A Comprehensive Guide to Pickleball Court Dimensions

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are setting up a court at home, planning for a club, or just curious about regulations, understanding pickleball court dimensions is essential. This guide provides a detailed overview of court size, markings, and layout requirements to help you play and set up the game correctly.

Standard Pickleball Court Size

A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play. The court is divided into two equal halves by a net that stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center.

The layout is similar to a badminton court but slightly shorter in length than a tennis court. Proper court sizing ensures fair gameplay and consistency across different venues.

Net and Centerline

The net is a crucial element in determining court setup. It should extend the full width of the court and be taut without sagging. A centerline under the net is optional but can help with practice and serves.

Maintaining the correct net height and tension allows for accurate serves and predictable ball bounces, which are critical for both beginners and advanced players.

Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

The non-volley zone, commonly known as the "kitchen," is the 7-foot area on each side of the net where volleys are not allowed. Players must have both feet outside this zone when hitting the ball in the air.

Proper marking of the kitchen is essential for safety and gameplay. Most courts use clear contrasting paint or tape to distinguish the zone.

Service Area and Baseline

Each side of the court has a service area, which is 10 feet wide, divided into two equal rectangles by the centerline. The baseline at the back marks the end of the court, and players must remain behind it while serving.

Understanding service boundaries is key to legal serves, maintaining rallies, and ensuring fair competition.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Court Dimensions

While pickleball court dimensions remain the same for indoor and outdoor courts, the surrounding space requirements may differ. Outdoor courts often require more clearance for wind and safety, while indoor courts may have overhead restrictions.

It’s recommended to provide at least 5 feet of clearance on the sides and 8–10 feet behind the baselines for safe play.

Converting to Meters

For international players or clubs using the metric system, the pickleball court size in meters is approximately 6.10 meters wide by 13.41 meters long, with a non-volley zone of 2.13 meters. Converting these dimensions accurately ensures consistency with official rules and allows players to practice on standardized courts worldwide.

Surface and Marking Guidelines

Pickleball courts can be constructed from asphalt, concrete, or indoor gym flooring. Line markings should be at least 2 inches wide and clearly visible. Using contrasting colors for the kitchen, baselines, and sidelines improves visibility and accuracy during play.

Proper court surface and markings impact gameplay significantly, affecting bounce, spin, and player movement.

Conclusion

Having a clear understanding of pickleball court dimensions is crucial whether you are a casual player or planning competitive play. From the 20x44-foot standard court to the 7-foot kitchen, correct layout ensures fair and enjoyable gameplay.

When building or marking a court, keep in mind player safety, clearance space, and proper surface material. By following these guidelines, you can create a court that is both functional and compliant with official regulations.