Facility and Equipment Certification Standards
The dimensions of a pickleball court are the same as those of a standard doubles badminton court:
20 feet × 44 feet (approximately 6.1 m × 13.4 m).
Unlike tennis, the same court dimensions are used for both singles and doubles matches.
Court Configuration
The court is divided into three main areas:
1
Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)
The area extending 7 feet (approximately 2.1 m) from the net toward each side, commonly referred to as the “kitchen.”
2
Service Areas
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Left Service Area: The left half of the court behind the non-volley line
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Right Service Area: The right half of the court behind the non-volley line
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Each service area measures 10 feet × 15 feet (approximately 3.0 m × 4.6 m)
Court Use and Design
Pickleball courts may be newly constructed or adapted from existing tennis or badminton courts.
The court is marked with sidelines, baselines, and a centerline to visually separate the three main areas. A net is installed horizontally across the center of the court, dividing it into two symmetrical halves.
Net Height:
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Near the sidelines: 36 inches (approximately 91.4 cm)
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At the center: 34 inches (approximately 86.4 cm)
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Overall net size: 20 feet × 3 feet (approximately 6.1 m × 0.91 m)
※ Note: The net is slightly lower in the middle.
Ball Specifications
1
Structure
The ball must be made of durable polymer material with a smooth surface and no added texture. The color must be solid (uniform), except for identification markings.
Slight seams are acceptable as long as they do not significantly affect the ball’s flight characteristics.
2
Size
The ball must have a diameter between 2.87 inches (7.29 cm) and 2.97 inches (7.54 cm).
The maximum deviation from roundness must not exceed ±0.020 inches (0.51 mm).
3
Weight
The ball must weigh between 0.78 ounces (22.1 grams) and 0.935 ounces (26.5 grams).
4
Bounce
When dropped from a height of 78 inches (198.1 cm) onto a granite plate measuring 12 in × 12 in × 4 in (30.5 cm × 30.5 cm × 10.2 cm), the ball must bounce to a height of 30–34 inches (76.2–86.4 cm).
This test must be conducted in a room with a temperature of 24–27°C (75–80°F).
5
Hardness
The ball must have a hardness of 40–50 on the Durometer D scale, measured at 24–27°C (75–80°F).
6
Design
The ball must contain between 26 and 40 circular holes.
The spacing and design of these holes must comply with standards for flight characteristics.
Each ball must be printed or engraved with the name or logo of the manufacturer or supplier.
7
Approval
Balls used in official tournaments shall be selected by the tournament director.
Balls used in USAPA or IFP-sanctioned tournaments must appear on the official list of approved balls published by USAPA and UPA.