If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, it won’t be long. Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that is often described as a mix of tennis and ping-pong, and has captured the hearts of Americans all over the country.
Played on a smaller court to tennis but with its own unique dimensions, this sport’s engaging nature, easy learning curve, and social appeal have led to its widespread popularity among people of all ages, making it a go-to activity for both casual fun and competitive play. Not only that, you can set up a pickleball court in almost any public space that offers a flat surface.
From tennis courts to parking lots to playgrounds to driveways to basketball courts, there’s potential for pickleball courts in every city, town, or suburb – and though that’s great for pickleball players, it’s also been a cause of conflict in more densely populated cities where public space is already being used.
What are the dimensions of a pickleball court?
An official pickleball court dimensions measures 20 feet wide (inclusive of lines) and 44 feet long (inclusive of lines) equivalent to 6.10m x 13.41m for double play which is the most popular way to play. For single play, a pickleball court dimensions measures 20 x 20
While there are official pickleball court dimensions, what has fueled pickleball is that you don’t have to be so exacting when setting up the court. As long as both sides of the pickleball net are equal, you can kick off a game.
The pickleball court is divided into several zones, each serving a specific purpose in the gameplay. The key zones include:
Baseline Zone: This is the area along the back boundary of the court where players start their serves and where the ball must land during serves.
Non-Volley Zone: or what they called the kitchen located near the net, this zone extends 7 feet on either side of the net. Players are not allowed to hit the ball out of the air (volley) while inside this zone, except if the ball bounces within it first.
Service Courts: The right and left halves of the court for each team’s serving side. The serving team must hit the ball diagonally to the opponent’s service court.
Sidelines and Baselines: The boundaries that outline the playing area of the court.
Middle Area (No Man’s Land): The region between the non-volley zone and the baseline, which is strategically important for both positioning and shot placement.
These zones create a dynamic playing field, encouraging players to utilize strategy and skill to outmaneuver their opponents during a pickleball match.
Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court? Yes!
Transform a tennis court for pickleball.The pickleball court dimensions are smaller and can easily fit within the confines of a standard tennis court. You’ll want to mark the appropriate lines for pickleball, including the non-volley zone (kitchen) and boundary lines. While the larger tennis court offers more space, players can enjoy the game’s dynamics on the modified court
| Tennis Court | Pickelball Court | |
|---|---|---|
| Court Dimensions | Approximately 78 feet (length) x 27 feet (width) | 20 feet wide x 44 feet long (Doubles) |
| Net Height | 3 feet (singles) 3.5 feet (doubles) | 34 inches at the center |
| 36 inches at the sidelines | ||
| Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) | N/A (No dedicated area) | 7-foot zone on either side of the net |
| Playing Surface | Hard court grass clay or synthetic surfaces | Hard court surface with boundary lines |
| Equipment | Court racket tennis ball paddles net | Court paddles pickleball net |
| Gameplay | Ball must bounce on each side before hitting | Ball can be volleyed or hit in the air after a bounce (except in kitchen) |
| Scoring | Love 15 30 40 deuce advantage game | 11 points per game best of 3 or 5 games wins a match (depending on play) |
Trying to DIY your own Pickleball Court? Here’s how:
If you don’t have a tennis court, you can build or DIY your pickleball court with these steps:
- Location Selection: Choose a suitable area with enough space and accessibility.
- Ground Preparation: Clear debris and ensure a level surface.
- Mark Dimensions: Mark the court dimensions (20 feet wide by 44 feet long for doubles) accurately.
- Boundary Lines: Paint boundary lines to define the court’s edges.
- Net Posts: Install net posts on each side of the court.
- Net Attachment: Attach the pickleball net at the correct height (36 inches at sidelines, 34 inches at center).
- Non-Volley Zone: Optionally, create a non-volley zone by marking a 7-foot area on each side of the net.
- Surface Material: Choose a suitable court surface material, such as asphalt, concrete, or specialized pickleball court materials.
- Finishing: Ensure the court surface is properly finished for a smooth and playable area.
- Regular Maintenance: Plan for ongoing maintenance to keep the court in good condition for continued play.
Find supplies to make a portable pickleball court on Amazon.
Booking a pickleball court can sometimes be as challenging as a high lob shot. But fear not! If court availability is hard to get, consider creating your own! Transform driveways, backyards, or any flat space into your personal pickleball arena and get that pickleball in play.
