Tennis vs Pickleball vs Other Similar Sports -

Pickleball vs Tennis: What is the difference between pickleball and tennis?

Ever find yourself wondering what sets pickleball apart from tennis? Sure, they might look similar at first glance – both have nets, involve hitting a ball, and get you moving. But trust me, these sports are as different as night and day.

Imagine a sport that takes the best bits of tennis, adds its own twist, and creates something totally unique. That’s pickleball for you. From the size of the court to the way you play, we’re about to break down exactly what makes pickleball its own awesome game.

I’ve played both sports, and I can tell you right now: pickleball is more than just another racquet sport – it’s a game with its own identity and growing popularity in the athletic world.

Pickleball vs. Tennis: Are They Related?

Tennis is an old sport and one of the inspirations for pickleball. The two games share an interesting relation.

Pickleball was originally invented in a congressman’s vacation home backyard in 1965. Three men combined three different racquet sports just because they didn’t have the complete equipment for any of them. A combination of table tennis, ping-pong, and badminton – that’s pickleball.

Clearly, this sport shares common features with all of them. The net, court size, and paddles, however, make it look extremely similar to tennis. Yet the ball used, and the kind of moves you can make are totally different in the two games.

While tennis remains the more popular one, pickleball is slowly becoming a favorite too. Infact, Lebron James has his own team in the national leagues!

The reasons are clear: It’s easy to understand, does not require heavy lifting, and can be played even on house lawns or backyards. Kids enjoy it for the simple equipment and easy-to-learn rules, while seniors prefer it as a fun alternative to exercise.

Pickleball vs Tennis: Differences Between the Two

Since we’ve been talking about the differences between tennis and pickleball, let’s take a closer look at their specifications:

Factors	Pickleball	Tennis
Court Size	44 ft x 20 ft for both singles and doubles	78 ft x 27 ft for singles, 78 ft x 36 ft for doubles
Court Surface	Hardcourt or asphalt	Grass, clay, or hardcourt
Net Height	3.5 ft at the sidelines, 3 ft at the center	36 inches at the posts, 34 inches at the center
Ball	Plastic ball with perforations, lighter and slower	Felt-covered rubber ball, heavier and faster
Gameplay	Slower-paced, emphasizes strategy and placement	Faster, with powerful serves and volleys
Paddle/Racquet	Solid paddle, smaller and lighter	Stringed racquet, larger and heavier
Physical Endurance	Moderate, making it accessible for all ages	Heavy, requiring speed and strength
Popularity	Rapidly growing, especially in North America	Internationally widespread, played in Grand Slams
Scoring	Points are only scored by the server; games go to 11 (win by 2)	Points scored by either player; games go to 6 or tie-breaks
Primary Movement	Underhand only; ball must stay below waist level	Overhand or underhand; ball tossed into the air
Ease of Learning	Beginner-friendly	Requires advanced skill

As you can see, even though the two sports look similar and have similar forms, they are vastly different when it comes to skill and endurance required.

Both have pro tournaments, but pickleball is much less popular than tennis internationally. However, PPA Tours and the WPC Series are gradually bringing global attention to the sport.

Pickleball vs Other Similar Sports:

Now that we understand how pickleball is different from tennis, let’s also look at some features that distinguish it from other similar sports.

Factors	Pickleball	Badminton	Ping Pong	Racquetball	Squash
Court Size	20 ft x 44 ft	20 ft x 44 ft	Table: 9 ft x 5 ft	20 ft x 40 ft	21 ft x 32 ft
Court Surface	Outdoor/indoor with hard surface	Indoor/outdoor with hard surface/grass	Table with hard surface	Indoor court with walls	Indoor court with walls
Net Height	36 inches (ends), 34 inches (center)	5 ft at center, 5 ft 1 in at sides	6 inches above table	No net; ball hits walls	No net; ball hits walls
Ball	Perforated plastic ball	Feathered/plastic shuttlecock	Lightweight celluloid/plastic ball	Hollow rubber ball	Rubber ball
Gameplay Area	Courts with Nets	Open court	Tabletop	Enclosed with walls	Enclosed with wall
Paddle/Racquet	Solid paddle (wood/composite)	Strung Racquet	Small paddle (wood/composite)	Strung Racquet	Strung Racquet
Physical Endurance	Moderate	High	Little	High	High
Popularity	USA, Canada, Australia	Asia, Europe, America	Globally	USA, Mexico, South America	Europe, Asia, North America
Scoring	Up to 11 or 15, win by 2	Up to 21, win by 2	Up to 11, win by 2	Up to 15, win by 1	Up to 11, win by 2
Primary Movement	Short sprints and lateral movements	Dynamic sprints, jumps, and lunges	Minimal movement; reflex-based	Fast sprints and lateral movements	Constant movement within walls
Ease of Learning	Beginner-friendly	Moderate skill required	Beginner-friendly	Moderate to advanced skill required	Requires advanced skill

This comparison shows how pickleball can easily top the list of simple, competitive, friendly, and accessible games. You can understand its rules, locate its equipment, and find a spot to play without much effort.

Wrapping Up

Pickleball’s combination of simple gameplay, little to no physical demand, and versatility makes it enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it brings generations together and offers a healthy form of entertainment.

While it is quite different from other sports, as we discussed, you can obviously start by using their equipment for pickleball. However, once you get a hint of the rules, it’s better to shift to gear designed specifically for pickleball.

So, step onto a court, pick up your paddle, and enjoy the thrill of the game!