Section 2    Court and Equipment

2.a     Court Specifications. The dimensions and measurements for the standard pickleball court are:

2.a.1     The court shall be a rectangle 20 feet wide (6.10 m) and 44 feet long (13.41 m) for both singles and doubles matches. See Figure 2-1.

2.a.2     A total playing area 30 feet wide (9.14 m) and 60 feet long (18.28 m) is recommended.

2.a.3     Court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines. The lines should be 2 inches (5.1 cm) in width and the same color, clearly contrasting with the color of the court surface.

2.b     Lines and Areas. The lines and areas of the standard pickle ball court are:

2.b.1    Baselines. The lines parallel to the net at each end of the court are the baselines.

2.b.2    Sidelines. The lines perpendicular to the net on each side of the court are the sidelines.

2.b.3    Non-Volley Lines. The lines on each side of the net between the sidelines that are parallel to the net are the non-volley lines. These lines are located 7 feet (2.13 m) from the net.

2.b.4    Non-Volley Zones. The zones on each side of the net between the non-volley lines and the net are the non-volley zones.

2.b.5    Centerlines. The lines on each side of the net bisecting the non-volley lines and the baselines are the centerlines.

2.b.6    Service Areas. The intersections of the non-volley zone line, the centerline and the baseline create two service areas, the left service area and the right service area.

2.c     Net Specifications

2.c.1    Material. The net may be made of any netted material

2.c.2    Net Size. The net length shall be at least 20 feet (6.1 m) extending from one sideline to the other. The net width shall be at least 2% feet (.8 m).

2.c.3    Mesh Size. The net's mesh size must be sufficiently small to prevent a ball from passing through it.

2.c.4    Height. The net shall be suspended over the center of the court and shall be 36 inches (.914 m) high at the sidelines and 34 inches (.86 m) high at the center of the court.

2.c.5    Center Strap. A center strap may be placed at the center of the net to enable easy adjustment to the 34 in. (.86 cm) requirement at center.

2.c.6    Net Edge. The top of the net should be edged with a 2 inch (5 cm) white binding over a cord or cable running through the binding. This binding must rest upon the cord or cable.

2.c.7    Posts. Net posts should be placed outside the sidelines. Recommended height of the post is 36 inches (.914 m) and recommended placement is 12 inches (30.48 cm) from the sideline.

Figure 2-2 The Ball

The ball picture on the left of Figure 2-2 is customarily used for indoor play and the ball picture on the right is customarily used for outdoor play. However, either ball is acceptable for indoor or outdoor play.

2.d     Ball Specifications

2.d.1    Construction. The standard ball shall be made of durable plastic material molded with a smooth surface and free of texturing.

2.d.2    Size. The official ball shall be 2 7/8 inches (7.30 cm) to 3 inches in diameter.

2.d.3    Weight. The ball shall weigh between 21 and 29 grams (.8 to 1.02 oz).

2.d.4    Design. Spacing of holes and overall design of the ball must conform to the straight flight characteristics required for play. Balls that fly or bounce erratically shall not be used.

2.d.5     Approval. The Tournament Director will choose the tournament ball. Balls approved for play in any USAPA sanctioned tournament must be named on the official USAPA list of approved balls.

2.e     Paddle Specifications

2.e.1    Material. The paddle may be made of any material judged safe.

2.e.2    Surface. The paddle playing surface shall not contain holes, indentations, rough texturing, tape or any objects or features that allow a player to impart additional or increased spin on the ball.

(a) Paint. The surface may be painted but must otherwise adhere to the general surface requirements.

(b) Depictions. Any writing or pictures on the paddle must be in good taste.

2.e.3    Size. The combined length and width including any edge guard and butt cap shall not exceed 23 % inches (60.3 cm). The most common paddle measurement is approximately 8 inches wide (20.32 cm) by 15 % inches long (40 cm). There is no restriction on paddle thickness.

2.e.4    Weight. There is no restriction on paddle weight.

2.e.5    Alterations. Homemade or modified paddles are acceptable so long as they meet the size and surface specifications.

2.e.6    Violation. If a paddle violates the above rules, the Tournament Director has the authority to enforce a paddle change. If the player in violation refuses to change the paddle, the Director may declare a forfeiture of the match.

2.f     Clothing

2.f.1    Color. Clothing may be of any color.

2.f.2    Safety/Distraction. A player may be required to change wet, extremely loose fitting, or otherwise distracting garments.

2.f.3    Depictions. Insignias, pictures and writing on the clothing must be in good taste.

2.f.4    Shoes. Shoes must have soles that do not mark or damage the court's playing surface.

2.f.5    Violation. If a player's clothing violates these rules, the Tournament Director has the authority to enforce clothing changes. If the player refuses, the Director may declare a forfeiture of the match.