Dimensions of a pickleball court: What you need to know before playing

Thinking about starting a pickleball game? You’ll need to know the court size first. A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. This includes the playing area and lines.

Want to build your own court? You’ll need more space. The recommended minimum area is 30 feet by 60 feet. This extra room gives players space to move around safely.

Pickleball courts have special areas too. There’s a non-volley zone near the net, service areas, and sidelines. Knowing these spots helps you play better.

Ready to learn more about pickleball court layout? Let’s dive into the details!

Official Court Dimensions

Pickleball courts have specific measurements set by official rules. These dimensions ensure fair play and consistency across different venues. Let’s look at the key measurements you need to know.

Overall Court Size

A regulation pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. This size applies to both singles and doubles games.

The total area of the court is 880 square feet.

You can set up courts indoors or outdoors on any flat, smooth surface. To build a court, you’ll need at least 30 feet by 60 feet of space. This extra room gives players space to move around safely.

Net Height and Width

The net is a crucial part of the court setup. Here are the key measurements:

• Net height at the posts: 36 inches
• Net height at the center: 34 inches
• Net width: Spans the entire 20-foot width of the court

Make sure the net is taut when you set it up. A saggy net can affect gameplay.

Service Areas

The service areas are where you start each point. They’re divided into right and left sections on each side of the court.

Key features of service areas:

• Located behind the non-volley zone (kitchen)
• Extend from the sidelines to the centerline
• Depth: 15 feet from the baseline

When serving, you must stay behind the baseline and within the imaginary extension of the centerline and sideline.

Remember, the non-volley zone extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. This area, often called “the kitchen,” is where you can’t hit volleys.

Court Lines and Markings

Pickleball court lines and markings are essential for gameplay. They define the boundaries and key areas where specific rules apply. You’ll need to know these markings to play correctly and avoid faults.

Baselines

The baselines are the lines at each end of the court. They’re 20 feet wide and mark the back boundary of the playing area. When serving, you must stand behind the baseline.

The baseline is important for determining if a ball is in or out. Any ball that lands on or inside the baseline is considered in play.

Baselines also help you position yourself during rallies. Standing too far behind the baseline can put you at a disadvantage, giving your opponent more court to work with.

Sidelines

Sidelines run along the length of the court on both sides. They’re 44 feet long and mark the side boundaries of the playing area.

Like the baselines, any ball that lands on or inside the sideline is in play. Sidelines help you judge whether shots are in or out during fast-paced rallies.

You’ll often find yourself moving along the sidelines to cover shots. It’s important to stay aware of where the sidelines are to avoid stepping out of bounds while playing.

Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen”, is a 7-foot area on each side of the net extending the full width of the court.

Key rules for the non-volley zone:

• You can’t volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in this zone
• You can’t step into the zone to volley, even if your momentum carries you in
• You can enter the zone to hit a bounced ball

The non-volley zone line is part of the zone. If you touch this line while volleying, it’s a fault. This area creates strategy in pickleball, forcing players to be mindful of their positioning near the net.

Court Surface and Materials

Picking the right court surface and materials is key for a good pickleball game. Your choice affects ball bounce, player comfort, and long-term maintenance.

Surface Selection

You’ve got several options for your pickleball court surface. The most common choices are asphalt, concrete, carpet, or sports court tiles. Each has its pros and cons.

Concrete is durable and low-maintenance. It’s great for outdoor courts but can be hard on your joints.

Asphalt is cheaper than concrete and easier on your body. But it needs more upkeep over time.

Sports court tiles are comfy to play on and drain well. They’re pricier upfront but last a long time.

Carpet is soft and easy on your legs. It’s best for indoor courts but can wear out faster than other options.

Paint and Color

Once you’ve picked your surface, it’s time to think about paint and color. The right choices make your court look great and easy to play on.

Use acrylic paint made for sports courts. It’s tough and won’t fade quickly in the sun.

Pick colors that stand out from each other. Blue and green are popular for the main court. Use white or yellow for the lines.

Make sure the colors don’t blend in with the ball. Avoid using orange, as it’s the same color as many pickleball balls.

Consider how the colors will look in different lights. What seems clear in the day might be hard to see at night under lights.

Surrounding Area

A pickleball court needs extra space around it for safe play. This area lets players move freely and helps prevent accidents. It’s also important for setting up fences and nets to contain the game.

Free Space Around Court

You’ll want to leave plenty of room around your pickleball court. The recommended area is 34 feet by 64 feet. This gives you extra space beyond the 20 by 44 foot court itself.

Why so much room? It’s for safety and comfort. You need space to run and move without worrying about hitting anything.

A good rule is to have at least 10 feet of clear space on all sides. This extra room helps you avoid injuries and makes the game more fun.

Remember, more space is always better if you have it. It gives you room for seating, storage, or even a small warm-up area.

Fencing and Netting

Fencing and netting are key for your pickleball court. They keep the balls in play and add to the court’s look.

For fencing, chain-link is common. It’s sturdy and lets spectators see through. Aim for a fence height of about 10 feet.

Netting is crucial too. It goes at the ends of the court to catch stray balls. You can use either permanent or portable nets.

Make sure your fencing doesn’t crowd the court. Leave that 10-foot buffer we talked about earlier. This keeps players safe if they run past the lines.

Good fencing and netting make your games smoother. They cut down on time spent chasing balls and help you focus on playing.

Court Maintenance

Keeping your pickleball court in top shape is key for a great game. Regular upkeep helps prevent injuries and extends the court’s life.

Sweeping

Sweep the court often to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. This keeps the surface clean and safe for play. Use a soft-bristled broom or leaf blower for best results.

Net Tension

Check the net tension weekly. A saggy net can ruin your game. Adjust it as needed to maintain the correct height of 34 inches at the center.

Line Inspection

Inspect the lines regularly. If they’re fading, repaint them to ensure clear boundaries. Use court-approved paint for the best results.

Crack Repair

Fill any cracks promptly to prevent them from growing. Small cracks can be fixed with a patch kit, but larger ones may need professional repair.

Pressure Washing

Pressure wash the court surface yearly to remove built-up grime. This keeps the court looking fresh and prevents slipping.

Winter Care

In winter, remove snow and ice carefully to avoid damaging the surface. Don’t use metal shovels or harsh chemicals.

Greenery Maintenance

Trim nearby trees and bushes to keep leaves and branches off the court. This reduces debris and shading that can lead to mold growth.

Customization and Personalization

You can add personal touches to your pickleball court. This lets you show off your style and make the space truly yours. Let’s look at some fun ways to customize your court.

Logos and Decals

Want to make your court stand out? Try adding logos or decals. You can put your family name, a cool design, or even your favorite team’s symbol on the court. Many companies offer custom decals made just for pickleball courts.

These decorations are easy to apply and remove. You won’t damage the court surface. Popular spots for logos include the non-volley zone (also called the kitchen) or near the baselines.

Remember to check local rules before adding anything to public courts. For your home court, you have more freedom. Just make sure the decals don’t interfere with gameplay or make lines hard to see.

You can also use temporary chalk or tape for special events. This lets you change up the look for tournaments or parties without making permanent changes.

Pickleball Court Accessories

Pickleball courts need more than just lines and nets. The right accessories make games more enjoyable and keep players comfortable. Let’s look at two key items you’ll want for your court.

Benches and Seating

You’ll need a place to rest between games. Benches or chairs are must-haves for any pickleball court. Choose sturdy, weather-resistant options that can handle outdoor use.

Aluminum benches work well and don’t rust. Meanwhile, plastic seats are light and easy to move. Wood looks nice but needs more care.

Put seating on both sides of the court. This lets players switch ends easily. Make sure there’s enough room for bags and water bottles too.

Don’t forget about shade. An umbrella or canopy over the seats keeps everyone cool on hot days.

Scoreboards

Keeping track of points is easier with a good scoreboard. You have a few choices here:

• Flip scoreboards: Simple and cheap. Just flip the numbers by hand.
• Electronic scoreboards: Pricier but flashy. Some even have remote controls.
• Portable scoreboards: Great for tournaments or moving between courts.

Pick a scoreboard that’s big enough to see from across the court. Bright colors help too.

Some scoreboards show both the score and which team is serving. This is super helpful during games.

Remember to get a cover for outdoor scoreboards. This protects them from rain and sun when not in use.

Lighting and Night Play

Want to play pickleball after dark? You’ll need good lighting.

For recreational games, aim for at least 30-foot candles of brightness. If you’re playing competitively, bump that up to 50-foot candles.

Proper lighting helps you see the ball clearly and move safely around the court. It’s not just about brightness, though. You’ll want even light distribution too.

Most outdoor courts use pole-mounted lights. These are usually placed about 20 feet high. The goal is to light up the whole court without creating harsh shadows or glare.

When setting up lights, think about:

• Court size
• Number of courts
• Level of play (casual or competitive)
• Surrounding area

For home courts, you might use LED floodlights. They’re energy-efficient and long-lasting. Plus, they turn on instantly – no warm-up time needed.

Remember to check local rules before installing lights. Some neighborhoods have restrictions on outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution.

Court Setup and Breakdown

Setting up a pickleball court is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down for you.

First, you’ll need a flat surface that’s 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. This is the standard size for both singles and doubles play.

Next, mark the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen. It’s 7 feet from the net on both sides.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the court parts:

• Net: 36 inches high at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center
• Baseline: The back line of the court
• Sideline: The side boundaries of the court
• Centerline: Divides the service courts

Don’t forget the service areas! They’re on each side of the centerline, between the non-volley zone and the baseline.

You can use tape or paint to mark the lines. Make sure they’re visible but not slippery.

Remember, you can set up a pickleball court on various surfaces. Tennis courts, driveways, or even your backyard can work. Just make sure it’s flat and safe to play on.

With these basics, you’re ready to start playing! Grab your paddle and have fun on your new pickleball court.