In the summer of 1965, two dads, Joel Pritchard, a congressman, and Bill Bell, a businessman, returned home. They found their families bored, so they planned to play badminton but could not find proper equipment. They tried to play the game with a plastic ball and some ping pong paddles on a badminton court.
However, the badminton court was unsuitable for the new game, as the badminton net was too high for the ball. They began using a 34-inch net. Later, they made a permanent pickleball court in their backyard, and over time, the game evolved into one of America’s favorite sports.
Pickleball shares similarities with badminton and tennis but differs significantly in certain aspects. For example, tennis uses a felt-covered ball, while pickleball uses a plastic ball called a wiffle ball. One of the key differences between these sports lies in the pickleball court dimensions.
An informational table would be helpful in summarizing the pickleball court dimensions and measurements for quick reference. The best spot for this table is right after the section Pickleball Court Dimensions where the dimensions and layout are discussed in detail. This placement will enhance the readability and allow users to quickly grasp the key measurements.
Pickleball Court Dimensions
The standard size of a pickleball court is larger than a badminton court but smaller than a tennis court. A pickleball court measures 44 feet in length and 20 feet in width. The court is divided by a net that is 34 inches high in the middle and 36 inches high at the sides. Though this may seem similar to tennis, a pickleball court size in feet is significantly smaller than a tennis court, which typically measures 60 feet wide and 120 feet long.
The court layout includes four rectangular boxes, with each side of the court having two boxes. These boxes are 10 feet wide and 15 feet long, allowing players ample space to move and hit the ball. The boxes are divided by a central line, and during play, the ball must be hit diagonally. The sidelines measure around 15 feet, and the baselines, which mark the ends of the court, are 20 feet wide.
Another notable feature of the pickleball court layout is the non-volley zone, also called the kitchen. It extends 7 feet from each side of the net, and volleying in this area is prohibited. However, players can enter the non-volley zone if they are not volleying. If the wiffle ball lands in the non-volley zone, it’s considered a fault.
Pickleball Court Measurements at a Glance
| Measurement | Size/Value |
|---|---|
| Court Length | 44 feet |
| Court Width | 20 feet |
| Net Height (Middle) | 34 inches |
| Net Height (Sides) | 36 inches |
| Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) | 7 feet from the net |
| Sidelines Length | 15 feet |
| Baselines Width | 20 feet |
| Box Size | 10 feet x 15 feet |
| Total Number of Boxes | 4 |
Pickleball Court Surface
You can play pickleball on various surfaces, including clay, grass, tennis courts, asphalt, and polyurethane sports surfaces. If you’re setting up an outdoor court in your backyard, a polyurethane surface without cushioning is ideal.
Although pickleball court measurements remain the same across all surfaces, the surface type affects gameplay. For indoor courts, wooden surfaces are common, but polyurethane surfaces with cushioning are recommended for reducing the impact on players’ joints. If you’re not familiar with indoor Pickleball, check out this post for a complete guide.
Equipment you Need to Play Pickleball
- Pickleball Paddles
The pickleball paddles resemble ping pong paddles but are larger, measuring around 16 inches long and 8 inches wide. - Wiffle Ball
The ball used in pickleball is made of plastic and perforated with 26 to 40 holes, depending on whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use.
FAQs
Yes, both singles and doubles matches are played on the same court, which measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.
The standard pickleball court dimensions are 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
No, tennis courts are larger, measuring 60 feet wide and 120 feet long.
Polyurethane with cushioning is the most recommended surface for pickleball, especially for outdoor courts.
Yes, but volleying in the kitchen is not allowed.
Conclusion
Pickleball is rapidly becoming a favorite sport in America. Although it shares similarities with tennis and badminton, one of the key differences lies in the pickleball court dimensions. The standard court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, with a net height of 34 inches at the center. Whether you’re designing a court in your backyard or playing on various surfaces, understanding the court layout and measurements is crucial for enjoying the game to its fullest.
I’m a passionate pickleball enthusiast with years of experience, dedicated to sharing the latest tips, strategies, and insights about the game. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, my goal is to help you enhance your skills and enjoy pickleball to the fullest.
