Everything You Need to Know About Pickleball Nets
The pickleball net is an essential part of every match. It divides a standard pickleball court in half and outlines the width of the playing surface, while having its own set of parameters and rules associated with it.
What are the Dimensions of a Pickleball Net?
A pickleball net is 36 inches high by 22 feet wide. It stands in the middle of the playing area, and there is a 2-inch sag in the center, making it 34 inches high along the centerline. This area is usually marked with a center strap for support.
The dimensions of a pickleball court are 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, and the net is positioned over the center of the court. The net is strung between two 24-inch tall posts on a foot outside the court lines.
Pickleball net from the centerline
Pickleball Net Height vs. Tennis Net Height
Tennis players who try pickleball for the first time will likely feel the difference in the net height. In pickleball, the regulation-size net height is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches in the middle. The sag in the center of the net is typical for all sports using a net.
In tennis, the net is 42 inches high at the posts and drops half a foot in the middle for a height of 36 inches.
So, pickleball nets are lower all across but most dramatically on the sides with a six-inch difference. In the middle, the difference is only two inches.
Pickleball Net Rules You Might Not Know
When you play pickleball, you’ll need to have an understanding of the common (and uncommon) pickleball net rules when playing matches.
Can You Cross the Plane of the Pickleball Net?
The net plane is the imaginary line that extends through the posts indefinitely. Pickleball players are allowed to cross the plane of the net with their pickleball paddles (or anything else on their body) only after they've hit the ball.
If any part of their body or belongings (hat, wallet, watch, glasses, etc.) extends past the net plane before making contact, then it is a fault, and you (and your team) lose the rally.
What if the Ball Hits the Net?
Whether on a serve or during a rally, if the ball touches the net and lands on the opponent's side in play, then the ball is considered live. If the ball lands out of bounds or on your own side, it's a dead ball/fault, and your side loses the rally.
The serve is hit from the baseline and, in most cases, will fly over the net into the opposite service area on the opponent’s side of the court. If the ball glances the net but lands in the proper part of the court beyond the non-volley line, then it is live and should be played. If the ball lands in the non-volley zone, out of bounds, or on your own side of the net, it is a loss of serve. There are no "re-do" serves if playing by USAPA rules.
What if the Ball Hits the Net Post?
Net posts (or any parts of a net post) are positioned out of bounds. Therefore, if the pickleball touches the net post or any of the parts, then it is considered a fault, and that player or team loses the rally.
Also, it is considered a fault if you touch the net post or any of the parts while the pickleball is in play.
Pickleball ball and net
The Best Portable Pickleball Net
We identified some of the best portable pickleball nets available. Portable nets are fantastic, and we highly recommend grabbing one if you’re serious about your pickleball game. They’re good in a pinch when you find yourself on a packed tennis court with no available nets or when you need to play a casual game in a basement or driveway. They are also great if you want to build your own court!
One of the best portable pickleball nets is the 3.0 system from Pickleball Central.
The 3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System
The 3.0 net is excellent for indoor and outdoor use. It is made from powdered-coated hollow steel tubing and provides excellent net tension. It is wind-resistant due to the bent legs, and is easy to transport - weighing only 22 lbs!
Benefits include:
Comes in a nylon carrying case with velcro straps
Easy buckle net tension system
Made from strong black mesh
Sets up and breaks down in under 10 minutes
3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System
The Best Permanent Pickleball Net
Of course, if you need a permanent solution, there are several options available. A permanent net is a hefty investment, but if you have a court that needs a reliable and durable net system, then a permanent pickleball net may be better for you. Of course, why settle for one or the other when you can have both? Check out this permanent net that can be portable in a pinch!
Douglas Premier PPS-22SQ Heavy-Duty Portable Pickleball Net System
Though the product description for the Douglas Premier PPS-22SQ mentions this is a portable net, players report that it appears and performs like a permanent net system. This is great news for those who are not able or willing to drill holes, pour concrete, or purchase a parcel of land big enough to build their own pickleball court.
This net was developed and used at the 2018 USA Pickleball National Championships and is an excellent option for clubs or owners who have a tennis court available and are looking to offer a pickleball option or replacement. It has everything you would want in a net system - it’s durable, made from premium materials, and is rated for both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts.
Conclusion
Pickleball nets are a requirement for playing pickleball. Be sure to choose a net or net system that works for where you intend to play, and adjust the height to match the regulations. Do you have a favorite pickleball net? Share it in the comments below!
