Rules

Gear

Deck is Deck. 

A New Sport Needs New Equipment

Two Pickleball Paddles

For new players stepping into the exciting world of deck pickleball, learning more about its specific gear is key to mastering the game. For starters, the gear used in deck pickleball is as innovative as the game itself. While deck pickleball utilizes smaller versions of traditional pickleball paddles and balls, thes have been specially modified to suit the specific demands of the game. The paddles are designed for enchanced precision and control, and the balls have been adjusted in size and weight to ensure optimal play on the smaller, elevated deck. Let’s take a closer look at the three essential components of deck pickleball–the deck, paddle, and ball.

The Deck

Schematic Of A Deck Pickleball Deck

The Paddle

The Ball

The Deck: The most important accessory to playing deck pickleball is the deck, and understanding the specifics of the deck is essential to grasping the unique dynamics of the game. The deck is 11 feet long by 8 feet wide, offering a total playing area of 88 square feet, which is roughly double the size of a standard ping-pong table. However, unlike a ping pong table, which stands 30 inches above the floor, the deck pickleball deck is positioned 20 inches from the ground, creating a different playing angle that requires players to adjust their approach and strategy. The size of the deck is perfectly suited to accommodate four players, making it an ideal doubles social game that can be enjoyed with friends and family in a variety of settings. Whether you’re playing casually or competitively, the deck’s unique dimensions contribute to the fast-paced, engaging nature of deck pickleball, making it a fun and accessible sport for all.

And while the deck is just one-tenth the size of a traditional pickleball court, which contains 880 square feet, it has the distinct advantage of being portable. Unlike a fixed court, the deck pickleball deck can be easily moved and set up both indoors and outdoors, offering versatility and convenience for players.

The Paddle: The deck pickleball paddle is designed specifically for this variation, with a surface area that is roughly half the size of a standard pickleball paddle. This smaller surface challenges players to improve their precision and accuracy. The paddle also features a longer handle, allowing players to extend their reach and better respond to short balls strategically placed by their opponents.

The Ball: The ball used in deck pickleball is another distinctive element. Measuring 55mm in diameter, it is smaller than a traditional pickleball, which has a 73mm diameter but slightly larger than a ping pong ball, which is 42mm in diameter. This size difference requires players to adjust their technique, focusing on control and spin to outmaneuver opponents.

As deck pickleball continues to grow and evolve, there will be a need to introduce new equipment and refine existing gear to meet the changing needs of players and enhance the overall playing experience.