There are numerous racquet sports available, and some of them are frequently compared. One good example is pickleball vs. tennis.
You may have always played tennis and are now switching to pickleball. Or you may be interested in learning more about pickleball and its differences from tennis.
In this article, we will compare and contrast tennis and pickleball, highlighting the fundamental distinctions and similarities between the two popular games.
What are the Major Differences Between Pickleball vs. Tennis
To get you started, these are the major differences between the rules of pickleball and tennis that you must learn.
- Pickleball, unlike tennis, may be played anywhere, including on a basketball or volleyball court.
- Tennis players take advantage of every inch of space on a tennis court, which is larger than a pickleball court. There are specified non-volley zones in pickleball.
- In tennis, you can hit the ball with your overhand or backhand, but in pickleball, you must strike the ball with your underhand.
- Pickleball is best played in pairs; tennis, on the other hand, can be played in singles or doubles.
- Each tennis player is serving alternately between teams; in pickleball, you can keep serving as long as your serves are good and bringing you points.
- Pickleball, like tennis, requires cross-court serving. You must, however, serve underhand and at the point of contact below the hip.
- In pickleball, the first side to score 11 points is the victor, but you must win by two points. Play will continue after 11 points are scored until a team wins by two points.
- Pickleball allows you to be hit occasionally, which is fine; nevertheless, aiming at your opponent’s body is considered bad sportsmanship in tennis.
The Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis Scoring Systems
Pickleball and tennis have completely distinct scoring systems. In tennis, there are six scoring opportunities, with scores ranging from 15, 30, 40, and so on. A “set” in tennis refers to these six opportunities.
Unlike tennis, pickleball only allows you to score on your serve. The receiving team is unable to score any points. Tennis matches are normally played to two out of three sets, with games leading to sets.
The goal of pickleball is to reach 11 before the other team, with a 2-point difference required for a team to win. Pickleball scores are announced in three numbers: the serving team score, the opposing team score, and points.
Anyone can pick up the score system in both sports after only 2-3 plays.
Both sports are similar in that they are highly social, fun hobbies that may be enjoyed for a lifetime in both singles and doubles! You will find yourself on the courts acting like a kid, having fun, making new friends and just plain having a wonderful time!
The Equipment Differences Between Pickleball and Tennis
We must consider the equipment used when we compare the sports of pickleball and tennis, Tennis and pickleball equipment may appear to be similar in appearance, but they are vastly different in terms of how they are made and how each piece of equipment functions.
Pickleball Court vs. Tennis Court
Both pickleball and tennis have rectangular shapes. A pickleball court is 20′ x 44′ for both singles and doubles. Meanwhile, the tennis court is 78′ x 27′ for singles matches. The court is 36‘ wide for doubles matches.
Unlike tennis, where you can volley from anywhere, in pickleball, a non-volley zone stretches 7′ back from the net on either side, colloquially referred to as “the kitchen.”
Pickleball could be your sport if you’re looking for a paddle sport that doesn’t require a lot of running.
Tennis Net vs. Pickleball Net
The net in tennis is significantly taller and longer, but the net in pickleball is smaller and shorter. In pickleball, the net is 36″ high at the ends and 34″ high in the center, while in tennis, the net is 3 feet high in the center.
It’s crucial to understand how each setting differs before you start playing pickleball on a tennis court or vice versa. When playing, using the right net will ensure that the sport’s height limitations are met, allowing you to perform better and win games. Small modifications can have a big impact on how sports are played.
Pickleball Paddles vs. Tennis Racquets
You can tell that pickleball is very different from tennis because of the racquet or paddle, as they are called.
Pickleball paddles are smaller than tennis racquets, and they are made of different materials. Pickleball paddles are made of a high-tech composite and can cost anywhere between $50 and $150 each. Pickleball paddles have a solid surface. Also, a paddle is a good gift idea for yourself or for someone who plays pickleball since it’s more handy compared to a tennis a racquet.
Tennis racquets were mostly made of wood, but more modern racquets are made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and graphite. This makes them lighter while maintaining their strength and power for good strokes. A tennis racquet’s striking surface is a woven string made of natural or synthetic gut material. The spacing of the strings of a tennis racquet can affect one’s game on the court, depending on the intensity and level of competition. Each one costs between $50 and $250.
Tennis Balls vs. Pickleball Balls
Tennis and pickleball balls are also quite different. The official pickleball for pickleball is constructed of plastic and is between 2 7/8 and 3 inches in diameter, weighing between 0.08 and 1.02 ounces. Other than the ball having to be a single, constant color, there are no color limits. Tests have been done on a number of outdoor and indoor balls by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) to make sure they can be used in official games.
Tennis balls are fluorescent yellow at big sporting events, although they can be any color in recreational play. Felt-wrapped tennis balls have different aerodynamic qualities. Each one has a white oval with a curvilinear shape on it.
When one thinks about tennis, the yellow fuzzy balls that are used come to mind rather than the prominent names. Pickleball is played using a plastic ball that is comparable to a whiffle ball in that it has holes and is therefore very lightweight. A whiffle ball bounces lower than a tennis ball because to its airiness, whereas tennis balls bounce high and far.
Playing Differences Between Tennis and Pickleball
in addition to the equipment, we must also consider how pickleball and tennis differ in terms of how they are played. You can observe the similarities and differences between the two sports in this comparison.
Playing Size
Pickleball is largely a doubles sport. Playing doubles is one of the most enjoyable aspects of pickleball, and it is also how the game was intended to be played.
Playing singles, on the other hand, requires more speed, strength, and stamina. This is because, unlike the tennis court, the pickleball court is significantly smaller and the ball bounces lower. When you consider this, the angles you may accomplish are significantly bigger, and the low bounce of the ball doesn’t give you much time to get there.
As for the tennis game, it is best played in singles or doubles. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a great time and work up a sweat.
Position in the Field
You tend to play deep in tennis to return your opponent’s shots and regularly come close to the net depending on the shots.
Pickleball, on the other hand, is played at the kitchen line rather than sitting deep. Pickleball players do not sit on the baseline like tennis players do.
When playing pickleball from the net, almost 95% of the shots are won. And it’s not by chance; rather, it’s because of the advantageous situation.
Serving Techniques
The most obvious distinction between the two sports is that in pickleball, unless you are playing professionally, the serve is rarely used as a weapon.
In pickleball, however, because overhand is not permitted, it’s all about getting the ball into particular situations that will aid you a few shots later. Even among the best pickleball players, the serve isn’t particularly forceful, so it doesn’t carry the same weight in pickleball as it does in tennis.
In tennis, however, the serve is extremely important. In fact, aces score a lot of points for players with good serving speed and technique.
Stroke Strategies
Tennis strokes are lengthy, fluid strokes that are highly graceful when performed by experienced tennis players. However, in pickleball, because of the game’s fast speed and smaller court, you’ll need to use shorter strokes.
Most tennis players are also instructed to hit their shots with a lot of top spin. This means that when the ball bounces, it travels a long distance in the air. In pickleball, if the ball rebounds high enough above the net, your opponent has an offensive opportunity if they are at the kitchen line.
So, in strategizing pickleball, the idea is to hit it low over the net with a slice to keep the ball lower. If you slice the ball deep into the court, it will stay low, requiring your opponent to raise it over the net. This return is frequently a pop up, giving you another offensive opportunity.
Execution of Shots
In pickleball, you need to keep a good distance from the ball before executing the shot. This makes producing force incredibly difficult because there is far less area to maneuver than in tennis.
Tennis players, on the other hand, move to hit balls that are traveling to the side of them. Before you strike the ball, you should generally move your body sideways.
Pickleball vs. Tennis Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most common questions that people ask us regarding the difference between pickleball and tennis. Make sure to get in touch if you don’t see the answer to your question here. We can add your question to this list!
Is pickleball easier than tennis?
Before we can declare that pickleball is easier to learn and play than tennis, we must analyze a number of aspects. When we analyze the movement on the court, pickleball is easier. When it comes to promptness and overall agility, though, it must be comparable to that of tennis. Tennis has a larger court than pickleball, which necessitates more mobility.
Is pickleball more fun than tennis?
We can say that pickleball is more enjoyable and is a faster, more imaginative sport. Pickleball also has health benefits that you might easily get compared to tennis.
Pickleball offers a considerably wider range of shots and angles than tennis. Pickleball dunks and volleys are far more time-consuming, have a greater range of pace, and are far more entertaining than tennis rallies.
Is pickleball louder than tennis?
Pickleball’s decibels are unquestionably higher than tennis’ due to the popping sound produced by the pickleball paddle. That sound is produced by the materials used in the manufacture of pickleball balls and paddles. Even with a shot that doesn’t require much effort, the sound is fairly loud.
Is pickleball a good tennis practice?
Pickleball focuses on skills that you may not get enough practice in when playing tennis, such as hand-eye coordination, net play, volleying, and so on. So, certainly, pickleball is a good tennis warm-up.
Does pickleball use tennis balls?
Pickleball, unlike tennis, does not utilize felt-covered balls. Instead, it employs plastic balls with perforated holes. This type of ball is commonly referred to as a wiffle ball. Because they’re lighter and have fewer holes, these balls fly through the air much cleaner than a tennis ball.
Can you play pickleball with a tennis racket?
No, pickleball has its own racquet, or more popularly known as a paddle, that is specifically created for the sport.
