Home > Court Equipment Resource Center > How to Install Pickleball Net Posts
How to Install Pickleball Net Posts
A Professional Guide to Regulation Foundations & Spacing
Installing pickleball net posts requires a permanent foundation set exactly 22 feet apart (inside face to inside face). For maximum longevity and professional maintenance standards, we recommend installing ground sleeves into a bell-shaped concrete footer. This ensures the court is future-proofed for resurfacing and off-season storage.
The Case for Ground Sleeves
We highly recommend installing net post sleeves rather than direct-burying posts into concrete. Sleeves (available in steel or aluminum) allow you to remove net posts easily. This is vital if you live in cold climates and wish to store posts for the winter, or if you ever need to replace a post without excavating the entire concrete footer.
Pickleball Installation Instructions
1. Spacing and Layout
For a regulation pickleball court, net posts measure 22’ 0” apart. This measurement is taken from the inside face of the first net post to the inside face of the second net post. Precision here is critical for the proper tensioning of a 21′ 9″ net.
Figure 1: Regulation foundation and ground sleeve specifications for pickleball net posts.
2. Footer Dimensions
The concrete footer should be 18” in diameter at the top and 30” in diameter at the base. This “bell-shape” increases the footer’s resistance to the lateral stress caused by net tension. The minimum depth is 42”, or at least 6” deeper than your local frost depth. It is best to consult with a local engineer or contractor for exact specifications.
3. String Line and Grade
Set up a string line to the finished grade of the court. This acts as your guide for the height of the net post sleeves. The top of the sleeves should be installed flush with the finish playing surface. Measure to the face of the sleeve and mark the string line with tape; this ensures your sleeves are level and accurately centered before the pour.
4. Preparing the Sleeves
Before pouring concrete, tape the bottom end of the net post sleeves. This prevents wet concrete from filling the inside of the sleeve during installation. Standard sleeves are 24” long, allowing 18” of the post to slide in securely.
5. The Pour and Leveling
Pour the concrete and install the sleeves. Use a level to ensure the sleeves are perfectly vertical (plumb). Once the concrete has fully cured, you can slide your net posts into the sleeves and begin play.
If you remove posts for winter storage, always cover the sleeves with a cap or heavy-duty tape. This prevents water and debris from filling the sleeve, which can cause the concrete to crack during a freeze-thaw cycle.
Ready to Install?
Browse our heavy-duty pickleball posts and sleeves designed for professional facility standards.
Shop Pickleball Posts & SleevesRelated Technical Guides
Continue your facility research with these expert resources: