How Much Tape Do You Need to Line a Pickleball Court?

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. Originating on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965, pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years. With simple rules and equipment needs, pickleball provides fun and exercise for players young and old. As more people take up pickleball, the demand for pickleball courts has skyrocketed. So how much tape do you need to line a regulation pickleball court? Let’s take a closer look.

An Introduction to Pickleball

Before diving into the tape requirements, let’s first understand what pickleball is all about. Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net, paddle racquets, and a plastic ball perforated with holes (similar to a wiffle ball). The game is played as doubles or singles between two or four players.

The basic rules are simple: hit the ball over the net and don’t allow it to bounce twice on your side. Points are only scored on the serve, and games go up to 11 points, win by 2. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong for a fun, active game.

Pickleball is enjoyed by over 4.8 million players in the U.S. alone. With an average age over 50 years old, pickleball is especially popular among active adults and seniors. The social nature of pickleball and its accessibility to all fitness levels fuels its appeal.

Official Court Dimensions

According to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), official pickleball courts are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play. The court is divided in half by a tennis-style net set at 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.

On either side of the net is a 7-foot non-volley zone (NVZ). Players cannot volley the ball while standing inside this NVZ. The court dimensions also include out-of-bounds space of 3 feet beyond the baselines and sidelines.

Taping a Regulation Pickleball Court

When setting up a permanent or temporary pickleball court, proper taping is key. Here is a breakdown of the tape required:

Baselines – 2 lines at 20 feet long. Total: 40 feet of tape.
Sidelines – 2 lines at 44 feet long. Total: 88 feet of tape.
Non-volley zone (NVZ) lines – 4 lines at 7 feet long. Total: 28 feet of tape.
Centerline – 1 line at 20 feet long. Total: 20 feet of tape.
Total tape required: Approximately 178 feet of tape.

This covers the complete taping of lines for a regulation-size pickleball court. Having 10-20% extra tape on hand is also recommended in case of mismeasurement, damage, or realignment.

Selecting Pickleball Court Tape

When choosing tape for your pickleball court, consider these factors:

Indoor vs. outdoor – Outdoor pickleball court tape is thicker and more durable against weathering. Indoor tape can be thinner.
Color – Vibrant colors like yellow and orange are common for visibility.
Width – 2-3 inches is preferred. Wider tape stays put better outdoors.
Adhesion – The stickier the better to resist lifting or peeling. Look for UV-resistant adhesive.

Popular purpose-made tapes:

Franklin pickleball court tape – Available in 2″ and 3″ widths. Good for indoors or outdoors.
Unique Sports pickleball court tape – Thicker 3″ outdoor tape resists moisture and UV rays. Bright orange/yellow.
Permark pickleball court tape – 2″ width. Contains glass beads to boost reflectiveness and visibility.

Pickleball Court Tape Tips

Follow these handy tips when taping your pickleball court:

Thoroughly clean the surface before applying tape. This maximizes adhesion.
Use chalk lines as a guide before laying down tape. This keeps the tape lines straight.
Apply firm, even pressure when putting down the tape. Don’t pull or stretch the tape.
For outdoor courts, seal the edges of the tape thoroughly to prevent lifting.
Re-tape high wear areas like baselines more frequently as needed.
Store spare tape rolls properly by sealing the ends and keeping away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Maintaining Your Court Tape

To maximize the life of your court tape:

Keep the lines clean of debris using a brush, leaf blower or gentle power washer.
Avoid scuffing the tape with shoes. Add a sticky court cleaner like Tack Cloth to refresh stickiness.
Patch small lifts immediately with an overlapping tape strip to prevent further lifting.
Plan to replace all tape every 2-3 years or more frequently for high-use outdoor courts.

Proper taping and maintenance will keep your pickleball court lines crisp and playable for many years!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Court Taping

Here are answers to some common pickleball taping questions:

What are the standard dimensions of a pickleball court?

The dimensions are 20’ x 44’ for both singles and doubles courts, with a 7’ non-volley zone on either side of the net.

Is there a regulation width for pickleball court taping?

The recommended tape width is 2-3 inches. Wider 3” tape is preferred for outdoor courts.

What colors can I use for my court lines?

Any color is acceptable, but bright colors like yellow and orange provide the best visibility.

How often should I replace the court tape?

Every 2-3 years for regular use. More frequently for heavy use outdoor courts.

Can I use painter’s tape instead of standard court tape?

Yes, but it won’t be as durable for long-term use. Court tape is UV-resistant and designed to withstand outdoor play.

What’s the best way to get perfectly straight tape lines?

Use a chalk line as a guide before applying tape. This ensures straight, properly spaced lines.

How can I get the tape to stick better to the court?

Thoroughly clean the surface and apply firm pressure when putting down the tape. Outdoor tape with UV-resistant adhesive also resists lifting.

What’s the most cost-effective tape option?

Standard painter’s tape is the most budget-friendly option, but court-specific tapes last longer. Buy in bulk for the best value.

The Social Sport That’s Sweeping The Nation

Pickleball’s popularity has exploded from a backyard pastime to a national phenomenon. Driven by word-of-mouth enthusiasm, fun tournaments, and growing media coverage, pickleball now has over 4.8 million U.S. players. Enthusiastically embraced by seniors and families alike, the social nature of pickleball is a huge part of its appeal. Combine that with the sport’s simplicity to learn and you have a recipe for success.

Court construction has struggled to keep pace with demand as pickleball’s reach extends into schools, community rec centers, churches, parks, and backyards. A minimum of just 436 square feet of space, a net, and a lined court are all you need to join this paddling party. Understanding the basics of taping a regulation pickleball court is key to unleashing hours of healthy fun and fellowship. Grab your paddle and make some new friends on the court! The pickleball revolution is here.

Conclusion

From a backyard pastime to one of the fastest growing sports, pickleball has won over millions of fans. With that popularity comes the need for more places to play. Hopefully this overview demystifies the taping requirements for lining a regulation pickleball court. Just 178 feet of 2-3 inch wide, UV-resistant tape in colors like yellow or orange is ideal. Proper preparation, application, and maintenance will keep your court lines in top playing condition. So tape up your quadrants, net up that badminton net, and start enjoying the fun of pickleball today!

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