Key Differences Between Pickleball and Tennis

Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the US, has taken the athletic world by storm. With its striking resemblance to tennis, many tennis players are finding themselves drawn to the sport. Having playing tennis in high school, I’m apart of that group. The allure lies somewhere in the unique blend of similarities and differences that set pickleball apart from its more established counterpart. If you're a tennis enthusiast curious about the distinctive aspects that make pickleball a rising star, you've come to the right place.

This guide aims to unravel the contrasting elements between pickleball and tennis, shedding light on why pickleball has gained immense popularity, particularly among tennis players.

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Pickleball Paddles vs. Tennis Rackets

Let’s talk gear right away because it and the court size are probably the striking differences you may notice right away.

Pickleball paddles and tennis racquets differ significantly in design and performance. Pickleball paddles are rectangular with a shorter handle, resembling oversized ping pong paddles. Unlike tennis racquets, pickleball paddles lack strings and do not compress upon impact. Instead, they promptly deflect the ball.

This results in that sweet “knocking” sound you hear if you walk by some pickleball courts.

Most pickleball paddles feature a lightweight composite core with a honeycomb pattern, surrounded by a smooth striking surface and edge guard. These distinct features cater to the unique demands of pickleball, ensuring optimal performance on the court.

Note, there are some manufacturers, like Joola, making paddles that more closer resemble a tennis raquet. Truthfully, they look a bit more like table tennis paddles. Here's one of the most popular paddles (Hyperion C2 CFS) vs. Radius CGS 16.

• Ben Johns Hyperion C2 CFS 16 vs Radius CGS 16

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Kind of Ball

Tennis aficionados are familiar with the iconic yellow fuzzy tennis ball, designed for optimal visibility and speed on larger courts. Meanwhile, pickleball employs a specialized perforated plastic ball, allowing for a slower pace and increased control. The ball's composition profoundly impacts the gameplay, catering to varying skill levels and creating distinct experiences on the court.

I know what you’re thinking…. aren’t they just wiffleballs. While they do look like wiffleballs, pickleball balls have significantly more holes and smaller holes. They’re also made of a much more durable plastic, reducing the impact of wind. While durable, you can expect a pickleball ball to last anywhere between a few weeks to a few months, depending on how often you play.

If you need a quick recommendation, here ya go:

• For outdoors (warm) play, we recommend the Onix Dura Fast-40.
• For outdoors (cold) play, we recommend the CORE Pickleball Outdoor.
• For indoors play we recommend the Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball.

If you’re looking for some more information on pickleball balls, you may be interested in Best Pickleball Balls for All Types of Play in 2023.

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Pickleball vs. Tennis Court Sizes

The first time you step out onto a pickleball court (a lot of times, a retrotfitted tennis court), you’ll notice the difference in court size.

Tennis courts are expansive, measuring 78 feet in length and 27 feet in width for singles matches, with even larger dimensions for doubles play. Conversely, pickleball courts occupy less space, measuring 44 feet in length and 20 feet in width, making it an ideal option for those seeking a more compact and intimate playing environment.

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Fun fact, you can fit 4 pickleball courts in 1 tennis court. Combine that fact that tennis is typically played as singles while pickleball is typically played as doubles. We’re talking 8 pickleball bodies moving and grooving in the same space that 2 tennis players are smashing in.

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Serving in Tennis vs. Pickleball

Serving techniques significantly differentiate these two sports. Tennis serves entail powerful overhead shots, serving diagonally into the opponent's court, aiming to secure an advantageous position right from the start. In pickleball, the serve must be executed underhand, ensuring the ball travels diagonally to the opponent's service court. Combining that with the “double bounce rule”, it’s hard to really gain an advantage as the server in pickleball.

In tennis, you can actually win points on the serve, while in pickleball that rarely happens, especially on the pro level. In pickleball, it’s more about ball placement rather than power in order to set yourself up for the next few shots.

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Pickleball No-Volley Zone

The no-volley zone…. otherwise known as the kitchen. This seven-foot area is located on both sides of the net. The serve must clear this area and if you hit the ball out of the air, your feet cannot be touching the kitchen line or be inside the kitchen line.

Tennis doesn’t have a no-zone where you can’t volley the ball from. There’s no man’s land where it’s not recommend you stand as you’re at an extreme disadvantage, but you can volley the ball from anywhere in tennis and at any time.

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Pickleball Double Bounce Rule

Speaking of “at any time”, if you’ve never played pickleball before, this rule may feel foreign at first, but it’s intentional. It helps reduce the advantage you would get while serving. This is the double bounce rule.

In pickleball, there are two types of shots you can hit:

• Groundstrokes - hit off the bounce, often from the baseline
• Volleys - hit out of the air, often closer to the net

The double bounce rule says the ball must bounce at least once on each side before a volley occurs. What this means is that the team receiving the serve must let the ball bounce on their side. When the serving team receives the ball back, they too must let the ball bounce.

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From that point on, either team may volley the ball out of the air. This is probably the trickiest rule for beginners. Tennis does not have any sort of double bounce rule. You can play the ball out of the air at any point in time.

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Play - Play Style

Watch some professional pickleball (either MLP or the PPA), then go watch some tennis. Pretty different huh? Pickleball is played at the kitchen line. The goal is to move your way up to the kitchen.

The style in tennis where both players are hitting the ball back and forth from the baseline does not exist in pickleball (maybe at the amateur, beginner level).

The reason why pickleball is is played at the kitchen is because it gives you the highest chance to win the point. You’re able to smash a ball placed too high and more likely to avoid a ball hit directly at your feet (harder to return).

Note, if you’re confused on the landscape of professional pickleball, don’t worry. It is confusing….. and changing virtually every month. With that said, we wrote about Major League Pickleball that may help you out.

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Pickleball is Almost Exclusively Played as Doubles

Coming from a tennis background, you might be accustomed to primarily playing singles matches. It is important to note however that pickleball is primarily a doubles sport.

While you may occasionally come across singles play, it is relatively rare. Singles matches in pickleball can be described as nothing short of grueling. If you're seeking an incredibly challenging workout, then singles is the way to go, offering a test of endurance like no other.

On the other hand, doubles play is not only highly enjoyable but also aligns with the sport's original design. Playing doubles allows for a vibrant and social pickleball experience, fostering camaraderie and shared moments of excitement on the court.

So gather your friends or find new partners and delve into the fun and camaraderie that doubles play brings to the world of pickleball. If you’re looking for a place to play, Where to Play Pickleball may help!

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History of Pickleball vs. Tennis

Pickleball

Pickleball is a relatively new sport, dating back to the 1960s. It was invented in the 1960s on Bainbridge Island, Washington, just outside of Seattle. A couple of fathers were looking to entertain their family one summer. While at one of the co-founders homes, they were standing on their badminton court, but couldn’t find a set of badminton rackets. They improvised and started playing with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball.

From there the game spread, first throughout the neighborhood, but after some years locally and then some decades nationally.

Today, there are over 36.5 million pickleball players in the United States according to new data released in January 2023 by the APP.

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For a full timeline, check out History of Pickleball.

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Tennis

Tennis has quite an older history than pickleball, depending how you look at it.

Tennis has a rich history that can be traced back to its origins in an ancient game called "Real Tennis" or "Jeu de Paume." Originating in France around 1300, Jeu de Paume involved players using their bare hands initially, but later, they adopted gloves and rudimentary strung rackets called "battoirs." The English, upon hearing the servers' cry of "Tenez!" (meaning "take this!"), named the game "tennis" and quickly embraced it, giving rise to all modern racket and paddle sports.

In the mid-19th century, two athletes from England, Major Harry Gem and Augurio Perera, devised a version of tennis played on a croquet lawn. Their efforts led to the establishment of the world's first "lawn tennis" club, marking the birth of the modern game.

One man who played a pivotal role in tennis' development was Major Walter Clopton Wingfield. He made significant contributions to the sport by designing early nets and rackets, while also tirelessly promoting tennis among the aristocracy. In 1877, his efforts culminated in the inaugural Lawn Tennis Championship at Wimbledon, a momentous event that cemented tennis as a prominent sport.

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Why Play Pickleball Instead of Tennis

Having loved playing tennis in high school and recreationally in college, I know play significantly more pickleball (I’m addicted).

If you're considering whether to pick up pickleball or stick with tennis, here are my reasons why you should lean towards pickleball.

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Accessibility & Learnings Curve

‍It’s really, really easy to learn. I promise you when I say you’ll be up and running in less than 30 minutes. The first time I picked up a tennis racket, I was bombing balls way out of bounds.

Pickleball isn’t like that. Because of the unique paddle and ball, it’s a slower-paced game that’s significantly easier to keep the ball in play and enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed.

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Social

‍Pickleball has gained a reputation for its friendly and inclusive community. The “pickup” culture never ceases to amaze me. In most cities, you can show up by youself and hop on a court with strangers. It’s a great way to meet new people, make friends, and stay active.

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Fast-Paced and Action-Packed

‍If you're a fan of fast-paced, dynamic gameplay, pickleball might be your ideal match. The smaller court and unique paddle design result in quick exchanges and exciting rallies, keeping you engaged and on your toes throughout the game.

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Joint-Friendly and Lower Impact

‍Pickleball places less strain on your joints compared to tennis. The sport's slower speed and smaller court reduce the amount of running required, making it a suitable choice for individuals with joint issues or those looking for a lower-impact alternative.

Having gone through back pain in the past, pickleball was the first sport I added back in post physical therapy.

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Family-Friendly and Versatile

‍Pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family. In my opinion, it’s one of the only sports where players of all ages and genders can compete amongst each other, without an age group or gender having a significant advantage. Simply look at the professional leagues. Co-ed is the norm.

If you’re looking for a casual backyard game or a competitive match, pickleball offers the versatility to cater to your preferences.

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Popularity of Pickleball vs. Tennis

Tennis has established itself as a highly popular non-team sport globally, boasting an impressive player base of approximately 87 million enthusiasts. Prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon attract massive crowds and achieve impressive viewer ratings.

In contrast, pickleball, while relatively young in comparison, experienced a slow start during its first five decades.

However, the landscape has drastically changed in the past 15 years, propelling pickleball to become the fastest-growing sport in America. In fact, an astounding over 36.5 million people participated in pickleball at least once in 2022, according to the APP.

Comparatively, tennis recorded an estimated 20 million players. The rapid rise of pickleball's popularity has not only made it a contender but has also completely overshadowed its competition.

The sport's increasing popularity has led to significant developments, including the establishment of Major League Pickleball. Notably, high-profile celebrities and athletes such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Mark Cuban have invested in pickleball teams within the league. Even Anheuser-Busch has a team….. yep you heard that right…. the makers of Budweiser and Bud Light.

At this point, it’s only a matter of time before we see pickleball in the olympics.

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FAQs

Pickleball vs. Tennis Height

In pickleball, the net is set at a height of 36 inches (91.4 cm) at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.4 cm) at the center. On the other hand, tennis nets are positioned 3 feet (0.914 meters) high at the center and 3 feet, 6 inches (1.07 meters) high at the posts.

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Calories Burned Pickleball

Playing pickleball can be a fantastic way to burn calories while enjoying an engaging and social sport. On average, a person weighing around 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms) can burn approximately 350-450 calories per hour playing pickleball. This calorie expenditure may vary depending on factors such as intensity, duration, and individual fitness levels.

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Calories Burned Tennis

Tennis is a fantastic sport that provides a high-energy workout while engaging your body and mind. On average, a person weighing around 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms) can burn approximately 400-600 calories per hour playing tennis. However, the actual calorie expenditure may vary depending on factors such as intensity, duration, playing style, and individual fitness levels.

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How Many Pickleball Courts Fit on a Tennis Court

You can fit four pickleball courts on a tennis court.

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