Pickleball is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada. According to Pickleball Canada, Over one million Canadians play the game at least once a month. Did you know that pickleball was invented by three fathers to entertain their families?
Former congressman Joel Pritchard and his fellow fathers, Bill Bell and Barney Mc Callum, invented Pickleball in 1965 in Washington state to create fun for their families. It’s a game for all ages and combines badminton, mashup, and tennis.
Whether you are a professional player or are looking for a game to enjoy with your friends or family, Pickleball is a game for all. It is played in a court with a net raised in the middle. In this article, we will explore the main types of pickleball courts.
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Types Of Pickle Ball Courts By Location
The beauty of pickleball is that players can play indoors and outdoors. Therefore, there are two types of courts categorized by location.
1. Indoor Pickleball Courts
An indoor pickleball court is located in an enclosed area. It is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. Indoor pickleball games can be played at basketball and badminton courts because these games are related. In addition, these courts have the same dimensions as pickleball courts.
Since basketball and badminton courts are spacious, you can set two pickleball courts in one of either to play with friends or family. Indoor pickleball courts tend to be noisy due to sound resonance.
Pros Of Indoor Pickleball Courts
Indoor pickleball courts have the following benefits.
Protection From Extreme Weather
Indoor pickleball courts eliminate the dependence on weather conditions to play the game. There is no game stoppage, even when it’s raining, snowing, or scorching summer heat.
Speed Of Play
Indoor pickleball courts allow players better control of the speed of play. There is no resistance from wind that can slow down the ball.
What About The Downsides?
There are two main downsides to indoor pickleball courts.
Noise
Since indoor pickleball courts are enclosed, they are noisy due to sound resonance. Considering that an indoor court can host multiple games, sound from different balls can create a disturbing echo to the players.
Overlapping Court Lines
A basketball or tennis court can sometimes be a makeshift pickleball court since the three games are interrelated. However, the courts are marked differently. Therefore, they may confuse a beginner.
Are There Special Balls For Indoor Pickleball Courts?
Playing indoor pickleball requires special balls. These balls are made of soft plastic for ease of control and have large holes. In addition, they are small and lightweight, with varying textures to ensure more speed.
What About Pickleball Paddles?
Lightweight pickleball paddles make the best choice for indoor games. They are easy to use and provide better ball control. In addition, they reduce the risk of injuries to the shoulders and elbows.
2. Outdoor Pickleball Courts
As the name suggests, outdoor pickleball courts have the same dimensions as indoor courts. They are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
Unlike indoor courts, outdoor pickleball courts are quiet because they are open. Outdoor tennis and basketball courts can act as makeshift pickleball courts to provide ample space for the players.
Pros Of Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Outdoor pickleball courts bear the following benefits.
Exposure To Sunlight
Outdoor pickleball courts provide players with exposure to sunlight, unlike indoor courts. Recreational players can get a chance to enjoy the sun as they play their favorite sport. Recent studies indicate that exposure to the sun can cause early production of melatonin to promote better sleep. Additionally, exposure to the sun can increase the body’s production of serotonin which can boost mood, focus, and overall performance.
Less Noise
Outdoor pickleball courts eliminate echo since sound is lost in the surroundings. Unlike indoor courts, they provide a quiet environment for players to focus on the game.
Are There Any Downsides?
Outdoor pickleball courts have one major downside. They can expose players to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and scorching sun. Additionally, wind can make it challenging for a player to control the ball.
Is There a Special Ball For an Outdoor Pickleball Court?
Outdoor pickleball courts require special balls. These balls are usually smooth, hard plastic and have many small holes. They are heavy to stand wind in an outdoor setting and provide drag and speed.
What About The Pickleball Paddles?
Heavy pickleball paddles make the best choice for outdoor courts because they provide more power to bounce the ball at full speed. In addition, their weights reduce the chances of injuries when a player hard hits the ball.
Types Of Pickleball Courts By Surface
When categorizing pickleball courts by surface, there are various types, including clay, asphalt, concrete, grass, polyurethane,pro-cushioned,acrylotex, and plexiflor.
1. Asphalt Pickleball Courts
Also known as bitumen, asphalt is a mixture of gravel, sand, binder, and filler. Asphalt makes a great choice for outdoor pickleball courts because it’s smooth and durable. In addition, it can stand extreme weather conditions.
Asphalt pickleball courts are easy to construct because the material does not require curing. In addition, it’s more forgiving, easy to maintain, comfortable, and noise-free. Asphalt is skid resistant and suitable for all weather. Besides, you can improve its traction capability by adding a top layer.
Asphalt pickleball courts have several downsides. They are rigid and can increase the risk of players getting injuries. In addition, they can cause staining to the players’ shoes.
2. Clay Pickleball Courts
Clay pickleball courts may be made of red or green clay. Red clay consists of a coarse mixture of brick, while green clay consists of crushed metabasalt or Har-Tru.
Clay pickleball courts are textured and thus slower than standard courts. Thus, they make greater choices for baseline players who play defensive games. These courts are more forgiving because they are more shock-absorbing. In addition, they are great at preserving energy because a player slides into place instead of coming to an abrupt stop.
Clay pickleball courts cause less strain on knees and joints, thus making them ideal for long tournaments. They are cost-effective because it’s cheap to construct and require little to no maintenance. Besides, they make great choices for seniors and individuals playing for recreational purposes.
3. Concrete Pickleball Courts
Concrete pickleball courts provide hard surfaces and predictable ball movements. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. In addition, they are affordable, durable, and require low maintenance. A concrete court is easy to construct. You only need to grade it and paint it for better drainage.
Concrete courts are hard and rigid and can cause strain on the body. In addition, they lack proper grip, increasing the risk of skidding and falling. However, you can add a layer of a special surface to concrete to increase its grip and traction.
3. Grass Pickleball Courts
Also known as lawn courts, grass pickleball courts make great choices for backyards as long as the grass is compact and offers a hard surface. These courts are great for playing casual pickleball games where strict rules do not have to be followed. Thus, you can play with family and friends at parties, barbeques, etc.
Although an outdoor pickleball is heavy, it cannot bounce on grass. Thus, playing on a grass court may be impossible unless it’s very short and the soil is compact. Players may consider using a rubber ball instead of an ordinary plastic pickleball. In addition, playing on a glass court can strain the legs and knees more than on concrete or asphalt courts.
Grass pickleball courts are challenging to maintain because you must constantly water and mow the grass. In addition, the surface may be uneven, increasing the risk of tripping. Besides, these courts lack traction and may be affected by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain and snow.
4. Polyurethane Sports Pickleball Courts
Polyurethane pickleball courts consist of a flexible rubber mat built over a hard surface like concrete or asphalt. The rubber mat cushions a player from impact and strains to the knees, joints, and other body parts, thus reducing the risk of injuries. In addition, it’s highly flexible and resistant, thus yielding outstanding performance. Besides, Polyurethane pickleball courts are aesthetically appealing, making them suitable for professional sports. You can find these courts indoors or outdoors.
5. Pro-Cushioned Pickleball Court
A Pro-cushioned surface is a professional choice for an indoor or outdoor pickleball court. It consists of 100% acrylic, which is more beneficial than an average acrylic surface. The court has several shock-absorbing layers to provide a player with more comfort and resilience.
A pro-cushioned pickleball court reduces the recovery time from aches and pains after a game. These pickleball courts are durable, smooth, and consistent. In addition, they provide great traction and grip to avoid accidental falls. Besides, if a player accidentally falls on the court, there are high chances of less abrasion and bruises than on concrete and asphalt floors.
The acrylic layer may be applied on concrete or asphalt to preserve them. It’s environmentally friendly and does not emit volatile organic compounds. Besides, the ball moves more slowly, making them ideal for baseline players.
Pro-cushioned pickleball courts have several downsides. For instance, they are expensive and less durable than concrete or asphalt. In addition, a player who is used to playing on hard surfaces may find it challenging to play on these floors.
6. Acrylotex Pickleball Courts
Acrylotex is a distinctive acrylic coating laid over concrete or asphalt. It is great indoors and outdoors and has a medium texture with great anti-skid properties.
Acrolytex is durable and has different textures to provide different traction and abrasion resistance levels. The grip on these courts allows better ball control and safety against falls and injuries. It’s easy to apply Acrolitex on a hard surface, and it’s cheap to maintain it by applying a simple recoat. Besides, Acrylotex courts are aesthetically appealing, making them ideal for professional sports.
7. Prexiflor Pickleball Courts
Plexiflor is a reinforced smooth acrylic coating applied over concrete or asphalt. It’s non-abrasive and suitable for indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. In addition, its suitable for all weather and is more durable than polyurethane surfaces. Besides, Prexiflor is easy to maintain, has color intent, and is environmentally friendly.
8. Rebound Ace Pickle Ball Court
Rebound Ace is a cushioned pickleball court consisting of polyurethane, rubber, and fiberglass layered on a concrete or asphalt floor. The combination offers great bounce and durability, while the rebound ace technology creates high shock absorption and cushioning. Thus, it absorbs the impact and reduces strain on ankles, legs, and feet.
A rebound ace court can boost players’ confidence and maximize their performance. It is forgiving to the body and hard on the surface, making it ideal for long tournaments. In addition, it’s easy to maintain. Besides, its smoothness and aesthetic appeal make it ideal for professional games.
FAQs
Q: Are Outdoor and Indoor Pickleball Courts The Same?
Indoor and outdoor pickleball courts have various similarities and differences. For instance, both courts are 20 inches wide and 44 inches long. Moreover, the net in both courts is 34 inches high in the middle and 36 inches high on the sidelines.
Indoor pickleball courts are suitable for all weather, unlike their outdoor counterparts, which expose players to extreme weather conditions. In addition, outdoor pickleball courts are quieter than indoor courts due to sound resonance.
Q: Can You Play Pickleball On Clay Courts?
Yes. Clay pickleball courts reduce strains on ankles, making them ideal for playing long games. In addition, they are easy on the ball, making them ideal for intermediate and senior players and those wishing to play pickleball for recreational purposes.
Q: How Long Does a Pickleball Court Last?
A pickleball court needs resurfacing every five to eight years, depending on the material, quality of construction, traffic, and overall usage. Concrete and asphalt courts last longer than other surfaces, but the general rule of thumb stipulates that a pickleball court should be resurfaced every 4-8 years.
Q: What Is The Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Balls?
Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls differ in weight, texture, and number of holes. Indoor pickleball balls are made of hard plastic, are lightweight, and have 26 large holes. The texture gives them a better spin and makes it easy to play indoors where there is no wind. On the other hand, outdoor pickleball balls are heavier and have 40 smaller holes. Moreover, they are smooth and made of hard plastic. These features make them resistant to the wind in open settings.
Q: What Is a Standard Pickleball Court?
A standard pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. In addition, the net stands 34 inches in the middle and 36 inches on the sides.
Q: How Long Do Pickleball Balls Last?
A pickleball ball can last 5-10games or 100 hours depending on the quality, utilization, and where you play it. For instance, indoor balls tend to wear out faster due to heat damage. Additionally, pickleball for tournaments will last for a shorter period than a ball for occasional playing. Thus, replace your pickleball ball as soon as you notice any changes, such as cracks or if the ball becomes slower than normal. Replace an indoor pickleball ball if it becomes too soft.