How Big Is a Pickleball Court? A Comparison with Tennis and Badminton Courts
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world—and for good reason. It's fun, easy to learn, and suitable for all ages. But how big is a pickleball court, and how does it compare to a tennis or badminton court?
Let’s break it down.
📏 Pickleball Court Dimensions
A standard New Zealand pickleball court measures:
- Length: 13.41 metres (44 feet)
- Width: 6.10 metres (20 feet)
- Recommended total area: 18 x 9 metres (60 x 30 feet), including run off space around the court
This is the same size as a badminton doubles court, but much smaller than a tennis court.
There’s also a non-volley zone, commonly called the kitchen, which extends 2.13 metres (7 feet) from each side of the net. Players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball in the air) from within this area.
🎾 Comparison to Tennis and Badminton Courts
| Feature | Pickleball | Tennis (Singles) | Badminton (Doubles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 13.41 m (44 ft) | 23.77 m (78 ft) | 13.41 m (44 ft) |
| Width | 6.10 m (20 ft) | 8.23 m (27 ft) | 6.10 m (20 ft) |
| Net Height (centre) | 0.86 m (34 in) | 0.91 m (36 in) | 1.52 m (5 ft) |
| Total Area (court) | 82 m² | 196 m² (singles court) | 82 m² |
So, a pickleball court is less than half the size of a tennis court, making it ideal for smaller spaces and recreational areas.
Pickleball Net Size
The pickleball net has the following dimensions:
- Height at the sidelines: 0.91 metres (36 inches)
- Height at the centre: 0.86 metres (34 inches)
- Length: 6.7 metres (22 feet), allowing it to extend slightly beyond each sideline
This makes it lower than both tennis and badminton nets, allowing for a quicker-paced, more accessible game.
🛠 What You Need to Play Pickleball in NZ
To get started, you’ll need:
- Paddles – A solid paddle with a short handle
- Pickleballs – Hollow plastic balls with holes (different for indoor vs outdoor play)
- A net – Portable systems are easy to set up on tennis or netball courts
- A surface – Pickleball works well on concrete, asphalt, or wooden floors. Many Kiwi players use masking tape or chalk to mark out temporary lines.
Where Can I Buy Pickleball Sets?
Titan Sports NZ offers a full range of pickleball equipment and sets to suit every player — from pickleball beginners picking up a paddle for the first time to advanced players seeking top-of-the-line performance paddles. Our sets include high-quality paddles, competition approved nets and pickleballs, making it easy to get everything you need in one place.
🏠 Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?
Yes! Many pickleball players use tape or chalk to mark out pickleball lines on a tennis court. A standard tennis court can fit two pickleball courts side by side, making it perfect for group games and community setups.
🇳🇿 Playing on Existing Courts in NZ
You can easily set up two pickleball courts on one tennis court by drawing temporary lines and using portable nets. This is perfect for:
- School PE classes
- Local clubs and retirement villages
- Weekend fun in the backyard or driveway
Pickleball is gaining traction across Aotearoa, and its smaller court size makes it an ideal sport for clubs, communities, and casual players. Last time I counted there was over 100 pickleball clubs around NZ - the Pickleball Association of NZ has a comprehensive list of places you can play pickleball in New Zealand, it's easy to get a game going—all you need is a paddle, a ball, and a few mates keen to play.
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