The size of a pickleball court is the same as a double badminton court, and the dimensions remain the same for singles and doubles games. Let’s take a look in a little more detail.
Introduction To Pickleball
Pickleball is an exciting sport that is taking the world by storm. This paddle game can be played indoors and outdoors with equal zeal and interest. Like many other games, pickleball is a great way to get some exercise, have fun, and meet new people.
How To Play Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on pickleball court with a net 2 inches lower than a tennis net. It is played with a paddle and a wiffle ball. The paddle is similar to a ping pong paddle, and the whiffle ball is like a whiffle tennis ball.
Pickleball can be played with either two or four players. Two players compete against each other in singles, while four players split into teams of two and play doubles. Singles and doubles play are a lot of fun and offer distinct challenges.
Standard Pickleball Court Dimensions
Outdoor courts are usually made of asphalt or concrete, while indoor courts are often made of hardwood or sports court surfaces. The dimensions of a pickleball court are almost the same as a doubles badminton court.
The official pickleball court size is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is 34 inches high from the center and 36 inches tall on each side of the net.
Pickleball Lines
The service line in pickleball is the line at the end of the court. You must stand behind this line when serving. The non-volley line is 7 feet from the net on each side. In pickleball, you can volley the ball anywhere on the court except within the non-volley.
The game of pickleball is played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. The serving player or team serves the ball from behind the back line, and the ball must be served to the diagonally opposite side of the court and must clear the non-volley zone before bouncing. After the serve, the ball must bounce once before it is hit. Players can hit the ball anywhere on their net side but can only volley it out with the non-volley zone line.
Tennis Courts vs. Pickleball Courts
A pickleball court turns out to be much smaller than a tennis court. It measures 20 x 44 feet, in contrast, the tennis court is 78 x 36 feet. The smaller size of the pickleball court makes it more intimate and easier to defend your side.
The net height in pickleball is also a little lower compared to a tennis net, measuring just 34 inches at the center. This means you don’t have to hit the ball as high, making it a more accessible sport for seniors and children.
Overall, the dimensions of a pickleball court make it a more user-friendly space, especially for those new to the sport. The smaller size also makes the game more fast-paced and exciting, as there is less space to run around.
Building An Outdoor Court
If you are planning to build an outdoor pickleball court, there are certain things that you need to take into consideration. This guide will help you build a playable regulation court for all levels.
Step 1: Space Permits
To start, you will need to check with your local municipality to see if any space requirements or permits are needed to build your court. If you are planning on building the court in your backyard, you will need to ensure that you have enough space to accommodate the dimensions of a regular court.
Step 2: Pickleball Court Diagram
Next, you will need to find a pickleball court plan to ensure that you build the court correctly. You can find these diagrams online or in many different sports books. Once you have found a diagram, you will need to measure out the dimensions of the court using a tape measure.
Step 3: Choose Your Outdoor Court Surface Materials
The next step is choosing the type of playing surface you want to use for your court. Pickleball courts can be temporarily set up on several different surfaces, like basketball courts or tennis, or badminton courts, but the most common one is a tennis court.
Concrete is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to maintain. However, it can be quite slippery when wet and very hot in the summer.
Asphalt is another popular choice for outdoor courts. Composite materials are a newer option for court surfaces and are made from a combination of materials, such as concrete, asphalt, and rubber. These courts are designed to be more shock absorbent than traditional concrete or asphalt courts and can be easier on the joints.
Step 4: The Dimensions Of Your Court
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your pickleball court. A regular court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. However, you can also build a DIY smaller pickleball court that is 18 feet wide and 36 feet long.
You will need multiple pickleball courts if you want to play singles, doubles, or mixed doubles tournaments.
The court lines are usually drawn with chalk or paint.
A center line is used to differentiate the right and left service areas. Wide court tape or paint can be used to mark permanent lines.
Step 5: Pickleball Net System
There are many different types of nets available on the market. Some are portable, and some are permanent.
Portable net posts are great because they can be set up and taken down quickly. Permanent nets constructed specifically for pickleball are generally considered to be of better quality.
Pickleball nets are typically made from nylon or polyester. They should be white or light-colored to be visible on the court.
Step 6: Pickleball Court Fencing
Many types of fencing can be used for pickleball courts, but the most common type is chain-link fencing. Chain-link fencing is strong and durable and can be easily installed.
Final Thoughts
The dimensions of a pickleball court are pretty simple and straightforward. However, when it comes to playing the game, the size can greatly impact the game. It is important to know the dimensions of the court so that you can properly play the game.
