What’s the Score?
In a move that could fundamentally alter the geometry of the sport, the PPA Challenger Series has announced a controversial experiment: narrowing the singles court. For select upcoming events in 2026, the court width for professional singles matches will be reduced from the standard 20 feet to 17 feet. This reduction of 1.5 feet on each side is a bold attempt to curb the power-serving dominance seen in the modern game and encourage longer, more tactical rallies. The “laboratory” for this change will open in late February at the Houston PPA Challenger.
Hit it deeper!
The PPA Challenger Series, positioned as the developmental testing ground for the sport, is taking a page from the playbooks of other major leagues like the NBA (G-League) or ATP Tennis (Next Gen Finals), which often test new rules before global implementation. Tanner Groff, Vice President of the PPA Challenger Series, explicitly referred to the series as a “laboratory for pickleball,” emphasising that innovation is crucial for the sport’s long-term health. The goal of the narrower court is specific: to extend rally length and enhance the spectator experience by forcing players to construct points rather than relying on unreturnable passing shots into open space.
The logistics of the trial are set. While the immediate Tucson Challenger will retain standard dimensions, the new 17-foot width will be rolled out at four high-profile stops: Houston, Texas; Harbour Island, Florida; Newport Beach, California; and Opelika, Alabama. This geographic spread ensures that the trial is tested under various conditions—potentially including outdoor elements like wind, which could make hitting into a narrower court even more challenging.
The physics of this change are profound. By removing three total feet of width, the angles available for passing shots are drastically reduced. This theoretically benefits players with elite footwork and defensive coverage, as they have less ground to protect. Conversely, it penalises “shooters” who rely on hitting winners into the corners. The feedback loop will be immediate, as organizers plan to source opinions directly from the pro players participating in these events before presenting any findings to the wider governing bodies.
The World Pickleball Verdict
This is perhaps the most aggressive rule experiment in recent pickleball history. It addresses a growing criticism of men’s singles in particular: that it has become too similar to tennis, dominated by massive serves and two-shot rallies. By shrinking the court, the PPA is attempting to artificially induce the “cat and mouse” strategy that purists love. However, this move risks alienating players who train exclusively on standard courts. If successful, this could bifurcate the sport, creating different court standards for singles and doubles—a complication that could hinder venue construction and amateur play. The “Skinny Singles” era is a gamble on entertainment value over tradition, and the results in Houston will be scrutinised by the entire industry.