The pickleball court is a hot topic today. I get that’s a strange sentence, but it’s true! With so many questions out there, we decided to throw together a little guide to help orient y’all and answer any questions out there. Let’s get into it.

THE PICKLEBALL COURT

pickleball court BAsics

The most important feature of a pickleball court is the no-volley zone. This 7 foot stretch on either side of the net also known as the kitchen has a set of rules that basically defines game play. Players have to let the ball bounce before hitting it in this zone, but can’t step into it. If you want a winning pickleball strategy, it starts with dominating this area.

These courts are also smaller than other racquet sport courts, measuring 20×44 feet. Players have less ground to cover, which speeds up rallies and makes for a thrilling game to play and watch. The smaller court size also makes the game accessible to all types of players.

Since it doesn’t require lots of running or jumping, it’s easier on the joints. It’s not uncommon to see a couple of old-timers running the courts and putting more athletic but less experienced players to shame… not like I’m speaking from experience or anything.

Best surface to play pickleball on

Unless you happen to site on your communities Park and Rec. board, most of the time you don’t get much say in this. But in most cases, folks tend to use the same materials.

Outdoor pickleball courts are usually made of asphalt or concrete. If you thought these two things were the same, you’re not alone. The difference between the two is that asphalt is petroleum-based while concrete is made of cement. While there are pros and cons to consider if you’re building a court, playing on either one offers the same experience.

Occasionally, you’ll find courts outdoors built with special material just for pickleball. These are rare, but becoming more common. The benefit of them is that they help with gameplay, last longer, and are easier on the joints. Oh and they look pretty sweet too.

Indoor courts are where things can really shake up. Depending on where you go, courts can be made of wood, tile, or sport court surfaces. Wood or tile can offer a softer surface, but can be slippery when wet. There are sport court surfaces designed specifically for pickleball, but you won’t always find these. Either way, an indoor court that lets you play when it’s wet out is better than not playing at all. So if you can find a space, snag a portable net, some cones, and go have yourself a day.

The difference between pickleball and tennis courts

Pickleball and tennis courts are like looking at siblings. While there are lots of similarities, they have unique features that tailor them their game.

Let’s start with size. Court dimensions for pickleball are smaller, measuring 20×44 feet for doubles, while tennis courts are 78 feet long and 36 feet wide. Like we mentioned before, pickleball courts also have the no-volley zone on either side of the net which tennis does not use.

The last major (or minor depending on how you look at it) difference is the net. In pickleball the net height is lower, measuring 34 inches at the center, compared to 36 inches for tennis. While two inches may not seem like a big deal, it makes a difference during intense rallies. Players using dink shots to land the ball as close to the net as possible will hit cross court to take advantage the lower height.

Pickleball is getting more popular, but tennis courts are still more common. If you can’t a place to pickle, you can still play pickleball on a tennis court. It just takes a little extra setup or if you’re not fussy, a little extra movement.

How to find a pickleball court near me

The simple answer is Google. Just google it. I know you don’t need me to tell you that, but I’m going to anyway. With that said, if your search leaves you empty, there are a couple of options you can try.

There are websites that have tools that search for courts and can sometimes uncover ones that Google doesn’t know about. Global pickleball has one here you can try.

Another is to search for tennis courts. Like we mentioned before it is possible to adapt a tennis court for pickleball, but tennis players don’t always like this. If you’re going to hi-jack one of their courts, I’d recommend choosing one without many people.

Another option is to buy your own net and mark out a surface with cones on a basketball court or parking lot. This option is my favorite because it allows you to be in control of the court and not have to share it with other picklers or tennis players. It only works if you have four players, so make sure to bring your friends.

Finally, if you have the money, time, and experience, you can build your own pickleball court right in your yard. This is no small effort, but let me tell ya, the juice is worth the squeeze. I guarantee you’ll become the most popular house on your block.

Wrap up

I think that’s it? If you have questions or topics we didn’t cover, drop it into the comments section. Now go find a court and get picklin’!