Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular all the time. Last year, nearly 14 million people in the US participated in the sport. That’s an awful lot of players! That amazing number represents an increase of almost 52%, indicating that pickleball isn’t about to go away anytime soon.

Given this rapid growth, it’s likely you’ve heard of pickleball and may be wondering where you can play it. You may also wonder if it's possible to play pickleball on a tennis court. So, don’t go getting a “mid-court crisis” if you don’t  know. The following guide answers those two questions and a lot more.  

Official Pickleball Court Dimensions

To begin with, how big is a pickleball court anyway? Whether you're playing pickleball on a public court or planning your own pickleball court set up for business or home use, it’s good to know the standard dimensions for pickleball court size.

USA Pickleball Standards

For safety and maneuverability, you’ll want to construct a court that complies with USA Pickleball’s standards. Pickleball is played on a badminton-size court which is 44 feet by 20 feet. These pickleball court measurements include the 2-inch boundary lines.

Also, official USA Pickleball courts require five extra feet on the sidelines and eight feet past the baselines. This makes the court and out-of-bounds area a total of 30 feet by 60 feet. For professional tournaments, a total rectangle space of 34 feet by 64 feet is recommended.

Pickleball Court Features

A pickleball court has distinct features, including designated right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net known as the "kitchen." This zone adds an extra layer to pickleball that ups your gameplay strategy. 

Pickleball Net Height & Length

The pickleball net length and height are different from those used for tennis. A pickleball net is shorter, with a height of 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. In contrast, a tennis net remains consistently 36 inches in height across the court. When setting up pickleball on a tennis court, this slight difference in net height can be easily accommodated by lowering the tennis net in the middle or using portable pickleball nets.

Pickleball Orientation

There is nothing worse than squinting because of the sun’s glare in your eyes when you are trying to hit the ball. To prevent that when building your pickleball court, you’ll want to orient it properly to avoid the sun’s rays. A north-south orientation is the best way to go about this. Doing so will keep the pesky sunlight out of the eyes of players on both sides of the court. 

Pickleball Courts vs. Tennis Courts - How Do They Differ?

Can you play pickleball on a tennis court? The short answer is yes! However, there are some key differences between the two court types you’ll need to know and get used to before starting the game.

To begin with, a standard pickleball court measures 20 feet by 44 feet, while a doubles tennis court measures 36 feet by 78 feet. If you’ll notice, those dimensions mean a tennis court is significantly larger than one used for pickleball. 

Furthermore, pickleball nets are shorter, with a height of 34 inches in the middle, compared to tennis nets which stand at 36 inches. These differences in size and net height change how the game is played when using tennis courts for pickleball.

How to Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court

While many large tennis courts have 1-2 pickleball courts, you may still need to adapt a tennis court to play pickleball at times. In that case, you can easily make a few slight adjustments. Typically, players will mark off the pickleball court boundaries using chalk, rubber strips, or tape. 

If you’d like to know how to line a pickleball court on a tennis court, you might find the following article by USAPA helpful. 

If you want to enjoy the best playing experience, make sure the court is properly measured to 20 by 44 feet. Also, lower the tennis net to the right height for pickleball.

Also, one tennis court can usually accommodate two pickleball courts when divided. This action lets more people play at once. Owing to pickleball’s popularity, many parks and recreational facilities have started painting pickleball lines on tennis courts to make the transition much easier. 

Choosing the Best Pickleball Socks

You can build the best pickleball court, take pickleball lessons, and learn to play to the best of your ability. But the investment in time, money, and effort, will be wasted if you choose gear that makes you uncomfortable or increases your chance of injury. Great performance starts with your feet first. So, let’s begin with pickleball socks' key features, the bedrock of your pickleball program.

Key Features of Pickleball Socks

Here are some performance-enhancing features to look for when shopping for your socks:

• Prevents impacts and blisters.
• Wicks moisture away from your skin.
• Designed for maximum comfort.
• Prevents slippage during play.
• Features compression technology to improve circulation.
• Made from durable materials for long-lasting wear.

TRUEENERGY® Socks: The Best Choice for Pickleball

TRUEENERGY® Pickleball Socks check all the boxes for the key features of high-performance athletic socks.With a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, TRUEENERGY® has options that cater to every foot type and playing style. Experience the difference these socks can make in your game—where great performance truly starts feet first.

Basic Rules of Pickleball

Like any sport, pickleball has a set of rules that govern gameplay. If you're new to the game, here's a snapshot of the basic rules of pickleball.

Court and Equipment

Pickleball is played on a badminton-size court (20 feet x 44 feet) with a net height of 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. The game uses paddles and a plastic ball with holes.

Serving

The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle below the waist. It must be served diagonally across the court and land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court. Servers only get one attempt per turn. 

Two-Bounce Rule

In pickleball, the ball must bounce once on each side before either team can volley. This means that players are not allowed to hit the ball in the air without letting it bounce until after this two-bounce rule has been observed.

Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players cannot volley the ball while standing within this zone. However, they are allowed to enter the non-volley zone to play a ball, provided it has already bounced. 

Scoring

Points in pickleball can only be scored by the serving team. Games are generally played to 11 points, and to win, a team must lead by at least 2 points.

Faults

A fault occurs when the ball is hit out of bounds, fails to clear the net, is volleyed from within the non-volley zone, or is volleyed before a bounce has occurred on each side of the net.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

if you're new to the game, there are a few things you can do to improve your game and avoid common mistakes.

• Practice Your Serve: A consistent serve is crucial. Practice serving diagonally and keeping the ball low.
• Stay Out of the Kitchen: Avoid stepping into the non-volley zone unless the ball has bounced there. This will help you avoid faults.
• Communicate with Your Partner: If you’re playing doubles, communication is key. Decide who will take shots down the middle and call out shots to avoid confusion.
• Move to the Net: After the serve and return, try to move towards the net. This position allows you to control the game better and make more aggressive shots.
• Stay Light on Your Feet: Be ready to move quickly. Pickleball requires agility and quick reflexes.

If you want a visual guide, you might find this video tutorial helpful.

Improve Your Pickleball Game with TRUEENERGY® Socks 

When it comes to playing pickleball, the right socks can make all the difference in your performance and comfort on the court. TRUEENERGY® offers a range of Men’s & Women’s Pickleball & Tennis Socks designed specifically to enhance your game. These socks aren’t just about comfort—they’re packed with innovative features that help you play longer, recover faster, and stay energized throughout your match.

With them, you get an ultimate blend of comfort, support, and technology to keep you performing at your best. From impact protection and blister prevention to enhanced circulation and moisture control, TRUEENERGY® Socks help you stay on your game longer and recover faster. Pick up a pair on your way out today!

FAQs

What are the dimensions of a pickleball court?

Regulation pickleball court sizes measure 44 feet by 20 feet. Those measurements include the 2-inch boundary lines. The square footage of a pickleball court totals 880 ft², providing plenty of room for players to maneuver around the court safely.

Also, official USA Pickleball courts require five extra feet on the sidelines and eight feet past the baselines. This makes the court and out-of-bounds area a total of 30 feet by 60 feet. For professional tournaments, a total rectangular space of 34 feet by 64 feet is recommended.

What is the cheapest way to make a pickleball court?

Having a contractor build your pickleball court will run you about $30K to $50K. A more cost-effective option is the do-it-yourself approach. 

This approach requires some skill with tools and materials, as well as access to helpful resources like blueprints and instructional videos. A small court with minimal construction will cost you from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. 

Before starting, it's recommended to consult the official USA Pickleball website. They offer a wealth of information for building a court on your own, including a construction manual available for purchase.

How small can you make a pickleball court?

Typically, pickleball players will mark off the pickleball court boundaries with temporary lines, using chalk or tape. If you want to ensure the best playing experience, make sure the court is properly measured to match the dimensions of a standard pickleball court (20 by 44 feet). 

Also, lower the tennis net to the appropriate height for pickleball. You can also use portable nets if you don’t want to lower the nets. 

Are indoor pickleball court dimensions the same as outdoor court dimensions?

Yes, both are 44 feet long by 20 feet wide rectangles. The biggest difference is that outdoor courts are better designed for the challenges of wind resistance. 

Can a tennis court double as a pickleball court?

Yes. One tennis court can typically accommodate two pickleball courts when divided, allowing more people to play at once. 

What games can you play on a tennis court?

With a few adjustments, tennis courts can be used for a variety of sports and activities, including pickleball, badminton & other racquet sports, volleyball, and fitness activities like yoga and boot camp exercises.

Why is pickleball taking over tennis courts?

The main reason is that their dimensions are similar, making them easy to change from one to the other. While a tennis court is larger, you can easily adapt it to pickleball with chalk, tape, and a portable net or lowering the net. 

Why is pickleball growing in popularity?

Mainly, it’s because it is so much fun and has a short learning curve. Additionally, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or master any advanced techniques to start enjoying it! 

What are the key differences between pickleball and tennis courts?

Pickleball and tennis courts differ in size and net height. A standard pickleball court is 20 by 44 feet, while a doubles tennis court is 36 by 78 feet. Additionally, pickleball nets are 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center, while a tennis net is 36 inches high throughout. 

Can you use TRUEENERGY® pickleball socks to play tennis?

Absolutely! TRUEENERGY® Pickleball Socks offer features like protection and moisture-wicking fabric, Plus, tennis and pickleball players can harness powerful True-X technology compression and infra-red technology in TRUEENERGY® Socks for better energy, performance, and recovery.