Tennis vs. Pickleball – Full Guide and the Main Differences

Pickleball is fast becoming one of the most played sports in the world and it has become more recently popular with players that play Tennis. Most people think that they are the same sport, and therefore think they will just transition over to Pickleball easily. However, after playing just a few games, you can understand how they differ from each other.

Unlike the size of a Tennis court, which is very large and uses durable racquets and balls that have a high bounce. Whereas, the size of a Pickleball court is much smaller, with less durable paddles and, therefore, balls that do not bounce nearly as high, making it easier for beginners to play Pickleball. Both Tennis and Pickleball, while popular, can seem unusual compared to truly weird sports found around the world, such as cheese-rolling or underwater hockey, which feature even more different sets of equipment and rules.

Tennis and Pickleball – Definition

Both of these sports require players to hit a ball over a net, Tennis players use a racquet to hit the ball over the net, while Pickleball players use a paddle to hit the ball over the net. However, although both sports share the same basic elements, the type of court that is used and the rules of that court along with what types of equipment are used during that game creates entirely different experiences between Pickleball and Tennis.

What is the Difference between Pickleball and Tennis?

Court Size 

The size of Tennis courts are massive in size and require you to keep moving constantly to get to the ball; on the contrary, Pickleball courts use both a smaller and shorter court, allowing you to quickly get to the ball without overwhelming running.

Equipment 

The equipment you use in these two sports is completely different as well. For instance: Tennis racquets are large and the balls are heavy to allow them to bounce high off the ground, while: Pickleball paddles are much smaller and lighter, while the actual balls that Pickleball uses are made from a hollow plastic material and require less bounce than Tennis balls; therefore making it more difficult for a beginner (compared to Tennis) ​to get started playing Pickleball.

Serving

Both sports also have distinct serving techniques. For instance, In tennis, a player serves from above their head, with tremendous force; and thus, learning to serve properly may take time and be frustrating for new players. However, in pickleball, the serve is from below (underhand), making it simpler for players to control and less taxing on their arm; therefore, new players can begin volleying earlier without having to spend months learning proper serving techniques.

Bounce Rules

Also, there are no limits on the amount of air time the ball in tennis. Players may hit the ball whenever they choose, resulting in a fast-paced and aggressive game. In contrast, in pickleball, there is a special two-bounce rule, wherein the ball must first bounce on each side before players may hit it in the air; therefore, this extends the duration of each point and gives players (particularly new players) additional opportunity to react.

The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

A unique feature of pickleball courts are the non-volley zones (or kitchens), which are located near the net. Players may not hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen. This is not true of tennis; players may stand close to the net in tennis and still hit the ball in the air.

Game Speed and Physical Effort

The speed of the game and the amount of physical exertion required to play the game also differ from each other. Tennis requires players to run throughout the entire court, while Pickleball requires much less running due to the smaller size of the court and the lower bouncing characteristics of the ball. As a result, players will not become tired from running as much in Pickleball and will therefore be able to enjoy longer periods of enjoyment when playing.

Tennis Scoring System

The way players score points in Tennis can be very confusing for new players. The point system for Tennis is based off of the numbers 15, 30 and 40, plus the Games and Sets you play. It can take a while to learn and understand the point system of Tennis.

In Pickleball, scoring is very simple. The standard game of Pickleball is played to 11 points with only the serving side being allowed to score points during that game. This makes it easier for new players to learn and understand the game.

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Overall Accessibility

In terms of accessibility, Tennis requires the player to train and practice quite a bit before he will feel comfortable playing at 100 percent capacity. In contrast to Tennis, Pickleball is easy to learn to play and the average person of any age and ability will be able to play confidently after just a few games of Pickleball.

Which Is Better: Pickleball vs Tennis?

Both are good sports. The better one depends on what you want. Pickleball is easier and more beginner-friendly. Tennis is harder but gives a stronger workout.

Pickleball

Best for: New players, older people, and fun social games
Effort: Less tiring, easy on the body
Court and gear: Small court, paddle, light plastic ball
Learning: Very quick to learn

Tennis

Best for: Fit players and serious competition
Effort: More running and energy needed
Court and gear: Big court, racquet, tennis ball
Learning: Takes more time to learn

In conclusion, although the games of Tennis and Pickleball seem to be similar at first, in many respects they are played and performed differently.

FAQ

Is pickleball easier than tennis?

Yes. It’s easier for beginners due to the smaller court, underhand serve, and simple scoring.

Can tennis players switch to pickleball easily?

Yes. Most tennis players adapt quickly, just need to learn kitchen rules and softer shots.

Is pickleball less tiring than tennis?

Usually yes, because the court is smaller and requires less running.