Section 3: Playing Area
Court Dimensions (Rule 2.A)
The pickleball court is a rectangle measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (6.10 m × 13.41 m), the same dimensions for both singles and doubles play. The court is bisected by the net, resulting in two identical halves of 20 feet × 22 feet.
The Non-Volley Zone — "The Kitchen" (Rule 2.A.3)
The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), commonly referred to as "the kitchen," is one of pickleball's most distinctive features. It extends 7 feet (2.13 m) from the net on each side, spanning the full 20-foot width of the court. The NVZ is bounded by the non-volley zone line, which is part of the NVZ. Players may not volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in the NVZ or while any part of their body or equipment touches the NVZ, including momentum that carries them into the zone after a volley.
Service Areas (Rule 2.A.2)
Behind the NVZ on each side, the court is divided into two equal service areas — the right/even service area and the left/odd service area — by a centerline. Each service area measures 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep (3.05 m × 4.57 m). The baseline runs along the back of each service area.
Court Lines
- Baselines: The lines at the back of the court, parallel to the net, 22 feet from the net.
- Sidelines: The lines running perpendicular to the net along the 44-foot length of the court.
- Centerline: Divides the area behind the NVZ into the right and left service courts.
- Non-Volley Zone Line: Located 7 feet from the net on each side. This line is considered part of the NVZ.
- All lines are 2 inches wide and are typically white. Lines are considered "in" — a ball landing on any line (except the NVZ line on a serve) is in play.
Out-of-Bounds and Surroundings
The minimum recommended playing surface area is 30 feet wide by 60 feet long (9.14 m × 18.29 m) to allow adequate run-off space around the court. For tournament play, USAP recommends a minimum of 10 feet of clearance beyond each baseline and 5 feet beyond each sideline. The playing surface should be flat, smooth, and free of obstructions. Acceptable surfaces include concrete, asphalt, sport tiles, and gymnasium flooring.