Pickleball Courts 101 – From Kitchen Line to Bottom Line
When was the last time you really stopped to think about the court beneath your feet? For pickleball players, the court isn’t just a surface; it’s the canvas where every dink, drive, and rally comes to life. But why are pickleball courts smaller than tennis courts? Or, are the nets lower? Whether you’re a newbie wondering what the “kitchen” is or someone dreaming of building your own backyard court, it’s time to dig into the details and uncover what makes a pickleball court the perfect stage for America’s favorite paddle sport.
The origins of the pickleball court (and size)
To understand a pickleball court, you first need to understand its history.
Ever wonder why a pickleball court is the size that it is? Turns out, the dimensions weren’t plucked out of thin air; they were determined by a mix of practicality, convenience, and pure DIY brilliance. Back in 1965, when Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented the game on Bainbridge Island, Washington, they weren’t trying to set international standards. They were just trying to keep their families entertained with a game that worked in a compact space.
The original court setup? A repurposed badminton court. The net stayed in place, but instead of rackets and feathered shuttlecocks, they experimented with wooden paddles and a perforated plastic ball (AKA Whiffle ball). Badminton dimensions just made sense, and lo and behold, the now-familiar pickleball court size was cemented (literally and figuratively).
The original pickleball court created in Bainbridge Island, WA
Why is it smaller than a tennis court? Think about it — pickleball was designed to be simple, accessible, and easy to play in tighter spaces. Plus, smaller means less running, which is perfect for players who enjoy the strategy of the game without feeling like they’re training for a marathon.
The “kitchen” area, or non-volley zone, was another strategic addition aimed at leveling the playing field. By forcing players to keep their heavy-hitting volleys further back, it made the game less about brute strength and more about finesse.
Fun fact: The name “kitchen” has murky origins but likely borrows from shuffleboard, another classic game where it refers to a penalty zone.
Those backyard badminton innovators might not have guessed they were shaping the official court size of what would become America’s fastest-growing sport, but their ingenious simplicity remains at the heart of pickleball’s charm today.
Pickleball court size
So, now that you know a bit more behind the reason for the pickleball court size, what are the dimensions of a pickleball court? The court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, including the lines. To put that in perspective, it’s roughly the size of a badminton court, but with less leaping and more strategic dinking.
Here’s a quick layout for clarity:
Kitchen (non-volley zone): A 7-foot area near the net where you absolutely cannot volley the ball. In other words, if the ball hasn’t bounced, the kitchen is renounced.
Service areas: These are divided into left and right halves and take up most of the real estate on each side of the net. It’s the battle ground you fight in while approaching the kitchen.
Baselines: The boundary lines at the back of the court where you’ll likely remain during a game as a newbie.
Pro tip? Those lines aren’t just decorative. If the ball touches a line, it’s considered “in,” so precision matters.
You’re now a pickleball court expert
It’s time for you to brag …
Plant this puppy on the wall next to your diploma — you’ve earned it.
Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
If you’ve been playing on makeshift pickleball setups on tennis courts, you’re in good company. Plenty of pickleball players start here because of convenience. But here’s the deal: A tennis court is twice as large as a pickleball court. This means when temporary pickleball lines are drawn, it can feel like playing in a giant backyard when you’re aiming for cozy kitchen rallies.
Another subtle difference? Net height. While tennis nets are 36 inches across, pickleball nets dip slightly lower at 34 inches in the center. That two-inch drop doesn’t sound like much, until it takes your perfect smash shot from “game winner” to heartbreakingly “off the net.”
Dedicated courts exist for a reason. They’re built for those tight, tense plays that define pickleball. Plus, fewer turf wars with tennis players is always a win.
What’s the pickleball court surface made of?
The gold standard for pickleball court surfaces? Acrylic. Yep, the same stuff gracing tennis and outdoor basketball courts. Acrylic coatings are durable and provide just enough grit for traction while allowing the ball to bounce predictably.
As for the base of the court, they come in 2 varieties:
Concrete: Provides for a durable and consistent base that’s easy to maintain.
Asphalt: A bit more forgiving and less expensive than concrete, but also requires more upkeep.
Sport court tiles: Alternatively, you can skip the acrylic overlay altogether with a modular sport court tiles. These are easy to install and maintain, but tend to perform differently than standard court surfaces.
For the pickleball purists, the court surface is everything. A slightly rough texture ensures the ball behaves consistently, while softer materials reduce joint strain during long rallies.
What’s the cost of building a pickleball court?
Got dreams of constructing your own pickleball paradise? Building a single pickleball court can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $65,000, depending on factors like location, material choices, and finishing touches (e.g., fencing and lighting). Also worth mentioning, you’ll need a total area of at least 30 x 60 feet to ensure you can get in your ATPs from time to time.
Here’s the breakdown:
Base construction: Laying asphalt or concrete is the priciest step, running $8,000-$15,000.
Acrylic surface coating: Adds another $2,500-$6,000 to the tab.
Net system: An additional $200-$500 for a good-quality setup.
Extras: Fencing, lighting, or custom designs can easily add $10,000+.
Of course, costs vary wildly depending on where you live and whether you’re hiring pros or going full DIY. Either way, it’s an investment that pays off in the form satisfying your pickleball addiction.
Pickleball court stats and fun facts
Before you run off to your next pickleball session, jot down a few of these interesting (and mostly useless) stats and fun facts about pickleball courts:
Number of pickleball courts in the US: As of this year, there are over 70,641 pickleball courts in the U.S., a whopping 55% increase from just a few years ago. 1Fastest growing sport: Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the U.S. for the past 4 years. Source: USA Pickleball
Growth of pickleball facilities: The US saw a 55% year-over-year growth in dedicated pickleball facilities in 2024, reflecting the sport's booming popularity.
State with most pickleball courts: Florida leads the nation with 1,228 pickleball locations, followed by California with 1,223.
City with most pickleball courts: Houston, TX, is currently holds the lead for the most pickleball facilities in a single city, with 70 locations.
Economic Impact: In 2024, USA Pickleball supported the development of over $300 million in new pickleball facilities, including regional and sector-level venues.
