Of 124 tracked sports, Pickleball has become the 1st growing sport in the US, according to The Pickleball Dinks. Pickleball combines different elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong. If you are someone who has just started playing pickleball, understanding the basic terms associated with pickleball has to be the number one thing you learn about this amazing sport.
To get started with pickleball, it’s important to have a good understanding of the court dimensions. A pickleball court dimensions are typically 20 feet (6.67 yards/6.10m) wide and 44 feet (14.67 yards/13.41m) long, which is identical to the dimensions of a doubles badminton court. But before we go into more details and dimensions, let’s familiarize ourselves with some basic terms that will help us better understand the topic at hand.
Pickleball Court Terms
As you learn more about the pickleball court size, it is important to know about a few pickleball court terms:
- Baseline:
The baseline is the line at the back of a pickleball court. This line is parallel to the net at the end of each court. The baseline can not be crossed by a player when serving.
- Kitchen:
The kitchen of the pickleball court is also known as the non-volley zone. It is the section of the court on either side of the net where volleying is not allowed. Additionally, one can’t stand in the kitchen or touch any of the boundary lines. This is to ensure that the players don’t smash the ball close to the net.
Another important rule associated with the kitchen of a pickleball court is that a serve can not land in this area.
- Center Line:
The Centerline of a pickleball court runs from the kitchen to the baseline. It divides the court into two equal halves that form the service areas.
- Sidelines:
Sidelines run perpendicular to the net. They form the side boundaries of the court.
- Service Areas:
Service areas are the areas on either side of a centerline. These are the two box-shaped areas created by the centerline, baseline, sidelines, and kitchen.
Pickleball Court Dimensions
- Pickleball courts are 20′ x 44′ for singles and doubles, identical to badminton courts.
- The net height is 36” on the ends and 34” in the middle, which is lower than badminton.
- Pickleball features a 7 ft non-volley zone parallel to the net on both sides, distinguishing it from sports like tennis or badminton.
- Adequate space outside the end and sidelines is provided when setting up the court, allowing players room for movement.
- The ideal pickleball court dimensions for optimal play are considered to be 30′ x 60′.
How to Measure out Pickleball Court Dimensions?
- To measure pickleball court dimensions accurately, start by determining the court’s length and width.
- Use a measuring tape to mark these dimensions precisely. Pay attention to the non-volley zone, an important element in pickleball. This zone extends 7 feet from the net on both sides, creating a unique playing area.
- Ensure the net is set at the appropriate height, lowered to 36 inches at the ends and 34 inches in the middle.
- Allow ample space outside the sidelines and ends for player movement, and consider the recommended dimensions of at least 24 feet by 54 feet for the full court.
- If possible, aim for the ideal size of 30 feet by 60 feet to optimize the playing experience.
Pickleball Court Size vs Tennis Court Size
Pickleball courts differ from tennis courts in size and layout. A standard pickleball court size in feet is 20 feet by 44 feet, significantly smaller than a tennis court, which typically spans 36 feet by 78 feet for singles. Generally, 4 pickleball courts can fit into 1 tennis court.
Additionally, pickleball introduces a non-volley zone, a 7-foot area adjacent to the net on both sides. This zone restricts players from making direct volleys close to the net. In contrast, tennis lacks such a designated area. Essentially, pickleball is not only played on a smaller court but also involves strategic considerations near the net, setting it apart from the dimensions and dynamics of a tennis court.
How Do You Make a Backyard Pickleball Court?
Optimal for your backyard court is a concrete surface, although grass is an alternative. Concrete provides a consistent bounce year-round, even in winter weather. While grass offers a similar bounce in better summer conditions, it can become soft and affect the bounce in wet, colder weather, potentially damaging the turf.
Now for the actual process, let’s see how can you make your very own backyard pickleball court:
- To set up your backyard pickleball court, you will need line marking equipment such as tape, chalk, or rubber line markers for a temporary court, or line marking paint and a machine for a more permanent one.
- Additionally, a tape measure and a pickleball net are essential.
- Start by placing your pickleball net in the center as a reference point.
- Measure the available space, and if, for example, you have 60 ft length, position your net at 30 ft across the width.
- Outline the baselines, each 22ft away from the net on either side, spanning the full width of the court.
- Subsequently, mark parallel sidelines, 20ft apart and 44ft in length.
- Define the ‘non-volley zone’ or ‘kitchen’ on each side, 7ft from the net and spanning the court’s width.
- Finally, draw the centerline, 10ft from each sideline, ensuring it runs from the end of the non-volley zone to the baseline without intersecting it.
And you are done!
Bottom Line
This guide has covered everything you need to know about pickleball dimensions and terms. From baseline to kitchen, centerline to sidelines, it’s all here. If you too are a part of the growing pickleball craze and if you are itching to set up a backyard pickleball court, we have got you covered. Just find a flat spot, preferably 30ft by 60ft, and follow the simple steps provided. Whether you go for concrete or grass, making your own court is a breeze. Now, you are all set to enjoy the game in your own backyard pickleball court.
FAQs For Pickleball Court Dimensions
What is the dimension of a pickleball court?
The standard pickleball court dimensions are 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
How much space is needed around a pickleball court?
According to the US Pickleball Rule Book, the total playing surface for pickleball is supposed to be 30’x60’.
Can you play pickleball on concrete?
Yes, you can play pickleball on concrete.
What are the pickleball court dimensions in meters?
The pickleball court size in meters is 6.10m wide and 13.41m long.
