Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the court dimensions is essential. The pickleball court layout affects everything from your footwork and positioning to your strategy and shot selection.
If you've ever wondered:
🏓 How big is a pickleball court?
🏓 What are the non-volley zone (kitchen) dimensions?
🏓 Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
You’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about pickleball court dimensions and layout so you can step onto the court with confidence.
1. Official Pickleball Court Dimensions
A standard pickleball court follows precise measurements set by USA Pickleball and is the same size for both singles and doubles play.
📏 Court Size
✅ 20 feet wide x 44 feet long
✅ This includes baselines, sidelines, service boxes, and the kitchen
✅ The court size is identical to a doubles badminton court
💡 Fun Fact: A pickleball court is less than half the size of a tennis court, making it easier to cover and allowing for faster-paced play.
📏 Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)
✅ 7 feet from the net on both sides
✅ Extends the full width of the court (20 feet)
✅ No volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are allowed here
💡 Why is the kitchen important? It prevents players from standing too close to the net and smashing every shot, keeping the game balanced.
📏 Service Areas
✅ Each side of the court is split into two service boxes
✅ Service boxes are 10 feet wide x 15 feet long
✅ The serve must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box
💡 Pro Tip: Serving deep into your opponent’s service box keeps them on defense and gives you an advantage.
📏 Net Height
✅ 36 inches (3 feet) at the sidelines
✅ 34 inches (2 feet 10 inches) at the center
💡 The slight dip in the middle encourages players to aim for smarter, more strategic shots instead of always hitting hard and flat.
2. Pickleball Court Layout & Markings
🏓 Court Lines Explained
| Line | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baselines | The boundary at the back of the court; serves must be hit behind this line. |
| Sidelines | The outer edges of the court that determine in or out calls. |
| Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Line | Marks the boundary of the kitchen; no volleys allowed inside. |
| Centerline | Divides the service areas for serving purposes. |
💡 Pro Tip: Staying just behind the kitchen line is the ideal position for controlling the net game.
3. Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?
Yes! Since a pickleball court is much smaller than a tennis court, many people convert tennis courts into pickleball courts.
🏓 Converting a Tennis Court for Pickleball
✅ A tennis court is 78 feet long and 36 feet wide, so it can fit four pickleball courts (two on each side of the net).
✅ Temporary pickleball lines can be added with tape, chalk, or court paint.
✅ You can use a portable pickleball net instead of a tennis net (which is too high).
💡 Pro Tip: If playing on a tennis court with a tennis net, lower it to 34 inches at the center to match pickleball regulations.
4. Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Courts
While the court dimensions remain the same, indoor and outdoor courts have different surfaces, ball types, and playing conditions.
🏓 Outdoor Pickleball Courts
✅ Usually asphalt or concrete with a textured coating
✅ Wind & sun can impact shots, requiring more control
✅ Use outdoor pickleballs (harder and more durable)
🏓 Indoor Pickleball Courts
✅ Typically wood or gymnasium floors (like a basketball court)
✅ No wind interference, allowing for more precise shots
✅ Use indoor pickleballs (softer with larger holes)
💡 Pro Tip: Outdoor courts require shoes with better grip, while indoor courts allow for faster footwork.
5. How to Set Up Your Own Pickleball Court
If you don’t have access to a pickleball court, you can easily set one up on a driveway, basketball court, or even a backyard!
🏓 What You Need:
✔️ Pickleball Net (adjustable to 34 inches)
✔️ Measuring Tape (to mark court dimensions)
✔️ Chalk or Court Tape (to draw the lines)
✔️ Pickleball Paddles & Balls
💡 Pro Tip: If setting up a temporary court, consider using interlocking court tiles for better traction and ball bounce.
6. The Importance of Court Positioning & Strategy
Understanding court dimensions helps you position yourself for better gameplay.
🏓 Smart Positioning Tips
✔️ Stay just behind the kitchen line for better volley control.
✔️ Move side-to-side as a team in doubles.
✔️ Serve deep and return to the center of the court to cover angles.
💡 Pro Tip: The best players use the whole court—not just the baseline or kitchen!
7. Gear Up for Pickleball Success!
Now that you understand the court, it’s time to get the right gear for your best game.
👕 Moisture-Wicking Pickleball T-Shirts – Stay cool in a 50/50 DryBlend Pickleball t-shirt or upgrade to a 100% Polyester Mesh t-shirt for ultimate sweat control.
🥤 Pickleball Tumblers – Keep your drinks cold and refreshing during long games with a pickleball-themed tumbler.
Shop now at Big Green Pickle and take your pickleball game to the next level!
Final Thoughts
🏓 A pickleball court is 20' x 44'—smaller than a tennis court but big enough for fast-paced action.
🏓 The kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) is 7' from the net and plays a key role in strategy.
🏓 You can play on a tennis court, driveway, or even set up your own court!
🏓 Knowing court positioning helps you play smarter and win more points.
Now that you know everything about pickleball court dimensions and layout, grab your paddle, hit the court, and start playing!
