If you’re a die-hard pickleball enthusiast looking to set up a court at your local YMCA, community center, or even in your own backyard, you might be wondering about the official dimensions of a pickleball court. Well, wonder no more! In this article, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about pickleball court size and dimensions.
The Official Pickleball Court Size – A Universal Standard
No matter where you play or what venue you choose, the official pickleball court size remains the same – 20′ x 44.’ Just take a look at the diagram below for a visual representation of the dimensions.
Specifications According to the USA Pickleball/IFP Official Rulebook
The USA Pickleball/IFP Official Rulebook explicitly lays out the dimensions of a pickleball court. Here are three key points to remember:
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The court is a rectangle measuring 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles matches.
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A minimum playing surface area of 30 feet wide and 60 feet long is recommended, with a surrounding margin of 10 feet.
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The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) is the area on each side of the net, bounded by a line 7 feet from the net. It is crucial to avoid volleys within this zone.
Make sure to give ample space between courts and avoid crowding them together. Space is needed for a smooth gameplay experience.
Now, you might be wondering about the height of the pickleball net. According to the USA Pickleball/IFP Official Rulebook, the net should have a center strap and a height of 34 inches at the center, with the top reaching 36 inches at the sidelines.
Comparing Pickleball Court Dimensions with Tennis Court Dimensions
Pickleball and tennis are both popular racquet sports, but their court sizes differ significantly. While a pickleball court measures 20′ x 44′, a tennis court, including doubles alleys, measures 36′ x 78′. Additionally, the pickleball net is 34 inches high at the center, while the tennis net measures 36 inches.
Take a look at the image below to get a better understanding of the size differences between a pickleball court and a tennis court.
A Common Configuration at Tennis Facilities
In southwest Ohio, where I reside, we are fortunate to have 18 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts within a 20-minute drive. However, during the winter, we often play indoors. Many tennis facilities have started incorporating pickleball into their offerings. It’s not uncommon to see two temporary pickleball courts set up on a single tennis court, divided by the tennis net.
Get the Complete Pickleball Court Dimensions PDF!
If you’re truly passionate about pickleball and want a handy reference guide for court dimensions, you can download a comprehensive PDF guide from Family Cuisine’s website. Just click here to grab your copy!
Court Size and Dimensions: A Lesson from the Movie “Hoosiers”
In the classic 1986 film “Hoosiers,” there’s a memorable scene that beautifully illustrates the principle of court dimensions. Regardless of the size of the venue or arena, the court dimensions are always the same. The free-throw line is set at 15 feet from the basket, and the height of the basket is always 10 feet from the floor.
Consistency is Key
Whether you’re playing at a dedicated pickleball facility, a church gym, or your own backyard court, remember that the pickleball court dimensions should always remain consistent. It’s this consistency that allows players from all walks of life to enjoy this fantastic sport.
So, what are you waiting for? Gear up, grab your paddles, and head to the courts. And if you ever build your own backyard court, don’t forget to invite me to join in on the pickleball fun!
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