Whether you’re an experienced pickleball player or a novice just picking up the sport, it’s important to understand the basics of a pickleball court before you start playing.
Knowing the rules of the game will help you stay focused on your strategy, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun! A pickleball court has 6 distinct parts that all work together to create the perfect environment.
Let’s break down each part and how it contributes to the game.
What Is the Difference Between a Pickleball Court and a Badminton Court?
Pickleball and badminton are two popular racquet sports. Each sport requires a different size and shape court in order to fit the appropriate measurements of both sports.
A pickleball court is traditionally 44 feet long by 20 feet wide. A badminton court must be wider and longer at 44 feet by 17.5 feet. While pickleball fans are concerned with their smaller court size. They will be pleased to learn that the net actually hangs lower than that of a badminton court.
Pickleball nets hang at 34 inches in height compared to the five-foot height of badminton nets.
The ball sizes differ as well, with pickleballs being made from hard plastic compared to the shuttlecock favored for use in badminton – though this does mean that badminton games tend to last longer due to the lower trajectory of its ball. Ultimately, there are distinct differences between a pickleball and a badminton court which set each one apart from the other.
What Is the Difference Between Indoor Pickleball and Outdoor Pickleball?
Indoor and outdoor pickleball may appear to be very similar, but there are differences between the two.
While indoor pickleball is usually played on a badminton court, outdoor pickleball is generally played on a tennis court. Additionally, indoor pickleball requires players to use hard paddles and indoor balls to play, while outdoor pickleball necessitates softer paddles and high-density balls for optimal performance. The rules for the sport may also differ; indoor pickleball typically follows the International Federation of Pickleball rules, while outdoor games use United States of America Pickleball Association guidelines.
Ultimately, whether a game takes place indoors or outdoors affects the necessary gear and regulations in order to play pickleball successfully.
Parts of A Pickleball Court
To help you visualize the pickleball court whilst reading through the article. We created this graphic with all the labels and measurements of the court.
The Net
The net is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a pickleball court. It’s also one of the most important parts! The net should be hung 36 inches high in the center and should extend 34 feet across from one side to another. It’s essential to make sure that the net is properly hung so that it isn’t too low or too high, which can potentially interfere with gameplay.
The Court Boundaries
The court boundaries are what define the physical space where players can play their game. The boundary lines are typically marked with tape or spray paint on both sides of the net, indicating where players can stand while they’re playing. This helps ensure that everyone stays within their designated area so that everyone enjoys safe, fair gameplay.
The Service Line
The service line is 7 feet from either side of the net. This line indicates where each player must stand when they are serving for each point in order for it to be considered legal and valid.
Players must serve diagonally from one side of the court across to their opponent’s side in order for their serve to be considered legal and valid. If a player serves from outside this area, then their serve won’t count as a point and will have to be replayed until it’s done correctly. For you to know better about the service line we have here serving rules in pickleball.
It’s important to understand left service court and right service court rules. In pickleball, when a team scores a point while they were serving the pickleball, they retain the serve and start on the opposite side of their courts. The left service court rules apply only when players still remain on pickleball court 1 while the right service court rules apply only when pickleball players move to pickleball court 2. Subsequently, those who understand pickleball etiquette may better compete in pickleball games!
The Baseline
The baseline is located at both ends of the court and marks where each team should stand when receiving a serve or during regular play. The baseline should always remain parallel with either side of the net, creating two separate halves on either side of it – called left-side baselines and right-side baselines so that players know exactly where they should stand during gameplay.
The Centerline
The centerline divides the two halves of each team’s baseline into two equal sections – left-side baselines and right-side baselines – so that players know exactly where they should stand during gameplay. This line also helps keep track of which team is responsible for serving which ball (i.e., if Team A serves first then Team B must return).
No Volley Zone
Lastly, there is a no-volley zone (also known as “the kitchen”) located on both sides of the net. Near its center position this area prohibits any volleys from being made while inside it. If a player does attempt to volley from within this zone then it will not count as a legal point.
The Ball
Pickleballs are made from plastic polymer with a hollow center filled with air. They are round with 26 holes in them which helps them achieve their unique bounce and spin characteristics. According to official rules, they must weigh between 0.8 ounces (22g) and 1 ounce (28g). Additionally, they must have a diameter between 2⅞ inches (73mm) and 3 inches (76mm).
The Paddle
Pickleball paddles come in many shapes and sizes but all adhere to certain guidelines set forth by governing bodies.
Generally speaking, paddles are made out of composite materials. Like graphite or aluminum core with some kind of rubber face material attached on top for extra spin control and power potential. Paddles must measure between 7-15 inches long while also being 8 inches wide maximum. Any bigger than this size will not be allowed on the court during competitive play. As far as grip size goes, this will depend entirely on personal preference.
Most players use 4 1/4″ because it allows them to generate lots of speed without sacrificing control too much. Some people even go down as small as 3 5/8″! That’s why trying out different paddle models before buying is so important!
Playing The Game
Pickleball can either be played as singles or doubles teams depending on preference. However, standard scoring is done using a 15-point system. Where winning points must exceed two points more than your opponent’s score. If one team has 14 points then their opponents must reach 16 points before being declared victorious. Additionally, certain rules apply such as serving diagonally across the net instead of straight down it like in tennis or badminton games.
Conclusion
No matter how new or experienced you are at playing pickleball. Knowing all parts of a pickleball court is essential for ensuring an enjoyable game every time. Becoming familiar with each element will help you become a more focused athlete. While understanding why these elements exist will help you become an even better one! So get out there and show off your knowledge on your next match you got this!
