The amount of space required for a pickleball court depends on the court dimensions, as well as additional space for buffer zones and other amenities. Here’s a breakdown of the space needed for a standard pickleball court:
Court Dimensions: A regulation-sized pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (6.1 meters by 13.4 meters) for both singles and doubles play. This results in a total playing area of 880 square feet (81.75 square meters).
Buffer Zones: It’s essential to have a buffer zone around the court to allow for player movement and safety. The recommended buffer zone varies depending on the level of play and available space. For recreational play, a minimum buffer of 5 feet on the sides and 7 feet on the ends is suggested. However, for competitive or tournament play, it’s recommended to have a buffer zone of at least 10 feet on all sides of the court.
Fencing and Amenities: If you plan to install fencing, seating, or other amenities, you’ll need additional space beyond the playing area and buffer zones. The amount of space required for these features depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Taking these factors into account, a recreational pickleball court with minimal buffer zones would require a space of at least 30 feet wide by 58 feet long (9.14 meters by 17.68 meters). For a competitive or tournament-level court with larger buffer zones, you would need a space of at least 40 feet wide by 64 feet long (12.19 meters by 19.51 meters). Keep in mind that additional space may be needed for fencing, seating, and other amenities.