Pickleball can be enjoyed casually against a wall or with friends on any flat surface. But for official matches, a dedicated Pickleball court with specific dimensions and markings is essential. Here's a breakdown of the key features:
Boundary Lines:
- White Lines: All court markings are bright white, clearly defining the playing area.
- In or Out: The ball is considered "in" if any part of it lands on the line, and "out" if it lands completely outside.
Baseline:
- Court Ends: The baseline marks each end of the court. It stretches 20 feet in length.
- Serving Zone: During a serve, both the server's feet must be positioned behind the baseline.
Baseline Center Mark:
- Serving Placement: This mark divides the baseline in half. Servers must diagonally serve the ball into the opposing service box based on their side of the court (right side serves to left service box, and vice versa). Games begin with a serve from the right side of the court.
Sidelines:
- Court Length: These lines mark the outer edges of the court, running 22 feet along each side of the net and 44 feet down the entire court length for all matches.
Center Service Line:
- Serving Division: This line separates the two service boxes on each side of the court.
Court Surfaces:
Pickleball courts come in various surface materials, with the three main options being:
- Concrete: A common and durable choice for outdoor courts.
- Asphalt: Another popular outdoor surface option.
- Polished Wood: Often used for indoor courts, offering a faster playing experience.
The Net:
The net height remains consistent across the court:
- 36 inches: Net height at the sidelines.
- 34 inches: Net height at the center.
Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen):
- Restricted Area: This 7-foot zone extends on either side of the net. Players are prohibited from volleying the ball (hitting the ball before it bounces) while standing in this area.
Service Boxes:
- Serving Zones: These are the designated areas where a legal serve must land. There are two service boxes on each side of the court, each measuring 15 feet in length and 10 feet in width.
- Diagonal Serving: The server stands beside the Baseline Center Mark and serves diagonally into the opposite service box.
- Alternating Sides: After each point, the server switches sides (right to left and vice versa).
- Kitchen Fault: A service landing on the kitchen line is considered a fault (out).
By understanding the Pickleball court's layout and markings, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the game and strategize your shots effectively.