As a pickleball player, you must know what a pickleball court looks like. Knowing the ins and outs of the court layout will keep you in the game where you're supposed to be and prevent those accidental step-outs. Understanding the size, parts, and different types of pickleball courts will also help you play pickleball more effectively and potentially win. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need about pickleball courts.
Pickleball Court Dimensions
According to Section 2.A.1. of the 2024 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook, the standard pickleball court dimensions are 20 feet (6.10 m) wide by 44 feet (13.41 m) long. On the other hand, the minimum playing surface is 30 feet (9.14 m) wide by 60 feet (18.29 m) long. These measurements must be done outside the court perimeter and non-volley zone lines.
Moreover, there is a recommended 10-foot (3.05-m) surrounding margin, which makes the total playing surface dimensions of 40 feet (12.9 m) by 64 feet (19.51m). The exact size for this extra space is not a strict requirement but will allow players to have enough space in case the ball goes out of bounds. To give you an idea, here's a layout of a standard pickleball court with dimensions.
Parts of a Pickleball Court
If you have been playing tennis or badminton or have watched their games, you'll notice they have a lot of similarities to pickleball, including the playing courts. But after reading the details below, you'll realize how unique pickleball courts are. Again, these measurements and dimensions are from the official USA Pickleball Rulebook.
Service Area
The section of the pickleball court from which serves must be made. There are four service areas: two for each opposing side, one on the right, and one on the left. Also called the odd court, the proper service area is the box to the left of the centerline if you're facing the net. On the other hand, the left service area (or the even court) is the box diagonally located on the right side of the centerline when facing the net.
Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) or Kitchen
The non-volley zone (kitchen in slang terms) is a 7-foot (2.13-meter) area on both sides of the net. Being unique in pickleball, this area is bounded by the non-volley line and the sidelines. As the name suggests, players cannot volley the ball (hitting it in the air without it bouncing) from within this zone. They can only enter the kitchen to play after the ball has bounced or if they are reaching behind the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced. For complete details, read our Kitchen Rules Guide.
Net
The net is placed in the center of the pickleball court, dividing it into two halves. The required height of the net is 36 inches (0.91 meters) at the sidelines and 34 inches (0.86 meters) at the center. The two-inch difference allows the players to quickly hit the ball over the middle of the net, resulting in a lower shot trajectory. The net should be 22 feet wide and stretched tightly to make it stable while the game is going on. For complete details, read our Pickleball Net Specifications Guide.
Net Posts
Pickleball net posts are used to support the net and are positioned on the sidelines. They should be 22 feet apart, meaning each post is one foot away from the court. The top of the net should be directly above the center of the court. The net posts should not exceed 3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter, be sturdy, and be adequately anchored to the ground. They should be made of high-quality materials, such as galvanized steel.
Court Surface
The pickleball court surface is typically made of asphalt or concrete but can also be made of other materials like sports tiles. Grass and clay are gaining popularity. Cement is the most common for outdoor pickleball, but grass is also sometimes used.
Regardless of the surface type, it should be flat and smooth, providing good traction for players. More importantly, the dimensions should follow the minimum playing surface of 30 x 64 feet. More details about pickleball court surfaces are discussed below.
Lines
Lines or boundaries separate all areas inside a pickleball court. They should be 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide and have the same color. There is no rule about the color of pickleball court lines, but USA Pickleball recommends using white. Although any color will do, it should contrast with the color of the playing surface. For permanent courts, acrylic paint is usually used. You can use chalk for the temporary ones, but tape is more common.
Different Pickleball Court Lines
Non-Volley Line
Also known as the kitchen line, the non-volley line is 7 feet (2.13 meters) from the net. It is parallel to the net and marks the front boundary of the kitchen or non-volley zone.
Baseline
The baseline is the rear boundary line of the court, running parallel to the net. It marks the end of the playing area.
Sideline
Sidelines are the boundary lines on the sides of the court, running perpendicular to the net. They mark the outer edges of the playing area.
Centerline
The line down the center of the court on either side of the net extends from the NVZ to the baseline, separating the odd and even service courts.
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Court: What's the Difference?
Like in singles and doubles, the court dimensions for indoor pickleball are the same as those used for outdoor pickleball. The main difference between the two courts is the type of surface used. Indoor pickleball courts usually use gym floor surfaces similar to those used in basketball courts, while some use cement. For complete details, read our Pickleball Court Surfaces Guide.
Meanwhile, indoor pickleball courts eliminate the problem caused by extreme weather conditions. But since they are enclosed, they tend to be noisier than outdoor courts, especially when multiple games happen simultaneously. Also, these courts are usually makeshift from basketball courts. Therefore, the different lines can be confusing for beginners. To help you understand better, read our deeper comparison between Playing Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball.
Is the Pickleball Court the Same for Singles and Doubles?
Yes, the singles and doubles in pickleball can use the same court. It means that regardless of the type of play, the dimensions of the pickleball will not change. Technically speaking, the only difference between singles and doubles in the pickleball court is its use and the underlying rules.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a better idea about pickleball courts try visiting one near you. But before playing, observe if the venue follows the minimum standards. Also, ensure it has proper lighting and is comfortable to use. You might also want to choose those with amenities, such as restrooms and seating areas. If you have played pickleball, we would love to hear about your experience at the court where you recently played.
