, Oregon. We manufacture and distribute a variety of products in custom shapes, colors, and materials.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The iFloortape is one of the best pickleball tape options available. It comes in both yellow and white and each color is bright and reflective. It is heavy-duty and designed to be used on concrete, tennis courts, or other rough surfaces. Because of that, it has incredible adhesive. You won’t have to worry about foot traffic, dust, or even rain loosening this pickleball tape.
The reflective surface is beaded and helps to make out the lines in rain, fog, or other poor visual conditions. This tape is also better for the environment than other options for multiple reasons. For starters, it doesn’t come with a paper liner that you need to discard. Because it is durable and long-lasting, you won’t go through it as quickly as other tapes.
There is no time wasted when it comes to drying or curing. You also won’t experience any toxic or chemical smells from this tape. It’s perfect to create nice, straight lines on the court that are easy to see no matter what. If you live somewhere that experiences different seasons, this pickleball court tape is a must-buy!
What We Like:
- It’s reflective
- Easy to apply
- It’s eco-friendly
- Can be used on rough surfaces
- Durable and long-lasting
- Available in two colors
What We Don’t Like:
- Not great at forming curves
- Concrete must be dry before application
4. Coast Athletic 2″ Gym Floor Tape
- Each roll contains 108 Feet of tape
- 1 inch tape width
- Removes from floor without leaving any mark
- Great for marking court boundaries
- Bright colors are easy to spot
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With the Coast Athletic floor tape, you’ll get to choose between black, orange, or yellow. Each roll is two inches wide and has 108 feet of tape. The tape itself is designed with a PVC base. This base makes it incredibly easy to apply to wood, vinyl, or other smooth surfaces. It’s important to note that surfaces must be cleaned before application.
The material it’s made out of prevents wear and tear, no matter how much use the floor gets. It’s designed with an extremely strong adhesive that prevents the tape from moving around or peeling. It’s also very flexible. This makes it a breeze to use this tape to create curves without it creasing. You can follow lines that are on indoor courts or make your own with this Coast Athletic tape.
Just like some of the other best pickleball tape options, this two-inch tape is as easy to remove as it is to apply. There isn’t any leftover residue that you’ll need to clean up either. Overall, if you’re playing pickleball on a smooth surface, this is a great choice of tape! We suggest opting for the yellow or orange, as they’re easier colors to see!
What We Like:
- It’s easy to apply
- Can be used to make curves
- Doesn’t crease
- Heavy-duty adhesive
- Leaves no residue
What We Don’t Like:
- Small color selection
- Difficult to cut
5. ProTapes Pro 50 Premium Vinyl Safety Marking and Dance Floor Splicing Tape
- Pro 50 is a premium vinyl tape designed for safety marking and dance floor splicing
- Highly conformable to all surfaces
- Abrasion resistant
- Satisfies all O.S.H.A. marking requirements
- Short term, high temperature resistance
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lastly, the ProTapes Pro vinyl tape is amazing for pickleball courts. It’s available in three different sizes and 11 different colors. It is not only abrasion resistant, but it passes all of O.S.H.A’s marking requirements! This tape is designed for short-term uses and is even resistant to high temperatures.
Whether you want to create straight lines or curved lines, the PropTapes vinyl tape is conformable and won’t crease. While it’s not completely waterproof, it is resistant to moisture and solvents. This is perfect for an environment where people will be sweating and using water bottles often!
There is a natural rubber resin built-in that helps to enforce the durability of the vinyl film. Each roll is two inches wide, 36 yards long and just six millimeters thick. There are natural colors such as white, clear, grey, and black to choose from. You can also pick a fun color like purple, green, yellow, or red.
What We Like:
- Available in large quantities
- Several color options
- Multiple sizes
- Can be used to make curves
- Easy to apply and remove
- S.H.A approved
What We Don’t Like:
- Clear tape leaves a residue
- May fade when placed in direct sunlight
Buyer’s Guide
While you may already know how to choose the best paddle or grips for pickleball, we want to help you find the best pickleball tape for your next game. Below is an extensive buyer’s guide to help you choose between one tape and another. Not every court is the same, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re spending your hard-earned money on a tape that will work great!
The Surface of the Court
The number one thing that you want to keep in mind is the surface that you’ll be working with. Not all pickleball tape can be used on all types of surfaces. For example, some are meant for indoor use only. On top of that, there are products that get even more specific. One you can use on wood floors, but not vinyl tile.
This is is something to pay attention to when shopping around for pickleball tape. If you play outdoors, you’ll want something that is designed to be used on concrete or rough surfaces. This way you won’t have any tape that is coming up when it’s supposed to stay in place.
Color
The color is another thing you may want to consider when shopping around. While it’s not the end of the world if you get a dark color, brighter colors may be preferred. This can also change, depending on your court. Many indoor courts use black tape, whereas outdoor courts use lighter colors.
Brighter colors are easier to see and can be fun for kids. Darker colors make it easier to distinguish where the lines are and may look clean and professional. It’s more of a preference than an actual guide to follow. You can purchase a pack to see what works best for you!
Application
Application is another thing that needs to be considered. No one wants to get stressed or waste time applying pickleball tape. If you don’t get the right kind for the surface that you’re working with, this could happen. Look for something that is easy to apply and to remove. We gave you an option that doesn’t have a paper lining when applied, making cleanup much easier.
Residue
A popular theme in this article is products that don’t leave a residue. Whether you’re playing outside on your driveway or indoors on a high-quality gym floor, the last thing you want is pickleball tape leaving a residue. Residues not only are time-consuming to clean up, but they can also ruin surfaces and flooring.
You’d have to spend extra money on removing the residue and hope you don’t ruin the floor in the process. It’s best to opt for a pickleball tape that doesn’t leave a residue at all. This will also make the applying and removal process that much easier!
Size
You also want to look out for the size of the tape. While one roll might be one-inch wide, another might be three. Because pickleball courts use a lot of tape, you want to look out for the length of tape in a roll. Try to find one that can be divided by 200.
For example, if you find a roll that has 100 feet of tape, you’ll only need two to make an entire court. If you find tape that comes with 50 feet per roll, you will need to purchase four to make a pickleball court.
Curvature
The last thing to look out for is whether or not the tape curves easily. You won’t necessarily need tape that does, but if you plan on using it for things other than pickleball, it may be helpful to find a type that allows for easy curves.
Best Pickleball Tape Brands
Champion Sports
The company Champion Sports is likely one of the most popular sporting goods companies in the United States. It was created in 1961 in the Bronx. Champion Sports creates and sells over 2,000 different products to sports lovers everywhere.
School Specialty
School Specialty is best known for being the head of several brands. The company was established in 1959 in Greenville, Wisconsin. Not only does the company make pickleball tape, but School Specialty is also known for making high-quality gym supplies for schools and furniture!
Coast Athletics
Coast Athletics is an indoor training facility in North Carolina. This company produces products, in addition to providing a space for athletes to practice. Coast Athletics is best known for the softball and baseball gear that they have to offer.
Pro Tapes & Specialties
As you can tell by the company name, Pro Tapes makes a variety of different tape. Whether you’re looking for duct tape, painters tape, or tape for your pickleball court, they design it! They’ve been around for over 40 years and become established in New York City.
FAQ
Q: How much tape do you need for a pickleball court?
A: On average, you’ll need about 200 feet of tape per court. Most rolls come with about 180 feet in a roll. To be safe, it’s best to get two or three rolls at a time to be sure that you have enough.
Q: How do you line a temporary pickleball court?
A: It’s surprisingly easy. You can watch someone do it by clicking below!
Q: Can pickleball only be played outdoors?
A: No! Pickleball is a sport that can be played inside or outside. The surface doesn’t make too much of a difference either.
Q: Why is it called pickleball?
A: One of the creators of the sport, Barney McCallum, named it after a dog. He noticed the dog would run with the ball a lot. The dog happened to be named Pickles. Combine the two and voila, you have Pickleball.
Q: What is the average age of a pickleball player?
A: The majority of people, roughly 75%, are 55 years of age or older.
Q: Is pickleball a good workout?
A: Yes, it’s an amazing workout. Just like tennis or badminton, you’re working your core and moving your body almost the entire time. You can easily burn hundreds of calories per hour of pickleball. Certain factors will play into this like your metabolism or current weight.
Final Thoughts
When you use one of the five best pickleball tape options above, you’ll be rest assured knowing that your court will be ready for several games. You won’t have to worry about the tape coming up with a ton of foot traffic. One of the best things is the lack of residue that’s leftover. If you’re playing inside, gym floors are expensive, the last thing you want to do is have tape ruin it. You won’t have to worry about that with these five options.
You can pick a bright color to make it easier to see as well. If you’re playing outdoors, we suggest getting tape that’s reflective so that you can see the lines clearly, despite the weather. Remember to keep in mind the surface that you’re playing on and how much tape you’ll need to make an entire court. Watch a tutorial video to help make a court without fail! Good luck and we hope you win!
