Designing a Perfect Pickleball Court

Participation in pickleball increased by over 170% between 2018 and 2022, making it America's fastest-growing sport. With so much newfound interest, there's a high demand for court construction. This article discusses what goes into constructing a perfect pickleball court.

Location and court orientation

Choose a pickleball court's location with care. Due to reduced sun glare, a north-to-south orientation is often preferred. However, this is not a requirement. Owners commonly use windscreens to block intense sunlight and glare. They can also provide extra protection and seclusion for players.

Noise complaints can be a concern for courts near residential areas. Strategic landscaping and berms are two standard methods of noise reduction.

Pickleball court measurements

The USA Pickleball Rule Book states that a court's surface area must be at least 30 x 60 feet. However, the recommendation is 34 x 64 feet. Lines of play on pickleball courts must measure 20 x 44 feet.

Common surface materials

Post-tensioned concrete is one of the best places to play pickleball. It's a popular choice because it's durable and requires little maintenance. The hard surface also enhances gameplay by providing more precise ball bounces.

Clay tennis courts are rising in popularity because they're joint-friendly. Clay is soft and offers more cushion than harder materials, which means players with chronic pain or joint disorders can participate more comfortably.

However, clay surfaces aren't typically suggested for pickleball courts since they're soft and can cause less predictable ball bounces. Converting a clay court may require compromises in cost or gameplay.

There are two options for converting a clay tennis court to a pickleball court. The first is resurfacing, which will enhance gameplay. However, court resurfacing can cost from $4,000 to $8,000. The other option is to save money by keeping the clay surface, which makes for less precise play-calling.

Regardless of whether you are set on choosing a concrete court or you're open to playing on other materials, consulting with professionals is your best bet. They'll be able to make suggestions that will best fit your needs.

Lighting and fencing

Proper lighting and fencing are crucial to both gameplay and safety. A well-lit playing area reduces the risk of injury for all participants. LED lights are commonly used since they're energy-efficient and long-lasting.

Fencing in a court should be considered a necessity. Fenced-in courts offer contained gameplay, lowering the risk of tripping or falling if a player must retrieve a ball off-court.

Converting a tennis court

One can convert an existing concrete tennis court into a pickleball court. Since both sports can be played on the same surface, conversion is possible without replacing the foundation. A tennis court is large enough to contain four pickleball courts, allowing for more gameplay.

Adjusting play lines from tennis to pickleball standards is recommended. These adjustments improve play-calling and ensure a fair game.

Professional court construction

Those looking to have a court constructed should trust court construction experts. Court constructors can help clients choose the best materials and location and recommend and install the most beneficial safety features.

CourtMaster Sports specializes in construction, renovation, resurfacing and repair of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and more. Palm Springs - (760) 548-3545 Las Vegas - (702) 825-8818

Fenced-in courts offer contained gameplay, lowering the risk of tripping or falling if a player must retrieve a ball off-court.