Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with millions of new players joining every year. By 2025, it has become a mainstream recreational activity, attracting both casual players and professional athletes. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and requires a smaller playing area than tennis.
At the heart of the game is the pickleball court a unique space designed specifically for this hybrid sport. Whether you’re new to pickleball or planning to build your own court, understanding its dimensions, layout, and requirements is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pickleball courts, from official measurements to setup tips and future trends.
What Is a Pickleball Court?
A pickleball court is the official playing area where matches are held. It’s often described as a mix between a tennis court and a badminton court, but with its own unique features. Unlike tennis, which requires large areas, pickleball can be played on a compact 20-by-44-foot court.
This smaller size makes it easier to install courts in backyards, gyms, and community centers. It also means that players don’t need as much stamina to cover the playing field, which is one reason the sport appeals to older adults as well as younger athletes.
Official Pickleball Court Dimensions (2025 Standards)
According to the USA Pickleball Association, the official pickleball court size remains standardized in 2025.
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Length: 44 feet (13.41 m)
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Width: 20 feet (6.1 m)
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Non-Volley Zone (The “Kitchen”): 7 feet from the net on each side
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Service Areas: Two equal boxes on each side of the court, created by the centerline
The net height is also specific:
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36 inches at the sidelines
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34 inches at the center
Compared to other sports:
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A tennis court is 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles much larger.
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A badminton court is similar in width but longer.
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Pickleball’s compact court size makes it unique, social, and accessible.
Pickleball Court Layout Explained
To fully understand the pickleball court, let’s break it down into its key sections:
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The Baseline – The line at the back of the court where players serve.
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Sidelines – The lines along the edges, marking the width.
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Centerline – Divides the service area into left and right sections.
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Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) – Also called the “Kitchen,” this is a 14-foot area (7 feet on each side of the net) where players cannot volley the ball.
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Service Areas – Each side of the court has two equal service boxes where serves must land.
This layout encourages strategy and precision, not just power.
Types of Pickleball Courts
Indoor Pickleball Courts
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Usually built in gyms or multi-sport halls.
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Provide consistent lighting and protection from weather.
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Often share space with basketball or badminton courts.
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
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Found in parks, schools, and residential communities.
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Require weather-resistant surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
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Need proper drainage, lighting, and fencing.
Portable Pickleball Courts
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Temporary setups with tape lines and portable nets.
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Perfect for events, schools, or casual play.
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Affordable and flexible but not ideal for tournaments.
How to Build a Pickleball Court
If you’re considering building a pickleball court in 2025, here’s a step-by-step overview:
Step 1: Choose a Location
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Minimum area required: 30 feet wide × 60 feet long.
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Outdoor courts should be placed on level ground with good drainage.
Step 2: Select a Surface
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Asphalt: Durable and affordable.
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Concrete: Long-lasting and low maintenance.
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Synthetic materials: Cushioning for reduced joint stress.
Step 3: Install the Net and Posts
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Regulation net: 34 inches at the center.
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Portable nets are cheaper but less stable.
Step 4: Mark the Court Lines
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Use acrylic paint or pre-made court tape.
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Ensure accurate measurement for competitive play.
Step 5: Add Lighting (for Outdoor Courts)
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LED floodlights recommended.
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Provide at least 30–50 foot-candles for evening matches.
Estimated Cost:
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Backyard court: $4,000 – $10,000
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Professional court: $20,000+ depending on materials and location
Pickleball Court Equipment
Besides the court itself, essential equipment includes:
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Pickleball Net: Regulation height and width.
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Pickleball Paddles: Made of composite or graphite.
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Pickleball Balls: Plastic balls with 26–40 holes, indoor and outdoor versions differ.
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Court Accessories: Fencing, benches, and scoreboards for professional venues.
Finding Pickleball Courts Near You
As the sport grows, finding a pickleball court has become easier:
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Google Maps: Search “pickleball courts near me.”
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Pickleball Apps: Apps like PicklePlay list local courts and events.
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Community Centers: Many gyms are repurposing unused tennis courts for pickleball.
Tip: If your city lacks dedicated courts, check if tennis courts have temporary pickleball lines.
Common Mistakes in Pickleball Court Setup
Many new courts suffer from simple but costly mistakes:
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Incorrect net height, leading to unfair play.
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Improper court dimensions, making official games invalid.
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Poor surface quality, causing injuries or uneven bounces.
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Inadequate lighting, limiting playtime.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures a better experience for players and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Future of Pickleball Courts in 2025 and Beyond
The future of pickleball courts looks promising:
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Public investment: Cities worldwide are converting underused tennis courts into pickleball courts.
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School adoption: Pickleball is being added to physical education programs.
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Tournaments: Professional leagues and international competitions are boosting demand for standardized courts.
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Olympic Potential: With rising global popularity, there is growing discussion about including pickleball in future Olympic Games.
Conclusion
A pickleball court may be smaller than a tennis court, but it holds the key to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Understanding its dimensions, layout, and setup ensures fair play and a better experience for everyone from casual players to professionals.
Whether you’re planning to build your own pickleball court, find one nearby, or simply learn the rules, 2025 is the perfect time to get started. As the sport continues to expand, well-designed courts will play a central role in its future.
So grab your paddle, step onto the court, and experience why pickleball is capturing hearts across the globe.
