What Is The Height Of A Pickleball Net?

Wouldn’t it be nice if a pickleball net and a tennis net were the same height? That would be perfect - having one net to play the two most popular racquet/paddle games on earth on the same court! As great as that sounds, unfortunately it’s not the case when it comes to the height of a pickleball net. Pickleball is a sport that requires precision and accuracy, and the height of the net plays a significant role in achieving both. As a pickleball player, it’s important to know the standard height of the net, its variations, and the impact of its height on the game. In this article, the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles outline everything you need to know about pickleball net heights including a comparison to tennis nets, and more. Let’s get to it. 

Pickleball Net Height

A pickleball net is not only shorter in total court width than a tennis net, it’s also shorter in height. Interestingly, a pickleball net is not the same height across the entire net, it’s higher near the sidelines and droops slightly in the center. A regulation pickleball net is 36” at its highest points, near the sidelines of the court. Itfalls 2” at the center to 34”. PRO TIP - So, if you’re going to miss, miss in the middle where there’s more room for error! 

When you’re playing on a permanent pickleball court, nets are typically permanent, sturdy, and beefier, limiting worry for net height variation.If you’re playing on makeshift courts using a portable net though, you'll want to memorize the height a pickleball net should be to avoid a drooping or sagging net. Just remember, 36/34/36. 36 on the left, 34 in the middle, and 36 on the right! 

Difference Between Pickleball Nets and Tennis Nets

As you may know, you can fit four pickleball courts in one tennis court, meaning the tennis net is wider and taller. A tennis net is also at its highest points near the sidelines and dips in the middle, just like a pickleball net, but it is significantly higher, standing at 42” at each sideline and dropping to 36” in the center. 

Can You Play Pickleball with a Tennis Net?

Technically, yes. But if you’re thinking of playing pickleball with a tennis net, prepare yourself for a significantly different game. A tennis net is 6” higher at the sidelines, and 2” higher in the center, which makes a huge difference when trying to get in a true game of pickle. 

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Now that you know how tall the net should be, it’s time for a paddle to get out and play! If you're looking for a highly rated pickleball paddle that performs with the best of them, check out our expansive list of pickleball paddles at JustPaddles.  If you have any additional questions, the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles are here to help. You can call/text 866-382-3465, email experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. Don't forget, we're here for you from Click To Court!