What is a Pickleball Court (And Find One Near You!)
A pickleball court is similar to a tennis court, but it's much smaller, making the game faster and easier to learn. The court is rectangular, with dimensions of 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. This size is perfect for the quick pace of pickleball, where players don't need to cover as much ground as they would on a tennis court. The court is divided into sections, with a net stretching across the middle. The net is 3 feet tall at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center, creating a lower barrier for the ball.
What Makes a Pickleball Court Unique?
One unique feature of a pickleball court is the “kitchen.” The kitchen refers to the 7-foot area on both sides of the net, where players are not allowed to volley the ball, meaning they can’t hit the ball out of the air before it bounces. This rule helps to prevent players from crowding the net and forces them to be strategic about when and where they hit the ball. The rest of the court is split into two main areas, the serving area and the playing area. The serving area is where players serve the ball from, and the playing area is where the majority of the action happens.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Courts
One of the biggest differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball courts is the material used for the court surface. Outdoor courts are typically made of concrete or asphalt, both of which are durable and easy to maintain. To ensure good grip and a smooth surface for play, outdoor courts are often coated with an acrylic surface.
Indoor courts, on the other hand, may have wooden floors or rubberized surfaces. The wooden floors are often the same as those found in gymnasiums, providing a smooth and predictable surface for the ball to bounce on. Rubber floors, commonly seen in multi-purpose sports facilities, offer more cushioning, which is easier on the joints and ideal for long, intense games.
How to Find a Pickleball Court Near You
If you're looking to play pickleball and want to find a court nearby, you’re in luck! There are plenty of ways to track one down! The simplest option is to use a search engine or map app. Just type “pickleball court near me” into Google or Apple Maps, and you'll be shown nearby locations with pickleball courts, along with their hours and ratings.
You can also use websites dedicated to pickleball, such as Places2Play or USA Pickleball, which have search tools that allow you to find courts based on your zip code or city. These sites are great because they keep an updated list of courts in your area and include pricing (if not free to play).
Another option is to check your local parks, gyms, or recreation centers. Many of these locations have dedicated pickleball courts. Popular courts include East Naples Community park in Naples, Florida and Sunset Park in Las Vegas, Nevada. East Naples hosts the annual US Open Pickleball Championships and Sunset Park features 20 public courts.
With the sport’s growing popularity, some cities are even in the process of adding more courts. If you live in a city or town where pickleball is on the rise, there may be some exciting news about upcoming courts being built in your area. Once you find a nearby court, grab your pickleball bag, and enjoy the game! Whether you’re playing for fun or getting serious about improving your skills, there’s always room for one more player on the court.
