Pickleball Net Height

Here is a complete guide on pickleball net height and width, along with a comparison guide on tennis and pickleball net setups.

Are you just starting pickleball and don’t know how to set a pickleball court? You are not alone; the different locations used as pickleball courts by different players make it hard for beginners to think clearly and build a pickleball net setup that is suitable for their requirements. Eventually, it deters new players from enjoying the best games with appropriate net settings.

However, no worries. Here is everything you need to know about pickleball net height and width. So, dive right in.

How Tall Is A Pickleball Net?

Typically, a pickleball net is 34 inches tall from the middle of the court and 36 inches from each sideline. Like a tennis net, this net is a little leaning towards the ground from the middle and a little higher from each side. This is designed intentionally to benefit the player in hitting the ball down the middle because pickleball can be hit lower than usual.

Do note that with a pickleball net structure, you will have to hit on the sidelines with an extra degree of difficulty. For this, players require extra practice.

Pickleball Net Width

Speaking of pickleball net width, it is anywhere around 22 ft wide, from one sideline to the other, with an extra one foot past each side pole. This is designed intentionally to make it challenging for the players within the Post area, known as ATP, so that their hits do not pass over the net. This way, whenever the player hits past the sidelines, it becomes more impressive and a rare event on the field.

That said, most permanent nets come with a crank on each side, so you can raise and lower the net however you like. You can ask the team lead or the court supervisor to use measuring tape and adjust the net width and height before the match starts, but make sure it is in line with the guidelines. You can also use net straps as a quick way to adjust the net height, and most of them are velcro.

How To Measure The Correct Pickleball Net Height?

Now, you must be wondering how you can measure the correct pickleball net height. This is the case with many who are confused about the right height of a pickleball net in the court they are playing. But no worries, here are some useful tips and tricks on how you can effectively get the right net height from your pickleball court.

The first step is getting the inside net posts before you even buy a pickleball net. It can help you find the right pickleball net size for your requirements.
Once you know the inside net post measurements, you also need to know the OD measurements. This is dependent on the court you are playing on. Not having the right OD measurements means you can end up with issues with the pickleball hits.
You need to be mindful that the standard height of the pickleball net is 36 inches, despite your net being anywhere between 30 and 36 inches according to your suitability. Most permanent nets have a center strap to adjust the height; however, you may not get this opportunity everywhere.
Do consider that adjusting the pickleball net influences your playing experience on the field.
Competition posts are not allowed to be more than three inches in diameter. Having a different net placement impacts your overall playing pickleball experience.

Are Pickleball and Tennis Net Height The Same?

The design and structure of pickleball and tennis nets are pretty much similar; however, the tennis net height settings are a little different from that of the pickleball. Typically, a pickleball net is always 3 feet at each side post and 34 inches from the middle, which is not the case with tennis nets. Here is what you need to know about tennis and pickleball nets.

Pickleball Net Height Vs Tennis Net Height

Difference	Pickleball Net Height	Tennis Net Height
Height At Center	34 inches	36 inches
Height At Posts	36 inches	42 inches
Net Length	22 feet	42 feet
Sport Dimensions	Smaller court dimensions for pickleball	Larger court dimensions for tennis
Uniformity	Uniform height across the net	Varied height at the posts and center

Similarities Between A Pickleball And Tennis Net

Both these nets are strapped down from the middle to make sure their height is regulated.
Both these net setups have supports on the sidelines to hang and stretch the net.
The pickleball and tennis nets are made up of a mesh woven material. It keeps the ball from going through them.
The supporting posts in single tennis courts are always under 3 inches in diameter. This is the same size as pickleball single courts.
Both the pickleball and tennis nets have a metal cable running through the net top. It is further topped off using a 2-inch white tape to cover the cable.

Difference Between A Pickleball And Tennis Net

The tennis net is usually more sturdy than pickleball nets. This is because it is designed to bear the weight of heavy tennis balls.
Pickleball nets are always two inches shorter from the middle than the standard tennis nets.
Pickleball nets are always six inches shorter at the posts.
Typically, tennis nets are twice as wide as pickleball nets.
Tennis nets require additional supporting posts for single matches.
The main supporting posts for tennis nets are always larger than pickleball nets.

Can You Play Pickleball On A Tennis Court?

Yes, you can always play pickleball on a tennis court with a tennis net. Most public spaces with tennis nets offer a roll-away net facility, which means you can take a portable pickleball net and install it anywhere you like with a few adjustments. Just make sure the adjustments are in line with the standard measurements, and you are good to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

How High Is A Pickleball Net?

According to the USA Pickleball Association, the correct net height of pickleball is 34″ at the center and 36″ at the posts of the court.

Are Pickleball And Tennis Nets The Same Height?

No, pickleball and tennis both have different net heights. The Pickleball net is 34″ high at the center and 36″ at the sidelines, while the tennis net is 36″ at the center and 42″ at the sidelines.

How High Is A Tennis Net?

According to the International Tennis Federation’s Rules of Tennis, the tennis net height at the center is 36″ and 42″ at the sidelines.

Conclusion

Pickleball courts come in different sizes and shapes, which means you need to think carefully about which one to choose. That said, they have similar width and height, though having adjustable permanent nets is a rare occurrence. So, all you need to do is check the official standard sizing of the pickleball nets, approved by the Pickleball Association, and convert it within the guidelines.

Finally, I hope this guide has been helpful in measuring the correct pickleball net height.