One of the best features of pickleball, the fastest growing sport, is that it can be played almost anywhere. And while playing pickleball by yourself is not particularly enjoyable, building up your own pickleball court may be a satisfying do-it-yourself activity. With some know-how and the proper area, you can have a temporary court or permanent outdoor pickleball court to play pickleball and welcome friends and enjoy the game.
Step-By-Step To Build Your Pickleball Court
The following guide will help you with building a pickleball court:
Step 1: Determine your space
Will you transform a tennis court or badminton court into a pickleball court? Are you constructing a multi-court facility? Are you constructing a whole new court? Despite the circumstances, it is essential to bear in mind the normal size of courts and then modify them for your project’s specific requirements.
For instance, if you wish to play pickleball on a tennis court, it can be readily separated into four pickleball courts so that you can play numerous games concurrently.
Or, if you are constructing a multi-court pickleball system, the structure and dimensions would be identical to those of a single court. The main difference is that you’ll be constructing numerous courts on a greater scale and require padding barriers between each court.
Below are the official court dimensions to keep in note:
- Official pickleball court dimensions: Pickleball court standard size for singles and doubles play are 20 by 44 feet.
- Pickleball Net 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
- Now, next is about the pickleball playing area. The standard dimensions for transforming a tennis court to a pickleball court are 30 by 60 feet. However 34 by 64 feet is preferred for tournament play or if you will be installing a separate pickleball court.
Step 2: Choosing the surface materials
Whether constructing a new outdoor court from the start or resurfacing an existing one, you must select the best court surface. Common varieties of pickleball surface materials include the following:
- Concrete: This outdoor court surface is the most durable and cost-effective option.
- Asphalt: This might be an excellent alternative if you wish to save money, but it requires greater maintenance.
- Snap-Together Plastic: When you do not wish to modify a multi-use court’s surface permanently, you can apply snap-together over asphalt or concrete.
Step 3: Choosing perimeter fencing
Multi-court pickleball requires fencing to restrict the ball within the playing area and offer security for both players and spectators. So there is a range of fencing options for pickleball courts. But wire fences are among the most prevalent since they permit spectators and players to see the inside and outside of the court. Further, they also enable light to travel through readily.
A professional knowledgeable about the construction of pickleball courts can assist you in selecting and installing a pickleball fence. Just ensure that it is coated with rust-resistant materials to protect the players.
The ideal height for pickleball fencing is 10 feet. However, 4 feet may suffice if the fence’s top is padded.
Step 4: Lighting your outdoor pickleball court
The lighting procedure for pickleball courts is very consistent. Each pickleball court must be equipped with two 1,500-watt light poles. Assure that each pole is between 18 and 20 feet tall, installed in the middle, and at least 24 inches from the court.
Step 5: Purchase pickleball net systems
After deciding your area, surface, and court materials, the next step is to speak to an expert for assistance in selecting the best pickleball net system. So there are a variety of pickleball poles and systems available, and each has unique qualities. On the other hand, outdoor pickleball poles are built to survive the weather for extended periods. A whole outdoor pickleball net system comprises the following components:
- Two poles
- One ratchet
- One outdoor pickleball net
- Sleeves (may or may not be necessary)
Step 6: Setting your pickleball court
Now that you have your space and other equipment ready, start setting up the court.
1. Employ a qualified contractor:
Installing a pickleball net system could be simple if you’re establishing a net and painting the surface for a single court in your backyard. However, hiring a qualified contractor can guarantee everything is installed and set up correctly for leisure centers, clubs, and school pickleball.
2. Orient your court in a north-south direction:
Outdoor pickleball courts are primarily subject to environmental factors that might hinder players’ eyesight (sun position, shadows projected onto the court surface, etc.). Thus it’s crucial to position your outdoor court north-south.
3. White and 2 inches-wide court lines:
You can draw marker or pickleball lines with sidewalk chalk, green tape, contractor’s blue #1 chalk dust, orange masking tape, and acrylic paint. Further, it is important to use measuring tape to accurately draw the lines.
The conventional pickleball court lines involve:
Baselines: On both ends of the court, the baselines are parallel to the pickleball net.
Sidelines: On both pickleball court sides, the sideline is perpendicular to the net.
Non-Volley Line: These lines must be parallel to the net and 7 feet from the net on either net’s sides between the sidelines.
Non-Volley Zone: The net, the non-volley line, and two sidelines surround the non-volley zone. It measures 20 feet by 7 feet. It spans the court’s width and measures precisely 7 feet on each of the net’s sides for a total length of 14 feet. Also known as the kitchen, it should be painted an even color on both sides of the net, contrasting with the pickleball court’s body.
The left service area comprises the left sideline, baseline, and centerline. Yet, the kitchen lines are not included in the service area as they are located directly beneath the kitchen. The width and length of the left and right service sections are 10 feet wide and 15 feet long, respectively. The right service area comprises the right sideline, baseline, and centerline. It is 10 feet in width and 15 feet in length, including the lines.
Centerlines: The lines on every side of the net that runs between the baseline and the no-volley line.
Service Courts: Situated on each side of the centerline and bordered by the sideline, non-volley line, and the baseline.
Finally, implement the USA Pickleball Association’s court layout requirements to verify that everything is set up according to pickleball’s official specifications.
Get Started With Pickleball Game
Pickleball paddles and balls are available from various sports goods outlets, both in-store and online. If you are new to the game and wish to try it, you may get a beginner pickleball kit like this one, which contains enough paddles and balls for four players.
