The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize readers with all the equipment necessary to play pickleball. It will cover the USA regulations regarding balls, paddles, and court specifications. Additionally, basic rules involving equipment and the court will be introduced.

Paddle Specifications

Since 1965, pickleball paddles have undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from the use of ping pong and wooden paddles to the adoption of composite and carbon fiber materials. As the game of pickleball has grown, so have the paddle options. Before identifying the benefits of various paddle designs, it is important to first understand the USA Pickleball regulations on paddle specifications.

Size:

• Combined length and width cannot exceed 24”
• Paddle length cannot exceed 17”

Hitting surface cannot contain:

• Delaminated– results in increased power
• Cracks
• Indentations

The specifications for the length and width of paddles allow for various shapes, as illustrated in Figure (2.1). However, it’s important to note that there are no restrictions on the weight and thickness of a paddle. Paddles purchased often range from 6 to 12 ounces, with players able to adjust the weight using lead tape around the edge guard. Different weights offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, as outlined in Table (2.1).

Figure (2.1)

Additionally, paddle cores vary but are typically available in thickness options of 14mm or 16mm. Figure 2.2 illustrates the variation in paddle thickness across different options. Table (2) highlights the benefits that various core thicknesses offer. When selecting a paddle, players should consider their playing style to choose the best option. USA Pickleball certified paddles typically are marked with a stamp, ‘USA Pickleball Approved’, directly on the paddle or packaging. A list of USA Pickleball Paddles can also be found on the organization’s website,  Pickleball Paddle Approved List. Not all paddles are approved by USA Pickleball. While unapproved paddles cannot be used in sanctioned tournaments, they can still be utilized for recreational play.

         Figure 2.2

Table (2.1)(2)

Ball Specifications

All pickleballs intended for tournament use must include the ‘USA Pickleball Approved’ seal or text on the ball packaging. Furthermore, the manufacturer’s name or logo should be directly printed on the ball surface. The specifications outlined by USA Pickleball for all balls are provided below (1).

Surface:

• Smooth surface with no texturing
• Uniform Color
• Minimum of 26 holes in the surface
• Maximum of 40 holes in the surface

Size:

• 2.87-2.97 inches in diameter
• .78-.935 ounces in weight

There are two distinct types of balls  for indoor and outdoor play. A distinguishing factor between indoor and outdoor balls is the number of holes present. Outdoor balls typically have more holes that are smaller in size, closer to the maximum count of 40, whereas indoor balls tend to have fewer larger holes, ranging between 26 and 30, Figures (2.3) (1). The increased number of holes in outdoor balls aids in stabilizing their flight in windy conditions.

Figure (2.3)

Equipment During Gameplay

During recreational gameplay, it’s common for players to carry extra balls in their pockets. However, if a ball falls from a player’s pocket onto the court during gameplay, it results in a fault. Additionally, encountering a cracked ball during play is not unusual. If a player discovers a crack in the ball before the serve, they may switch it out before the rally begins. However, if a player suspects a ball is cracked during a rally, play must continue until a dead ball occurs. It is then the player’s responsibility to agree on whether the crack affected the rally’s outcome. If all players believe that the damaged ball influenced the rally, the point will be replayed. If it’s determined that the ball did not affect the rally’s outcome, there will be no replay (1).

Court Specifications

Diagram (2.1) shows all specifications of a pickleball court.

Court key components (1):

Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) or Kitchen:  7ft. area between the net and non-volley line. At times indoor facilities use badminton courts for both badminton and pickleball. When pickleball is played on a badminton court the NVZ will measure slightly smaller at 6.5 ft.

• Players cannot volley the ball while any part of their body is in the NVZ, including during the follow-through. Violations of this rule will result in a fault even if a dead ball has already occurred.
• Paddles touching the NVZ during a volley, including dropped paddles, result in a fault.
• Players may enter the NVZ at any time as long as the player is not volleying the ball.
• Players may hit the ball while standing in the NVZ  as long as the ball bounces first. 

Non-Volley Line: This is considered part of the NVZ.

• Volleying the ball while any part of the body touches this line is considered a fault.
• A ball that is served and touches any part of the non-volley line is considered a fault.

Net:  should measure 36” high at the sideline (posts) and at least 34” at the center of the net. USA Pickleball recommends the net post should be 12in. Outside the sideline.

• While playing, if any part of the player’s body or paddle touches the net it will result in a fault.
• Players are permitted to reach over the net to hit the ball only if the ball bounces on their side of the court and then spins back over the net towards the opponent’s side.
• Players may hit the ball around the net post (ATP)
• Because the net posts are positioned beyond the court boundary lines, any balls that make contact with the posts are deemed out, resulting in a fault.

Baseline: back boundary lines at each side of the court that are 22 ft. from the net. The width of the baselines is 20 ft.

• Balls that touch any part of the baseline should be called in. While balls that exceed the baseline are out.

Sideline: The distance between each sideline is 20 ft., while the full length of each sideline is 44 ft.

• Balls that touch any part of the sideline should be called in. While balls that exceed the baseline are out.

Centerline:  This line separates the right and left service courts. The centerline is 15 ft. in length.

• During gameplay, the centerline is only observed during the serve
• A serve that contacts the centerline is considered in, except where the NVZ line and centerline meet.

Left Service Court (Odd Court): In singles when the server’s score is odd, the server will serve from the left court.

Right Service Court (Even Court): In singles when the server’s score is even, the server will serve from the right court.

Line Calls

As outlined above, balls landing on the sideline or baselines are considered to be in play. It falls upon the player or team positioned on the side of the court where the ball lands to determine whether it is in or out. Calls should be made promptly.

In doubles, if partners disagree on the ball’s landing on their respective side of the court, it is ruled as in. If neither player can confidently make the call, they may defer to their opponents for judgment. If the opposing team is also unable to make a definitive call, the ball is considered in play (1). Determinations regarding the ball’s landing status can be communicated verbally or through hand gestures. See Figures (2.4 & 2.5) below for proper line call hand gestures during gameplay.

Figure (2.4)

Figure (2.5)