Pickleball courts can be set up on several different existing surfaces, such as a doubles badminton court or basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts. However, every sport has its own court dimensions.
So, whether you are looking to create your own designated outdoor pickleball court or want to transform an old tennis court, it is important to take an in-depth look at pickleball court dimensions.
Let’s dive into the various areas of a pickleball court, official measurements, and sizing, and a look at temporary pickleball court options.
Areas of a Pickleball Court
Before talking about the dimensions of a pickleball court, you first have to know the individual sections. There are two main sections which include the service courts and the non-volley zone. Of course, these sections are divided on each side of the pickleball net.
Service Areas
For instance, as shown in any pickleball court diagram, you have a right service area and a left service area separated by the center line on both sides of the court.
Non-Volley Zone
Additionally, the non-volley zone, sometimes called the kitchen, is immediately in front of the pickleball net and is separated from the service areas by the non-volley line.
Each of these pickleball lines that divide the areas of a pickleball court has its own dimensions, so keep them in mind as well, not just the total court size.
Official Pickleball Court Size
According to the USA Pickleball Association, the total official pickleball court size is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. However, that is only the regulation size of the court surface.
To have adequate space to play pickleball, you’ll need some extra space on each side of the court because when you run to keep the ball in play, you will likely run out of the sidelines. This is why the recommended total play area is 30 feet wide by 60 feet long.
Marking Your Pickleball Court Official Dimensions
Marking out your own pickleball court starts with the total court size. Since the total court size for playing pickleball is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, you can begin by marking that out, ensuring that you leave room on every side to extend past the playing area.
Dimensions of Pickleball Court Lines
Once you have your rectangle, measure halfway across the long side, also called the sideline, which should be 22 feet from the baseline or the short side.
Pickleball Net Height
This is where the pickleball net will be. The net height should be 36 inches tall at the sideline, and at the center of the net, the net height should be 34 inches.
Non-Volley Zone
Next, you should measure out the non-volley zone, which is seven feet and is marked off by lines parallel to the net on each side.
Service Area
The rest of the court on both sides will be the remaining 15-foot service court, but it should be divided into two ten-foot sides with a perpendicular line beginning at the non-volley line and extended to the baseline.
These are the only court dimensions pickleball players will need to build their own pickleball courts.
How Many Pickleball Courts Fit in a Tennis Court
Many people use tennis courts to create multiple pickleball courts on one surface. When looking at the size of a pickleball court and how many pickleball courts fit on a tennis court, it is important to consider how much extra room beyond the sidelines you’ll need to play.
If you are okay with it being a little tight, a tennis court can fit up to four pickleball courts. However, two to three tends to be more comfortable to play as far as space goes, especially for an active and aggressive pickleball player.
Considerations
There are a few benefits of utilizing a tennis court. For instance, for one or two pickleball courts, you can use the tennis net as long as you lower it on the net posts.
Though one of the disadvantages is that the lines can get confusing if you are not used to playing with two sidelines on each side of the net, for instance.
Other Surfaces for a Temporary Pickleball Court
Though using a tennis court is a common practice for a temporary pickleball court, other surfaces can also be used.
Many other sports have enough room to provide the recommended total play area, including doubles badminton courts which have the same court size as a pickleball court.
Additionally, a pickleball game can be played on basketball courts or really any hard surface that is big enough.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about pickleball court dimensions.
What is the minimum size for a pickleball court?
The total minimum size for a pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
Are all pickleball courts the same size?
The line areas for pickleball courts are all the same size, but the total court size can vary depending on the surface.
How much space do you need for 2 pickleball courts?
You need at least 40 feet wide by 44 feet long plus some room between the courts, likely four to five feet at the minimum.
Keep in Mind Pickleball Court Dimensions
PIckleball court measurements are not that daunting once you break them down, which means that paired with the essential equipment like a portable pickleball net, a pickleball ball, and paddles, you can play a pickleball game anywhere the measurements will fit.
Whether you like to play on a court constructed specifically for the game, or you hold doubles matches at your local recreation center, knowing the dimensions is helpful.
And don’t forget that they are the same for both singles and doubles play!
Can the ball rise from your hand as you drop it to serve as long as you hit the ball below below your belly button?
Hi Judith,
The 2022 Official Pickleball Rules state that the ball must be dropped, and not propelled or thrown, including upwards, when serving. To avoid a fault, release the ball downward in a drop serve.