According to the Professional Pickleball Association, pickleball net height is 34 inches at the center and 36 inches at the sidelines. This is slightly lower than the net height for tennis, which is 36 inches at the center and 42 inches at the sides. The lower net height in pickleball is designed to make it easier for players to make contact with the ball, as the shorter net allows for more space to make a shot.

Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Net height is a key aspect of pickleball, as it ensures fair and consistent play. In addition to having the net set at the right height, there are other important steps to take to make sure you’re developing your game in the right way. 

PICKLEBALL NET HEIGHT

The importance of pickleball net height 

Proper pickleball net height might be more important than you think. There are lots of reasons you want to get it right, but topping the list is player safety. A net that is too high can pose a threat to players by forcing them to hit the ball higher and risking hitting their opponents in the face or head. 

Beyond keeping players from getting sidelined with injuries, net height is important for helping you play your best game and improve your pickleball skills. Having the correct net height also ensures that the game is played fairly and according to the rules. Playings on nets that are too high or too low may give an unfair advantage to players used to playing on those different heights. Further, if players used to playing on nets that are the wrong height venture out to play on courts set up to regulation, they may struggle to adjust their game. 

How to set up a pickleball net

In addition to the official net height guidelines, there are also a few other considerations to keep in mind when setting up a pickleball net. The net should be taut and evenly hung across the entire width of the court. A saggy or uneven net can make it difficult for players to accurately judge the trajectory of the ball and nail those game winning shots.

The net should also be properly anchored to the ground. An easy way to do this is by using poles or stakes, which will keep the net securely in place. It’s important to find the sweet spot between loose and tight — too much of either condition can make it difficult for players to make shots.

If you’re not playing on a designated court, make sure to pick a good surface to set up a pickleball net. The official rules outlined in the USA Pickleball manual specify that the net should be set up on a flat, smooth surface. This is so that the ball bounces evenly and consistently, which is important for fair play.

More rules for regulation pickleball courts

Once you figure out net height, you’ll still have a few factors to check if you want to make sure you’re playing on a standard size court. According to the official rules of the game, a regulation pickleball court is rectangular in shape and measures 20 feet by 44 feet for singles play, and 20 feet by 64 feet for doubles play.

The lines that make up the court boundaries should be 2 inches thick — this is especially important since balls that land on any part of the line are in play. If you make them too thick, you’ll end up expanding the footprint of the court beyond the right size! 

Conclusion 

A great game of pickleball starts with having the right set up. Following the guidelines for setting up a pickleball net and considering factors such as tautness, anchoring, and surface type, will make each game as optimal as possible and that players are able to make shots comfortably and accurately. Nail the right net height, and have peace of mind that each game is safe and that every victory is won fair and square.