If you look at a pickleball court for the first time, you might notice several different lines marking the playing area. For beginners, it can be confusing to understand what each line means and how it affects the rules of the game.
However, once you understand the purpose of each line, the layout of a pickleball court becomes much easier to follow.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different pickleball court lines and how they are used during a game.
Baselines
The baseline is the line at the very back of the court.
Players stand behind the baseline when serving, and the ball must land within the correct service area on the opposite side of the court.
If a serve lands beyond the baseline, it is considered out.
Sidelines
The sidelines run along the left and right edges of the court.
These lines define the outer boundaries of the playing area. If the ball lands outside the sidelines, it is out of bounds.
The Non-Volley Zone Line
One of the most important lines on a pickleball court marks the non-volley zone, often called the kitchen.
This line sits 7 feet away from the net and prevents players from hitting volleys while standing inside the zone.
Understanding the kitchen rule in pickleball is essential for beginners.
Centreline
The centreline divides the service area into two sections.
During a serve, the ball must travel diagonally across the court and land in the correct service box on the opponent’s side.
If the serve lands in the wrong service box, it is considered a fault.
Why Court Lines Matter
Each line on a pickleball court helps define where the ball can land and where players are allowed to move during certain shots.
By clearly marking the playing areas, the court lines ensure that games are played fairly and according to the official rules.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball court lines may look complicated at first, but each one has a simple purpose. Once you understand what the baselines, sidelines, and non-volley zone represent, it becomes much easier to follow the game.
Learning how the court is marked is an important step in understanding the overall rules of pickleball.