There is no doubt that pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. However, very little is known about how a pickleball court is constructed and the rules of pickleball. The game of pickleball has similarities to other sports, but it is unique in its own way.
If youre considering playing or creating your pickleball court, you may wonder how high is a pickleball net. So, lets get started!
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How High Is a Pickleball Net?
Approximately 34 inches of pickleball net hang in the centre of the court, while 36 inches of pickleball net hang at each sideline.
Similarly to tennis, pickleball has two different nets, one for the middle of the court and another for the sidelines. Since the ball can be hit lower down the middle of the court, it is advantageous to hit it down the middle. There is an added degree of difficulty and a higher net when hitting down the sideline.
Rules of Pickleball Net Height
In pickleball, the net is the central divider of a court that measures 20 feet by 44 feet. Two posts support the net beyond the sidelines of the court. Acting as a barrier, it prevents the ball from passing between two players/teams.
Keeping a pickleball net at the right height makes the game more exciting and competitive. USA Official Pickleball Rulebook governs all heights of pickleball net rules.
- Netting can be made from any mesh fabric material as long as it prevents the ball from passing through.
- At the top, a cable or cord is used to tension the net. There is white tape covering the cable or cord that is 2″ (5.08 cm) wide.
- There are supporting posts outside the sidelines across the middle of the court. Posts should not be larger than 3″ (7.62 cms).
- There should be a distance of 22 feet (6.71 meters) between each posts inside.
- The net should be at least 21 feet 9 inches long and deep.
- Sidelines should be 1 foot beyond the position of the posts.
- A strap in the centre holds the net tightly to the ground to maintain the required net height for pickleball.
Pickleball Net Width
The pickleball net measures 22 feet wide. There is a foot extension on each side of each sideline. Since the ball is not required to pass over the net, this is an essential aspect of the game. An ATP is a shot where players hit the ball around the post. Due to the net extending beyond the sideline, this is a more difficult and impressive feat when accomplished.
To raise and lower the net, most permanent nets come with a crank. Feel free to adjust the net before a match if you carry a measuring tape in your bag. In addition to net straps, you can also adjust the height of the net before a match starts. A velcro strap facilitates adjusting the net height by tightening or loosening it.
FAQs
A standard pickleball court measures 44 feet long (inclusive of lines) and 20 feet wide (inclusive of lines). It is roughly the same size as a doubles badminton court. There are 36 inches of net height on the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle of a pickleball court.
Pickleball can be played with a tennis net. To avoid interfering with the movement of the ball, it needs to be placed somewhat higher off the ground than the pickleball net.
Its the same length for both nets, but the height is different. Pickleball nets are 34 inches high in the middle. The height of a badminton net is five feet.
There are several similarities between pickleball and other sports. Similar to tennis, table tennis, and badminton, these sports immediately spring to mind. The following is a comparison of the net heights of regulation courts between these sports and pickleball - Tennis: 3′ 6″, Badminton: 5′ 1″, Pickleball: 3′ and Table Tennis: 6
Conclusion
Pickleball nets measure 3 feet (36 inches) high. Both badminton and tennis have longer nets than pickleball. Pickleball and badminton are becoming more popular, so many nets are manufactured to accommodate the regulation heights of each sport.
Since pickleball is becoming more popular, pickleball-specific nets are becoming more readily available. This means you wont have to suffer with a makeshift net any longer.
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.