Regulation pickleball net height is 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches in the center.
If you want fair games and clean shots, you need the right height of pickleball net. I’ve set up nets for leagues, clinics, and backyard play. Small height errors change the whole game. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact specs, easy measuring tips, and practical fixes so your net hits perfect numbers every time. Stick with me, and you’ll master the height of pickleball net like a pro.
Official regulation height of a pickleball net
The standard never changes. The net should be 36 inches high at both sidelines. It should be 34 inches high at the center.
Most nets dip in the middle by design. Posts sit outside the court lines. The court is 20 feet wide. The posts are set about 22 feet apart. The measurement is at the top of the net tape.
Here are the key points:
- Sides: 36 inches (91.4 cm) at the inner edge of each sideline.
- Center: 34 inches (86.4 cm) at the middle of the net.
- Slight dip: Built in for play balance and shot variety.
When someone asks the height of pickleball net, this is the exact answer. Use it for indoor and outdoor play.
Why the net dips in the middle
The lower center shapes the game. It rewards smart angles and soft touch. It keeps power in check near the middle.
You get cleaner third-shot drops over 34 inches. You can still attack near the lines, but you need more margin. It also helps with longer rallies and safer dinks.
When people debate the height of pickleball net, this dip is the reason many shots feel right.
How to measure and set the correct net height
You do not need fancy tools. A tape measure works best. A net gauge or a simple ruler also works.
Follow these steps:
- Place the net. Center it with equal overhang on each side.
- Measure the center. Aim for 34 inches at the top of the tape.
- Measure both sidelines. Aim for 36 inches at each inner edge.
- Adjust tension. Tighten side straps or crank until numbers match.
- Recheck all three points. Nets settle. Measure twice.
Pro tips from the court:
- Use a center strap or rod to hold 34 inches.
- Mark 34 and 36 inches on your tape with bright tape for speed.
- Recheck after warm-ups. Nets often relax a bit.
If your group asks about the height of pickleball net, show them in under a minute.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
Nets often drift off spec. Most issues are easy to fix.
Typical problems:
- Over-tightened sides raise the center above 34 inches. Loosen the center or add a strap.
- Sag in the middle drops below 34 inches. Add a center support or tighten end straps.
- Wind pushes portable frames. Use weight bags on bases.
- Old straps stretch. Replace worn straps or tie a backup knot.
I once ran a ladder night where the center sat at 33 inches. Drops looked magic, but lobs sailed long. We paused, fixed it, and rallies felt fair again. That is the power of correct height of pickleball net.
Portable vs permanent nets and indoor vs outdoor setups
Portable nets are great for parks and gyms. Most include a center support rod. That rod pins the center at 34 inches. Frames can flex in wind, so add weight if needed.
Permanent systems use posts with a crank and a center strap. They hold height better. They still need checks after weather shifts.
Indoor gyms can be tricky. Floors can slope a little. Measure all three points. Adjust more on the high side to match the height of pickleball net at both sidelines and center.
How net height affects strategy and shots
Small height changes alter your targets. The ball only needs to clear 34 inches in the middle. That invites drops, dinks, and fast counters.
Use these play cues:
- Third-shot drops: Aim a ball height of 6–10 inches over the tape.
- Drives: Safer over the middle. Riskier near the lines.
- Lobs: Need more arc near the posts where it is 36 inches.
- Ernes and counters: Aim through the middle window.
When I coach new players, I tell them: aim big over the center. The height of pickleball net gives you a safe lane there.
What the rules say for play and events
Rulebooks are clear. You should play at 36 inches on the sides and 34 inches at center. Refs check nets before matches.
In rec play, agree to check the height before the first game. If the net is off, fix it. If you cannot, both teams should agree on a temporary setting.
Tournament directors often bring a net gauge. Ask to use it. The right height of pickleball net protects fair play for all levels.
Buying guide: choosing a pickleball net with reliable height
Pick a net that holds true numbers. Look for strong parts and simple controls.
Key features to check:
- Center support: Strap or rod to lock 34 inches.
- Tension system: Easy crank or buckle that keeps set.
- Frame quality: Steel or aluminum that resists flex.
- Weather build: UV-treated net tape and rust-resistant parts.
- Stability: Wide bases or included sandbags for wind.
- Setup time: Can two people set and measure in five minutes?
If your net needs constant tweaks, it costs you rallies. A solid system keeps the height of pickleball net stable day after day.
Frequently Asked Questions of height of pickleball net
What is the official height of a pickleball net?
It is 36 inches at both sidelines and 34 inches at the center. These numbers apply to all standard courts.
Does indoor or outdoor play change the net height?
No. The height of pickleball net stays the same indoors and outdoors. Always use 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches at the center.
Can I use a tennis net for pickleball?
Yes, but you must lower it to 34 inches in the center. Use a center strap or a bungee to reach the correct height.
Is the net height different for singles and doubles?
No. Singles and doubles use the same net height. You still measure 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches at the center.
How often should I measure the net?
Check before play, after warm-ups, and if rallies feel off. Heat, wind, and use can shift the height of pickleball net during a session.
Why does my net keep sagging in the middle?
The center strap or rod may be loose or missing. Add or tighten the center support and retension the side straps.
Conclusion
The numbers are simple: 36 inches on the sides, 34 inches in the middle. Yet this small detail shapes rallies, strategy, and fun. Set it right, and your drops land softer, your drives fly truer, and matches feel fair.
Grab a tape, mark your spots, and dial in the height of pickleball net before your next game. If this guide helped, share it with your crew, subscribe for more court-smart tips, or drop a comment with your own setup hacks.