Pickleball has become a favorite sport around the world. One of the best things about it is that you don’t need much space to start playing. If a full-size court doesn’t fit your available area, a mini pickleball court is an ideal option for homes, schools or compact recreation spaces.
This guide from Olaben walks you through the correct dimensions of a mini pickleball court, how to design it properly and the key things to keep in mind when building one so you can play comfortably and safely.
What Is a Mini Pickleball Court?
A mini pickleball court is a scaled down version of the official court. The proportions are adjusted to fit limited areas while still keeping essential sections like the Non Volley Zone, also known as the Kitchen.
- Mini courts are commonly used for:
- Small residential spaces.
- Schools that want to create a play area for kids.
- Beginners practicing core skills such as dinks, volleys and reflex work.
- Residential complexes or resorts adding compact sports amenities.
Standard Pickleball Court Dimensions
According to USA Pickleball:
- Length: 13.41 m
- Width: 6.1 m
- Non Volley Zone: 2.13 m from the net
- Playing area: about 81.8 m²
- Total recommended space: about 167 m²
Because a standard court requires a relatively large footprint, many households and schools simply don’t have enough space, which is why mini courts have become popular.
Recommended Mini Pickleball Court Dimensions
A mini court still needs to maintain the feel of a real game even when scaled down. The suggested dimensions are:
| Category | Standard court | Mini pickleball court |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 13.41 m | 10 m to 12 m |
| Width | 6.1 m | 4.8 m to 5.5 m |
| Non Volley Zone | 2.13 m | 1.8 m to 2.13 m |
| Total area | ~81.8 m² | 48 m² to 66 m² |
| Total required space | ~167 m² | 80 m² to 120 m² |
Important note: The Kitchen is the heart of pickleball. Try to keep it at 2.13 m or reduce it only slightly. Shrinking it too much changes the nature of the game.
Mini Pickleball Court Dimensions for Kids
Schools and play areas often choose a smaller layout:
- 9.14 m long
- 4.57 m wide
- Total area around 42 m²
- Net height stays the same as the standard: 0.91 m
This size makes it easier for kids to move, learn and enjoy the game.
Advantages and Limitations of Mini Courts
Advantages
- Requires very little space.
- Lower construction cost compared to a full-size court.
- Easy to install, great for home or temporary setups.
- Ideal for beginners or children since movement demands are lower.
Limitations
- Not suitable for official tournaments.
- Smaller courts limit deep shots.
- Practicing too long on mini courts may create short-movement habits that make full courts feel harder later.
Conclusion
Whether your space is big or small, a mini pickleball court can fully support your practice and day to day play. As long as you choose the right dimensions, materials and layout, you can create a safe and enjoyable court for the whole family.
If you're getting ready to start playing, the right apparel can make your sessions even more comfortable. Olaben’s pickleball activewear for women is lightweight, breathable and designed to support dynamic movement. These pieces work well for light sessions on a mini court and for longer outdoor games.
A well designed court paired with comfortable activewear will help you enjoy pickleball to the fullest. If you want, I can also create outfit suggestions or a dedicated product introduction for this collection.
