How to Set Up a Pickleball Court in Your Backyard

Pickleball was created by a group of friends who were looking for a fun game their whole families could play, which is at the root of its popularity today. If you're wondering how to play pickleball, it has a lot of similarities to tennis but it’s played on a much smaller court and is easier to learn. With just a few practice swings you can jump into a game and immediately start having fun.

According to Carl Schmits, USA Pickleball Managing Director of Equipment Standards & Facility Development of USA Pickleball, the cost to have a pickleball court professionally installed can run $16 to $27 per square foot, which is why a DIY option is so appealing to most families.

While you can set up a pickleball court on any open, flat area, it’s best on asphalt, concrete or hard synthetic surface. The official pickleball court dimensions are 44 feet long by 20 feet wide and you’ll want to include some space around the court for spectators and players in waiting. If you don’t have that much space, you can still enjoy the game, just modify the playing area to fit your needs.

Pickleball is a simple game that only requires a pickleball paddle, net and pickleball (which resembles a whiffle ball). The pickleball net is hung 36-inches off the ground at each end and can sag down to 34-inches at the center. Pickleball paddles more closely resemble ping pong paddles than tennis racquets and you can purchase all the equipment separately or as a pickleball set. Make sure you grab an extra set of balls, they get lost easily.

Use a tape measure to mark the dimensions of the pickleball court. Keep it extended to serve as a straight edge guide to mark your lines. A temporary backyard pickleball court doesn’t require paint to mark the lines and can be marked on existing basketball court or tennis court. Use sidewalk chalk to mark the measurements for a pickleball court. They’ll easily wash away when you’re done playing. Painter’s tape also works well and can be removed from any playing surface without leaving a residue.

Pickleballs are similar in size and shape to whiffle balls. The perforated pickleballs don’t travel far, but a fence keeps them from rolling across your yard every time a ball goes out of bounds. 

Install a small fence around your pickleball court. It saves you time spent chasing balls allowing you to get back to the game. Save money by installing a fence at each end of the court as a backstop and consider placing your court near a wall, which can serve as a built-in barrier.

Temporary fencing held up by stakes or poles is the least expensive and easiest type of fence to install. But a proper chain link fence will work best and last the longest. Before installing any type of fence, make sure the spaces between the bars or holes in the fence are smaller than the diameter of the ball.

Pickleball games can last 15 to 20 minutes and because it’s so much fun you can end up playing for hours. Extend your playing time, especially in the winter, by installing lights for your pickleball court. Flood lights attached to the side of your house or on a raised pole will provide plenty of light to illuminate the playing area.

A better solution would be area lights placed at all four corners of the pickleball court which will eliminate shadows. Place the lights at least 20-feet high to achieve the best spread and minimize the possibility of glare. Be mindful of your neighbors and any lighting regulations in your community before installing any type of pickleball court lights.

“Pickleball's popularity is primarily attributed to its fun and addictive nature,” says Chuck Menke, USA Pickleball Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s usually played as a doubles sport which lends itself to social interaction and is easy to learn and play.” Since pickleball is accessible to family members of all ages and athletic abilities it becomes as much of a social event as it does a sport. To maximize everyone’s enjoyment, set up some outdoor chairs, tables and music.

Bench seating is always popular, but an outdoor patio set that includes a table and chairs would be more comfortable. If you are on a tighter budget and have less space, lawn chairs are a great seating solution. Deck boxes can also double as seating and make a perfect spot for safely storing all your pickleball equipment when not in use.

Pickleball courts are nearly maintenance-free, but the game does require a clean surface to prevent slips and falls. Keep your pickleball court clear of dirt and debris by using a wide push broom before each session. A leaf blower is also handy to have for a quick court cleaning no matter your pickleball court size.