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!