If you’re a pickleball player, you know there’s nothing quite like stepping onto a court for a game. But do you know how long a pickleball court is? What are the dimensions? And what are the rules for playing on them?
In this post, we’ll answer all your questions about pickleball courts and give tips on playing your best game. So read on to learn more!
How Long is a Pickleball Court in Feet
A standard pickleball court is 44ft long and 20ft wide, measuring the same size for both singles and doubles play. The court length includes a 7ft zone on each side of the net called the non-volley zone. Pickleball courts are roughly 1/3rd the size of a tennis court, allowing for quicker and more energetic gameplay. The standard pickleball net height is lower than tennis, measuring 36 at the net’s side and 34in the middle. Both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts are the same lengths from baseline to baseline, measuring 44ft, and sideline to sideline at 20ft.
However, the in-court lines are one thing, but it’s recommended that you have at least 55ft of length and 25ft of width for the outbounds. You need space behind the baselines to return shots and maneuver around.
How Long is a Pickleball Court in the Metric System
As pickleball continues to grow in the US and internationally, we wanted to provide dimensions for our friends worldwide. A pickleball court’s dimensions are 13.4112 meters long and 6.096 meters wide for all international folks. The pickleball net height would be 86.36 centimeters from the ground.
There has been a lot of buzz around pickleball maybe being introduced into the Olympics. As exciting as that is, we need to promote the sport worldwide. One of the specific standards the IOC requires for sports participation worldwide. Please read our full post about what steps need to happen for pickleball to become an Olympic sport.
How Long is a Regulation Pickleball Court
The USA Pickleball Association was formed in 1984 to govern and promote the sport. That year they published the first official rule book with the pickleball court dimensions. However, we need to go back almost 20 years to 1965 to the origins of pickleball when three men founded the sport and developed the rules and specifications.
They figured out that badminton courts were around the same size, and they happened to have one in their backyard; they initially used a lot of badminton rules to form the game. As mentioned above, the official size was 44ft long and 20ft wide, the same size as a doubles badminton court.
Read all about the pickleball history in our extensive post.
What Are The Court Surface Materials
There are a variety of materials used for a pickleball court surface; believe it or not, pickleball courts are not all created equal. The surface you play on can have a significant impact on your game. While the best-case scenario is similar to a hard-surfaced tennis court, there aren’t as many courts yet. Pickleball court improvisation happens; whether on a basketball court or a playground surface with a portable pickleball net, you need to be flexible.
Outdoor Court
Outdoor courts are made of a concrete or asphalt base with an acrylic finish for breathability and a good bounce. However, outdoor court surfaces can wear down over time and must be resurfaced periodically to ensure optimal play.
Indoor Court
While hardwood floors are classic, there may be better options for a gymnasium. Synthetic surfaces, like poured urethane, offer added shock absorption and reduced noise – perfect for pickleball. Plus, these surfaces can handle heavy weights and wheeled equipment without damage or distress.
Read about the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls.
Can You Play Pickleball On a Tennis Court
If you want a DIY pickleball court, tennis courts are your best option! It’s good to note that you can fit multiple pickleball courts on a tennis court. We have a good post on how to find pickleball courts anywhere in the world.
The outdoor court surface of a tennis court is perfect for playing pickleball, with just a few adjustments. Firstly, tape can mark the various lines on the court, including the non-volley zone lines. Secondly, you’ll need to set up a portable pickleball net instead of the tennis net. Finally, players may consider setting up a backstop pickleball net system to prevent balls from flying everywhere.
These materials prepare you for exciting pickleball action on your tennis court! Make sure to remove all traces of tape and reset the court for tennis when you’re finished playing. We have a whole post on how to play pickleball on a tennis court.
How Does a Pickleball Court Compare to Other Courts?
If you’re familiar with badminton or platform tennis, you might have noticed some similarities to pickleball courts. Pickleball courts are the same size as doubles badminton and platform tennis courts, measuring 44′ x 20′. As mentioned above, tennis courts are much more significant, measuring 78ft long and 27ft wide for singles and 36ft wide for doubles.
Pickleball has more similarities to padel – another court sport popularized in Europe – as both are played with paddles and have similar-sized courts. So the next time someone asks how a pickleball court differs from other courts, you can give them the scoop!
Conclusion
Now that you know how long a pickleball court is and all the other specifications and measurements, you’re ready to get out there and start playing! If you don’t have your court at home, many public parks across the country are beginning to create pickleball courts for everyone to enjoy.
Do you know how pickleball players are ranked? Read our full post to find out!
