Key takeaway: A pickleball court measures 20ft x 44ft (6.10m x 13.41m), with the net at 36in at the posts dipping to 34in in the centre and a 7ft non-volley zone either side. That footprint happens to match a doubles badminton court exactly – which is why leisure centres across South Wales can host pickleball with nothing more than tape and a portable net.
The numbers
Court: 20ft wide by 44ft long, and it's the same for singles and doubles. Net: 36in at the posts, 34in at centre. Kitchen (non-volley zone): 7ft on each side of the net. Service boxes: 10ft x 15ft, sitting behind the kitchen line. For safe run-off, the recommended overall playing area is 30ft x 60ft.
Where to play in South Wales
Any sports hall with badminton courts is a pickleball venue in waiting, and a growing number of leisure centres around Cardiff, Newport, the Vale and the Valleys now run dedicated sessions. Pickleball England's venue finder lists active sessions nationwide, and new community groups appear every month – if your local centre hasn't started yet, ask; halls love an activity that fills daytime court hours.
The ten-minute badminton hall set-up
Because the footprints match, a badminton court converts in minutes: drop or swap the net (badminton nets sit at 5ft), tape kitchen lines 7ft out from the net on both sides, then mark a centre line between kitchen and baseline. That's the entire job – it's how most leisure centre sessions are set up.
Tennis courts, playgrounds and driveways
A single tennis court fits up to four pickleball courts using portable nets. At home, all you need is a flat 30ft x 60ft area, some chalk and an outdoor ball. This adaptability is the whole story of pickleball's growth.
Kit for your first session
Nets and tape are club-level purchases; personally you just need a paddle. AIXO's Ghost carbon paddles (~£40) are the club-night default, the USAPA-approved Scorpion covers league players, and a spare AIXO overgrip in the bag sorts out the friend who always turns up empty-handed.
FAQ
Is a pickleball court the same size as a badminton court?
Yes – 20ft x 44ft is precisely the doubles badminton footprint.
How does the net height compare with badminton?
Pickleball nets sit at 34–36in against badminton's 5ft – otherwise the space is identical.
How much total space do I need?
Plan for 30ft x 60ft overall, and more if you can manage it for tournament-style run-off.
