How Wide Is A Pickleball Net? – Everything You Need To Know

Pickleball courts in Orange County

Pickleball is a fast-paced sport with few rules and simple equipment. While there are general guidelines for layout, nets, and courts, the specific designs can vary widely. If you’re thinking about getting into pickleball or adding it to your list of local recreational activities, it’s essential to know how wide a pickleball net should be.

Well, if you’ve and want to learn more, keep reading!

According to the USA Pickleball (USAPA) regulations, a pickleball net width is 22’ (6.71 m). At the center of the net, it lowers to 34 inches (86.36 cm). But there is a center post that helps to maintain the recommended net height across the length of the court. This is because it holds the middle height at the desired minimum, as recommended by USAPA.

Besides the center post, the pickleball net is held by two structured posts on either side. Each post has a height of 36 inches (91.44 cm) and a post base depth of 2 inches (60.96 cm). These posts are typically used on a permanent or temporary basis. 

As the central dividing barrier between teams in a game of pickleball, the net has a grid mesh with taped perimeters. This ensures excellent visibility and rigidity. It also features an adjustable velcro strap that you can use to achieve perfect tension.

Here is our favorite portable net on the market right now. 3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System

how wide is a pickleball net

Need a refresher on the pickleball scoring system? Read our post: The easy pickleball scoring guide.

How Tall Should a Pickleball Net Be?

The USA Pickleball guidelines require that the pickleball net measure 36 inches tall. Easy to set up, the lightweight pickleball net is easy to maneuver, and you can set it up in minutes.

Great for tournaments and casual games, the net is easily broken into a lightweight and compact bag. The closed bag has wheels and straps, allowing you to carry or roll the bag to the next court.

Nets are made with durable material; the pickleball net is water and weather-resistant. This makes the net versatile enough to play in various environments. Perfect for pickleball players of all skill levels and ages, it’s ideal for schools, camps, your driveway, or any flat surface.

Are Pickleball and Tennis Nets the Same Size?

Lots of people who played badminton and tennis are now playing pickleball. However, these sports have major differences. For example, a tennis net is 42 feet long, 36 inches high in the middle, and 42 inches high at the ends. Since the net poles are usually placed 3 feet outside the outer lines of the court, the net length is 42 feet from pole to pole.

When it comes to the pickleball net, it’s 22 feet wide from pole to pole and 34 inches in height in the middle, supported by a post. It hangs over the center of the court, 44 feet long and 22 feet wide. So, the pickleball and tennis nets are not the same sizes. The tennis net is larger in terms of length and height.

What Is the Diameter of a Pickleball?

The official pickleball is between 2.874 to 2.972 inches in diameter and weighs between 0.78 to 0.94 ounces. Made of perforated plastic, the pickleball must have a single consistent color. However, there are no color restrictions, unlike the tennis ball.

Tennis balls measure 2.57 to 2.70 inches in diameter and weigh between 1.98 to 2.1 ounces. The official color of a tennis ball is optic yellow.

Today, tennis balls are primarily made of a hollow two-piece rubber shell filled with pressurized gas. The balls are then covered with felt made from wool or nylon. For official play, the felt commonly used to make tennis balls is bright yellow.

Indoor and outdoor pickleballs differ. Those designed for indoor play are lighter, softer, and often have larger holes compared to those for outdoor use. Due to these characteristics, indoor balls are easier to control, resulting in longer rallies. They also come off the paddle a little softer.

Pickleball racquet

How Big Is a Pickleball Paddle?

Pickleball paddles come in all shapes and sizes. The standard model is 16 inches long by 8 inches wide. As such, it meets the total 24 inches permitted by pickleball rules. This paddle offers a great balance of control, reach, and power.

Next is the elongated pickleball paddle. It’s longer than the standard pickleball paddle with the following dimensions – 16.5 to 17 inches long. However, its width is smaller than that of a standard pickleball paddle. But it does offer more spin, reach, and power than the standard model. Due to this, the elongated model is usually popular among single pickleball players thanks to its extended reach.

Their grip sizes range from 4 to 4.5. Too big a grip size can lead to elbow problems or cause slippage (Here’s Our Full Pickleball Grips Post). It’s recommended to start with a small grip size as it allows for added spin and more wrist action. 

Read our best pickleball paddles for spin review if you’re looking for a new paddle.

Are All Pickleball Courts the Same Size?

A standard pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide inclusive of lines. It has a centerline that divides the court into two service areas – the right and left. Each service area has a length of 15 feet and is 10 feet wide. At the center, there is a 7 feet non-volley line on either side of the pickleball net. 

Also called the kitchen, the non-volley zone is usually bounded by a line – a non-volley zone line parallel to the net. What you need to know is that all the non-volley zone lines are part of the non-volley zone. As the name implies, the non-volley zone is the area where a player cannot volley with a foot inside it.

What you need to know is that the size of a pickleball court for singles and doubles play is the same. Remember, when picking a surface for your pickleball court, ensure the location is in the north/south direction, why you may ask. This is because no player will look directly into the sun whether you’re playing early in the morning or late afternoon.

Wrapping It Up

Pickleball is an excellent game that allows you to work on your reflexes, agility, hand-to-eye coordination, and balance. But you must have the right equipment, such as a pickleball net, court, and paddles.

Read next: Read our full review on one of the best paddle manufacturers on the market: Selkirk’s Pickleball Paddles: Are They The Best On The Market?