• Pickleball has risen in popularity over the years. And while local parks and recreation departments across the country are converting existing tennis and basketball courts into multi-game or individual pickleball playing surfaces, the best way to ensure you can play pickleball whenever you want is by investing in pickleball court construction for your own home court.

  
  

  In this Pickleball 101 Guide, we’ll explain: 

  
  
  • Benefits of a Personal Pickleball Court
  • Essential Features of a High-Quality Pickleball Court Design
  • How to Choose the Best Pickleball Court Installer
  • Maintaining Your Home Court
  • Advanced Playing Techniques to Practice

Benefits of a Personal Pickleball Court

There are many advantages to installing a personal pickleball court, including: 

• The flexibility to play at any time
• The convenience of stepping outside to start a game
• The ability to stay active in your own backyard
• Quality family time
• Daily opportunities for skill development
• An increase in property value
• And the versatility of multi-game courts using specialized pickleball court construction companies

Learn more about the benefits of installing a backyard court

Essential Features of a High-Quality Pickleball Court Design

Once you have decided to invest in a home court, it’s time to consider the design. A pickleball court should prioritize the following features: 

• Basic court dimensions – The official pickleball court size is 44 feet long by 20 feet wide with an additional out-of-bounds area surrounding each side, requiring a total space of 64 by 34 feet. If space is limited, you can reduce the out-of-bounds areas, making your court 44 by 20 feet. 

• The right surface materials – There are several playing surface options for pickleball courts. The best choices include: concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.

• Personal style – Customizing your pickleball court design is an added benefit. Some installers let you choose the colors, materials, and accessories to suit your preferences. 

• Backyard placement – When deciding on the placement of your court, consider proper drainage to prevent water accumulation, or the court material you use. Furthermore, strategically position the court to avoid wind pockets that could hinder the game or invest in wind blockers like additional landscaping or glass boundaries.
• Accessories to improve game play – This includes selecting the right net and posts, installing proper lighting for nighttime play, and possibly added netting or glass around the court to block wind and keep pickleballs from rolling away. 

Learn more tips for your pickleball court design

How to Choose the Best Pickleball Court Installer

Some important things to look for in a pickleball court construction company include: 

• Experience and expertise – Companies with a longer track record often have more expertise installing backyard courts. You can also look for a company that specializes in pickleball court installations. 
• Positive reviews – What have others said about them? Have they enjoyed their experience? Reviews can help you narrow down your search from the very beginning.

• Diverse portfolio – A variety of projects demonstrate an installer’s versatility and experience. 

• Quality materials – Make sure the company you choose offers high-quality, durable playing surfaces to make your investment worthwhile. 

• Design flexibility – Customizable options like color choices and surface types are going to make your court feel more unique. 

• Consultation services – Pickleball court installers that help you get what you want will make the whole experience more enjoyable. 

• Licensing and compliance – Verify the company is properly licensed and insured to perform work in your area and able to cover any potential damages or injuries during the installation process. Additionally, they should comply with local codes and regulations, following industry standards for pickleball court construction. 

• Detailed estimates – Obtaining a written estimate outlining the costs involved offers transparency moving into the installation process so you know what to expect. 

• Warranties – Check the warranty terms before committing to ensure you’re getting assurance that your investment will last and otherwise be protected. This indicates confidence in their work and helps you know you are covered. 

• Ongoing maintenance – While some playing surfaces need less maintenance than others, it’s good to check with your court installer to see if they offer maintenance and court cleaning services. 

• Timeline – Finally, discussing the project timeline at the beginning can help establish expectations on either side and see if it aligns with your schedule. Ask about their ability to handle potential delays like weather to ensure you get your court on time. 

Maintaining Your Home Court

Once you have your pickleball court installed, it’s time to maintain it. The great thing to know about Legendary’s residential courts is that ongoing maintenance requires occasional sweeping and a spray-down with the hose. Then, when the play surface starts to show signs of wear, simple touch-ups may be needed, depending on the chosen material. Acrylic surfaces should be recoated while cushioned courts may need repairs. Additionally, the lines can be repainted once they become stained or faded. 

Learn more about pickleball court maintenance

Advanced Playing Techniques

One of the benefits of a home pickleball court is being able to develop your skills as a pickleball player. Some advanced playing techniques you might try at home include: 

• Strategic shot selection tailored to different court surfaces
• Adapting play style for competitive matches
• Drills for improving accuracy and agility

Conclusion

Installing a custom court is a beneficial investment for you and your family. We hope this guide was informative and helpful as you begin the process! 

Contact Us for More Information

Pickleball is more than a sport; it’s a phenomenon sweeping communities across the nation and igniting passion in players of all ages and backgrounds. And we are not immune to its impact!  

At Legendary Sports Construction, we have recognized the transformative power of pickleball in bringing people together and have witnessed firsthand its rise in popularity. Our commitment to building top-notch residential and commercial sports facilities is matched by our passion for creating spaces where communities can connect, play, and grow, and pickleball has done just that.

Keep reading to discover the influence pickleball continues to have in the United States, ways it differs from other racket sports like tennis, how to get started if you’re new to the game, and ways our company is playing a pivotal role to nurture this growing community.

The Rise of Pickleball: More Than a Trend

What started as a backyard pastime in 1965 has evolved into the pickleball craze we know today. According to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report, pickleball has claimed the title of America’s fastest-growing sport for the third year in a row, growing by 51.8% from 2022 to 2023, and an incredible 223.5% in three years. USA Pickleball cites from the report that there are an estimated 13.6 million pickleball players in the United States, including top entertainers and celebrities who have embraced it.

Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

The answer lies in its unique blend of accessibility, competitive spirit, and community culture. Pickleball appeals to all ages (from teenagers to retirees), is easy to learn, can be played competitively or recreationally, and fosters a unique sense of community.

Community and Social Interaction

Because of its low barrier to entry, pickleball is an inclusive option for athletes and novices alike, whether you’re young or old. That means it is an inherently social sport, bringing various groups of people within the community together.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Another reason this sport has become so popular, especially among senior players, is its numerous health benefits, including improved reflexes, balance, and cardiovascular health. Not to mention, it’s a fun way to stay active, improving mental stimulation and offering stress relief.

Intergenerational and Experiential Play

Pickleball bridges the intergenerational gap so families can play a single sport together, or residents can get to know other members of their community in varying seasons of life. Some of the dynamics you might see on the court include:

• Novices New to the sport but able to jump in and start playing thanks to its straightforward rules and smaller court size.
  
  
• Recreational players Many casual players love pickleball, enjoying the competitive play without the pressures and intensity of more demanding sports.
  
  
• Seniors The sport is incredibly popular among older adults, offering them a means of exercise, social interaction, and competitive challenge without some of the physical risks associated with other recreational activities.
  
  
• Young and competitive athletes Younger players and competitive athletes can enjoy more fast-paced, strategic games with players of their player rating. This offers a competitive outlet to showcase their athleticism and opportunities to participate in leagues, tournaments, and even professional play.

Competitive Potential

While pickleball can be enjoyed recreationally, there is still a lot of competitive potential within the sport. Pickleball players pride themselves on their inclusion and mutual support within a competitive environment. Players of all skill levels are welcomed and can compete against others in a similar skill bracket at local, regional, and even national tournaments.

How Does Pickleball Differ From Tennis?

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, but the greatest question asked about the sport is how it differs from its counterpart: tennis. Below is a brief overview of some of its inherent differences:

• Court size and layout Pickleball courts are significantly smaller than tennis courts, which makes them easier to manage for beginners and individuals looking for a less physically demanding sport.
  
  
• Equipment Pickleball requires solid paddles that are larger than table ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets. Additionally, pickleball uses a plastic ball that’s much lighter than a tennis ball.
  
  
• Scoring One of the most confusing parts of pickleball is scoring, although, surprisingly, it’s not quite as complex as tennis.
  
  
• Serving Pickleball players must serve underhand and diagonally across the court, whereas tennis players serve overhand and can aim for any part of the court, as long as it’s in bounds.
  
  
• Non-volley zone Unlike tennis, pickleball has a non-volley zone called “the kitchen.” This prevents players from using the more aggressive volleys found in tennis so the sport can easily be played by players of all ages.
  
  
• Pace of the game Pickleball generally has a slower pace to the game than tennis, appealing to older and younger players getting started.
  
  
• Physicality and accessibility The smaller courts and game rules make the sport more accessible to players with limited mobility or new to the game.
  
• Social aspects While tennis and pickleball both have a reputation for being excellent sports for socializing, pickleball is particularly community-oriented.