Lesson 2: The Playing Area and Equipment

Before stepping on the court, you need to know the space you are playing in. **Court dimensions:** - The court is **20 feet wide by 44 feet long** — the same size for both singles and doubles. - The **net** stands **36 inches high at the sidelines** and **34 inches at the center**, so it dips slightly in the middle. **The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ):** One of pickleball's most important features is the **Non-Volley Zone**, nicknamed the **"kitchen."** It extends **7 feet from the net on each side**, running the full width of the court. You will learn a special rule about this zone in Lesson 4. **Service courts:** Behind each kitchen, a **centerline** divides the court into two **service courts**, each measuring **10 by 15 feet**. Serves are aimed diagonally into these boxes. **Equipment you need:** - A **solid paddle** (not strung like a tennis racket) - A **perforated plastic ball** (similar to a wiffle ball) The compact court and simple equipment make pickleball easy to set up and beginner-friendly!