A pickleball court is 20×44 feet with a 7-foot kitchen and a low net.
If you have ever wondered what does a pickleball court look like, you are in the right place. I’ve lined, taped, and played on dozens of courts, from driveway setups to tournament venues. In this guide, I break down every line, zone, and color so you can see exactly what does a pickleball court look like and spot a proper setup at a glance.
The basic layout at a glance
A standard pickleball court is a rectangle that measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The full layout includes service boxes, sidelines, baselines, and the non-volley zone, also called the kitchen. When people ask what does a pickleball court look like, I tell them to picture a small tennis court with a bold stripe near the net.
Key layout facts:
- Court size is 20 by 44 feet for singles and doubles.
- The 7-foot kitchen sits on each side of the net.
- Lines are 2 inches wide and must be the same color.
If you need to explain what does a pickleball court look like to a friend, point out the compact size and the clear kitchen line. That line shapes how the game is played.
Lines and zones explained
Every line has a job. The baseline runs along the back of the court, and the sidelines mark the width. A centerline splits each service court. The kitchen line sits 7 feet from the net on both sides.
Here is how the space breaks down:
- Non-volley zone, or kitchen: 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- Service courts: Two rectangles per side, split by a centerline.
- Baseline: The back line where most serves are struck.
When someone asks what does a pickleball court look like, the kitchen stands out. It blocks volleys inside that zone and keeps rallies fair.
Net height and hardware
The net stretches the width of the court and has a slight dip in the middle. The top of the net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. A center strap or proper tension helps keep the height true.
Useful hardware tips:
- Posts should be sturdy and set outside the sidelines.
- Portable nets work well for driveways and gyms.
- Check net height before play for fair matches.
If you are learning what does a pickleball court look like for the first time, remember that the low center is part of the sport’s feel. It rewards smart shots.
Space around the court
The lines alone are not enough. Safe play needs extra room around the court. The recommended total playing area is about 30 by 60 feet, with 34 by 64 feet preferred for comfort and fencing.
What to plan for:
- At least 10 feet behind each baseline.
- At least 5 to 7 feet on each sideline.
- Clear, flat walkways to prevent trips and falls.
Builders who know what does a pickleball court look like also plan this runoff space. It protects players and makes rallies smoother.
Surface types and color schemes
Courts can be indoors or outdoors. Many outdoor courts use asphalt or concrete with acrylic coatings for grip. Indoor courts may be wood, vinyl, or sport tile.
Common color choices:
- Blue or green main court with a lighter or darker kitchen.
- High-contrast lines in white or yellow.
- Matte finishes to limit glare.
I often get asked what does a pickleball court look like when it is brand new. It looks crisp, with clear color contrast between the kitchen and service areas so players can judge foot faults fast.
Indoor vs. outdoor differences
Indoor courts tend to look brighter with even light and glossy floors. Outdoor courts use textured acrylic to add grip and reduce slips. You will also see different balls used, but the court lines do not change.
What to expect:
- Indoor lighting needs to be even and flicker-free.
- Outdoor shade helps with heat and glare.
- Wind and sun can affect play outdoors, but the layout stays the same.
When students ask me what does a pickleball court look like in a gym, I tell them to watch for taped or painted lines that overlap with basketball or volleyball stripes.
Converting tennis courts to pickleball
Many parks convert one tennis court into two to four pickleball courts. They use portable nets and paint or tape overlays. Fencing or divider nets help block stray balls.
Ways to set it up:
- One tennis court can hold two pickleball courts side by side with extra space.
- Some sites fit four, but it can feel tight.
- Use contrasting colors to avoid line confusion.
If you wonder what does a pickleball court look like on a tennis surface, imagine bright pickleball lines layered over the green or blue base, with lower nets placed inside.
Safety, accessibility, and markings
A good court is safe and welcoming. Lines must be even, non-slip, and not raised. Ramps, smooth paths, and benches near the gate help all players enjoy the space.
Best practices:
- Use skid-resistant coatings and clean the surface often.
- Keep line color high contrast to support low-vision players.
- Post simple rules and court diagrams at the entrance.
This is where what does a pickleball court look like meets how it feels. Safe courts look clean and clear, and they play true.
How it compares to tennis and badminton
A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court and a bit wider than a badminton singles court. The kitchen makes it unique. That one zone changes strategy and shot choices.
Quick size notes:
- Pickleball: 20 by 44 feet.
- Tennis doubles: 36 by 78 feet.
- Badminton doubles: 20 by 44 feet, but with a taller net and different rules.
When people search what does a pickleball court look like, they often picture tennis. The sizes are not the same, and the kitchen does not exist in tennis.
Building or taping a court step-by-step
You can build a permanent court or tape a temporary one in a day. I have done both in parking lots and gyms. Good prep gives you better lines and fewer do-overs.
Simple steps:
- Measure a 20 by 44 rectangle and snap chalk lines.
- Mark baselines, sidelines, and the 7-foot kitchen line on both sides.
- Add the centerline on each half to split the service boxes.
- Set the net to 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches in the center.
- Use high-contrast tape or paint that resists peeling.
Once you lay it out, pause and ask yourself what does a pickleball court look like from a player’s view. Stand at the baseline and check sight lines and glare.
Common mistakes and tips from the court
I have seen courts where the kitchen was 6 feet by mistake. That ruins rallies and causes arguments. Take time to measure twice.
Tips to avoid trouble:
- Confirm the 7-foot kitchen distance with a second tape.
- Keep lines 2 inches wide and consistent.
- Recheck net height after players lean or adjust it.
- Clean dust and leaf litter to keep traction high.
If you still ask what does a pickleball court look like when it is correct, it looks balanced. Symmetry is your friend, and measurements should mirror side to side.
Frequently Asked Questions of what does a pickleball court look like
What are the exact dimensions of a pickleball court?
The court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. This size is the same for singles and doubles play.
How big is the kitchen on a pickleball court?
The kitchen extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. You cannot volley while touching this zone.
What height should the pickleball net be?
The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Use a center strap or check tension to keep it even.
What color should the lines be on a court?
Lines must contrast with the court color and be 2 inches wide. White or yellow is common for clarity.
How much space do I need around the court?
Aim for 30 by 60 feet total space, with 34 by 64 feet preferred. This gives safe room behind baselines and on the sides.
Can I put multiple pickleball courts on a tennis court?
Yes, many tennis courts fit two to four pickleball courts with overlays. Portable nets and divider curtains help manage balls and noise.
What surface works best for outdoor courts?
Acrylic-coated asphalt or concrete is popular for grip and durability. Choose a matte finish to reduce glare.
Conclusion
Now you can picture what does a pickleball court look like without guessing. It is a compact 20 by 44-foot rectangle, a 7-foot kitchen on each side, clear 2-inch lines, and a net that dips to 34 inches in the middle. With the right colors, space, and care, it plays safe and fast.
Ready to turn knowledge into play? Use this guide to check your local court or tape your own. Share this with a friend who keeps asking what does a pickleball court look like, and subscribe for more hands-on tips and layouts you can use today.