A pickleball net plays a vital role in the game, as it separates the court into two equal halves. According to the official USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) guidelines, the dimensions of a pickleball net are as follows:
Length: A pickleball net should be 20 feet (6.1 meters) wide, extending across the full width of the court.
Height: The net should be set at a height of 36 inches (91.44 cm) at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.36 cm) at the center. To achieve this, the net is slightly hung lower in the middle.
Mesh Size: The mesh size of the netting should not exceed 1 inch (2.54 cm) square.
Edge Binding: The top edge of the net should have a 2-inch (5.08 cm) wide white binding over a cord or cable that runs through it.
Center Strap: Some pickleball nets have a center strap that is used to maintain the correct height at the center of the net.
It is essential to use a regulation-sized net to maintain consistency and fairness in the game. The official dimensions ensure that players of all skill levels can enjoy and compete in pickleball using the same standardized equipment.