Nicolette Bailey, a former professional tennis player, found her true calling in the sport of pickleball. Her extensive experience, spanning over 15 years in both sports, has imbued her with a wealth of knowledge she eagerly shares with others. Dedicated to enhancing the skills of fellow enthusiasts, Nicolette continues to contribute to the pickleball community with her insights and tips.
As a pickleball enthusiast, I often get asked about the dimensions of a pickleball court. The court size is an essential aspect of the game, and it's crucial to understand the measurements to play the game correctly. In this article, I will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the pickleball court dimensions.
The pickleball court is a rectangular playing area that measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The court is divided into two equal halves by a net that is suspended at a height of 36 inches at the center. The net is 22 feet long and extends 2 feet beyond the court on each side.
The playing area is further divided into different zones, each with its specific purpose. The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players are not allowed to hit the ball while standing inside the kitchen, except when the ball bounces in this area.
The service area is a 10-foot area on both sides of the net, located between the non-volley zone and the baseline. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball into the service area diagonally across the court.
The baseline is the back boundary of the court, and it is 22 feet from the net. The sidelines are the boundaries on the sides of the court, and they are 20 feet apart.
It's essential to set up the pickleball court correctly to ensure a fair game. The court should be marked with boundary lines that are at least two inches wide and a contrasting color to the playing surface. The net should be set up at a height of 36 inches at the center and 34 inches at the ends.
When it comes to equipment dimensions, the pickleball paddle should not exceed 24 inches in length and 8 inches in width. The ball should have a diameter of 2.87 to 2.97 inches and weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces.
In conclusion, understanding the dimensions of a pickleball court is crucial to playing the game correctly. The court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a net height of 36 inches at the center. The playing area is divided into different zones, including the non-volley zone, service area, baseline, and sidelines. Make sure to set up the court correctly and use equipment that meets the specifications to ensure a fair game.