Description
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in New Zealand and globally. Its compact court size, simple rules, and minimal equipment requirements make it ideal for residential homes, schools, councils, clubs, and commercial developments.
This Pickleball 101 guide covers official court dimensions, layout, rules, paddles, balls, and essential equipment, providing a complete reference for anyone planning, building, or playing pickleball.
Standard Pickleball Court Dimensions
Pickleball courts follow the same dimensions worldwide for both indoor and outdoor play.
Court size: 13.41 m × 6.10 m (44 ft × 20 ft)
Same size as a badminton doubles court
Used for singles and doubles
Recommended Run-Off Space
Ideal total area: 18.3 m × 9.1 m
Minimum clearance: 1.5–2.0 m on all sides
Correct clearance is important for safety, especially for permanent and commercial installations.
Pickleball Court Layout
The Non-Volley Zone (The “Kitchen”)
2.13 m (7 ft) from the net on each side
Players cannot volley while standing in this zone
Encourages strategy and longer rallies
Service Courts
Divided into left and right service boxes
Serves must be diagonal
The serve must clear the kitchen line
Court Lines
Baselines and sidelines define play boundaries
All lines are considered in
Pickleball Net Height
Sidelines: 914 mm (36")
Centre: 864 mm (34")
The lower centre net height supports controlled play and consistent rallies.
Pickleball Rules – 101 Overview
Serving Rules
Underhand serve only
Paddle contacts ball below the navel
At least one foot behind the baseline
Serve must land diagonally
One serve attempt (excluding lets)
The Double Bounce Rule
Receiving team lets the serve bounce once
Serving team lets the return bounce once
Volleys allowed after two bounces
This rule keeps rallies accessible and balanced for all skill levels.
Pickleball Scoring System
Games typically played to 11 points
Must win by 2 points
Only the serving team scores
Doubles teams receive two serves, except at the start of the game
Score format:
Server score – Receiver score – Server number
Pickleball Paddles (Bats)
Pickleball paddles (also known as bats) are solid-faced paddles with no strings.
Paddle Size Regulations
Maximum combined length and width: 610 mm (24")
Typical paddle size: approx. 400 mm long × 190 mm wide
Paddle Core Materials
Polymer core – softer feel, quieter play
Nomex core – firmer feel, louder impact
Aluminium core – lightweight and controlled
Paddle Face Materials
Fibreglass
Carbon fibre
Composite laminates
Paddle Weight Ranges
Light: 200–215 g (control-focused)
Mid: 215–230 g (balanced play)
Heavy: 230+ g (power-focused)
Pickleball Balls
Pickleball balls are perforated plastic balls designed for consistent bounce and flight.
Outdoor Pickleball Balls
Smaller holes
Heavier construction
Better wind resistance
Used on acrylic or PP tile courts
Indoor Pickleball Balls
Larger holes
Lighter weight
Softer bounce
Designed for smooth indoor surfaces
Using the correct ball improves performance and reduces surface wear.
Additional Pickleball Equipment
Net systems (portable or permanent)
Court surfaces (acrylic, PP interlocking tiles, or indoor flooring)
Court line markings
Sports lighting for evening play
Fencing, seating, and shade structures
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Outdoor Courts
Acrylic or PP interlocking sports tiles
Heavier pickleballs
Drainage and UV resistance important
Indoor Courts
Timber, vinyl, or multi-sport flooring
Lighter pickleballs
Faster rallies due to controlled conditions
Common Pickleball Court Installations
Dedicated pickleball courts
Tennis court conversions
Permanent tiled courts
Temporary or pop-up courts
Social and commercial pickleball precincts
Why Standard Pickleball Specifications Matter
Using correct court sizing and approved equipment:
Ensures consistent gameplay
Supports coaching and organised play
Improves safety and durability
Protects long-term facility value
