Discover how pickleball differs from tennis in terms of rules, court size, equipment, and gameplay. Learn the key differences between these two popular sports.
While pickleball and tennis may appear similar at first glance, they are two distinct sports with different rules, equipment, and gameplay. Whether you’re an experienced tennis player looking to try pickleball, or someone new to both games, understanding how they differ can help you decide which sport suits you best. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between pickleball and tennis in detail.
One of the biggest differences between pickleball and tennis is the size of the court. The dimensions of each sport’s court are quite different.
• Pickleball Court: The standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles matches. This smaller size means players have less ground to cover, allowing for faster reactions and quicker points.
• Tennis Court: A regulation tennis court is much larger, measuring 27 feet wide by 78 feet long for singles, and 36 feet wide by 78 feet long for doubles. The larger court size gives players more space to move around, leading to longer rallies and requiring more endurance.
The equipment used in pickleball and tennis is also different, starting with the paddle versus racket comparison.
• Pickleball Paddle: A pickleball paddle is solid, typically made of wood or composite materials. It is smaller and has no strings. The paddle is 15-17 inches long and about 7-8 inches wide. It offers a more controlled, precise feel due to its solid surface.
• Tennis Racket: A tennis racket is larger, with a long frame and strings. The racket’s head typically measures between 85-135 square inches, and the strings provide a greater “bounce” for the ball. Tennis rackets are usually between 27-29 inches in length.
This difference in equipment affects the way both sports are played, especially when it comes to ball control and power.
Another major difference between the two sports is the type of ball used.
• Pickleball Ball: The ball used in pickleball is made of plastic with holes (similar to a wiffle ball). It is lightweight and designed for indoor or outdoor use. The ball is smaller and slower compared to a tennis ball, which leads to a different style of play.
• Tennis Ball: A tennis ball is made of rubber and covered with felt. It is bouncier and heavier than a pickleball ball, and it travels faster. The felt covering allows it to bounce higher off the ground, and the ball’s weight makes it more challenging to control.
The difference in ball design leads to different types of shots and strategies in each sport.
The serving rules in pickleball and tennis also differ significantly.
• Pickleball Serve: In pickleball, the serve is always underhand, and the server must serve from behind the baseline. The ball must clear the non-volley zone (kitchen) and land in the opponent’s service box. Additionally, the server only has one serve attempt (unless it’s a fault by the opponent).
• Tennis Serve: In tennis, the serve is overhand and can be hit with more power and spin. The server has two attempts per point. If both serves are faults, the point goes to the opponent.
The underhand serve in pickleball leads to a slower-paced game, while the overhand serve in tennis allows for faster, more aggressive play.
The scoring systems in pickleball and tennis are different in terms of how points are earned and how games are won.
• Pickleball Scoring: In pickleball, games are usually played to 11 points, but players must win by at least 2 points. Only the serving side can score points, and when the server loses a point, the serve goes to the opponent. Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points in casual play or tournaments, but the 2-point win margin is always required.
• Tennis Scoring: Tennis uses a 15-30-40 point system in games, where the player must win four points to win a game, with a two-point advantage needed to win a game. Tennis sets are usually played to 6 games, and a match can consist of one, three, or five sets depending on the level of competition. Tennis has a more complex scoring system, and the game involves multiple levels of competition.
The height of the net is another key difference between the two sports.
• Pickleball Net: The pickleball net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. This is lower than a tennis net, which makes it easier to volley.
• Tennis Net: A tennis net is 42 inches high at the posts and 36 inches high in the center. This slightly higher net creates a higher clearance for players when they hit the ball.
Because of the smaller court size and the slower ball, pickleball tends to have a faster pace of play compared to tennis.
• Pickleball: The smaller court and lighter ball lead to quicker points, often with shorter rallies. In pickleball, there is more emphasis on quick reflexes, control, and strategy. Matches can last a shorter period of time, which makes pickleball appealing to people who want a fast, fun game.
• Tennis: Tennis matches tend to be longer, with more extended rallies due to the larger court and faster ball. Players need more stamina and endurance to cover the larger playing area and manage longer rallies.
The play style and strategy involved in pickleball and tennis are also different.
• Pickleball: Pickleball is often described as a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It focuses heavily on dinking (soft, controlled shots that land in the kitchen area), placement, and control. Players often use quick reflexes and strategic shot placement rather than relying solely on power.
• Tennis: Tennis tends to be more about power, serve and volley, and baseline play. Players often use longer swings and more aggressive shots, including serves that can reach speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Tennis also has more variety in the types of shots, including topspin, slice, and flat shots.
Both pickleball and tennis can be played in doubles, but the strategy and rules for doubles play differ.
• Pickleball Doubles: In pickleball doubles, each player on the team serves once before the serve passes to the other team. The service rotation in doubles is important because the side that serves wins points. The smaller court in pickleball also means there is less space to cover.
• Tennis Doubles: In tennis doubles, the server alternates with their partner, and the court is larger, so teams need to work together and cover more ground. Tennis doubles also places a heavy emphasis on strategy, particularly on who covers which part of the court.
While pickleball and tennis share some similarities, they are distinctly different sports. Pickleball has a smaller court, simpler equipment, and a faster pace of play, while tennis features a larger court, more complex scoring, and a stronger focus on power and endurance. Depending on your preferences—whether you like a quick, tactical game or a longer, more powerful one—you may find one sport more enjoyable than the other.
