Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis: A Quick Guide for Beginners

Pickleball and tennis may seem alike at first glance, but they’re quite different sports. Both use racquets and nets, but that’s where the similarities end. Pickleball uses a smaller court, lower net, and different equipment than tennis, making it easier for beginners to pick up and play.

You might wonder why pickleball has become so popular lately. It’s a fast-growing sport in the US that appeals to all ages and skill levels. The game is less intense on your body compared to tennis, yet still offers a great workout.

Curious about trying pickleball? You’ll find it’s a fun, social game that’s easy to learn. The rules are simpler than tennis, and you can start playing with basic skills. Whether you’re a tennis pro or a complete beginner, pickleball offers something for everyone.

History and Origins

Tennis has been around for a long time. It started in the 1800s in England, where people played it on grass courts at first. The game spread quickly to other countries.

Pickleball is much newer. It was invented in 1965 by three dads: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They made it up to entertain their bored kids.

You might wonder how pickleball got its name. Some say it’s named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles. Others claim it comes from the term “pickle boat” in rowing.

Tennis became an Olympic sport in 1896 for men and 1900 for women. It’s been popular for over a century.

Pickleball took longer to catch on. It stayed a local game in Washington state for years. But in the last decade, it’s grown fast. Now you can find pickleball courts all over the U.S. and beyond.

Both games have changed over time. Tennis rackets went from wood to metal to carbon fiber. Pickleball paddles started as wood and now use high-tech materials too.

Court Specifications

Pickleball and tennis courts have some key differences. The size, net height, and markings vary between the two sports. Let’s look at the specifics.

Court Size

Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts. A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. That’s about a quarter the size of a tennis court.

Tennis courts are much bigger. They’re 36 feet wide for doubles and 78 feet long. The extra space gives tennis players more room to run and hit powerful shots.

You can fit four pickleball courts on one tennis court. This makes pickleball great for small spaces or converting existing tennis courts.

Net Height

Net height is another big difference. Pickleball nets are lower, making it easier to hit the ball over.

The net in pickleball is 36 inches high at the sidelines. It dips slightly to 34 inches at the center. This lower height suits the smaller court and slower-moving ball.

Tennis nets are taller. They stand at 42 inches on the sides and 36 inches in the middle. The higher net in tennis adds to the challenge of the game.

Lines and Markings

Both sports have unique court markings. Pickleball has a “kitchen” or non-volley zone. This 7-foot area on each side of the net is where you can’t hit the ball out of the air.

Tennis courts have more lines. There’s the baseline, service lines, and alleys for doubles play. The court is divided into left and right service courts.

Pickleball courts have fewer lines. They’re simpler to set up and easier for beginners to understand. The main lines are the sidelines, baseline, and centerline.

Equipment Used

Pickleball and tennis use different gear. The balls and hitting tools are not the same. These differences affect how you play each sport.

Balls

Tennis balls are bigger and heavier than pickleball balls. A tennis ball is about 2.7 inches wide and weighs around 2 ounces. It’s made of rubber and covered in felt.

Pickleball balls are lighter and made of plastic. They have holes in them, like a wiffle ball. These balls are about 2.9 inches wide but only weigh up to 0.93 ounces.

The light pickleball doesn’t fly as fast or bounce as high as a tennis ball. This changes how you hit and move on the court.

Rackets and Paddles

In tennis, you use a racket. It’s big and has strings. Tennis rackets are usually 27 inches long and can weigh 11 to 12.5 ounces.

Pickleball uses paddles instead. These are smaller and lighter than tennis rackets. A pickleball paddle is often made of graphite or composite materials.

Pickleball paddles are about 16 inches long and weigh 7 to 9 ounces. The solid surface of a paddle gives you different control over the ball compared to a strung racket.

Scoring System

Pickleball and tennis use very different scoring systems. Let’s look at how they compare.

In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11 points. You need to win by 2 points, so games might go longer.

Tennis scoring is more complex. Each game uses a 15, 30, 40 system. You need to win 6 games to win a set, and usually 2 or 3 sets to win a match.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Pickleball:

• Only serving team scores
• Games to 11 points
• Win by 2

Tennis:

• Either team can score
• Games use 15, 30, 40 system
• Sets to 6 games
• 2-3 sets to win match

In pickleball, you’ll call out the score before each serve. It includes three numbers: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, and which server is up (1 or 2).

Tennis scoring uses terms like “love” for zero and “deuce” for tied scores. You might hear “15-love” or “deuce” during a tennis match.

Remember, in pickleball you can only score when serving. In tennis, you can score on your serve or your opponent’s.

Rules and Gameplay

Tennis and pickleball have different rules that affect how you play each game. Let’s look at some key differences in serving and faults.

Service Rules

In tennis, you serve diagonally from behind the baseline. You toss the ball up and hit it over the net. The serve must land in the opposite service box.

Pickleball serving is different. You serve underhand from behind the baseline. The paddle must contact the ball below your waist. The serve goes diagonally across the court, but it must bounce once before the receiver can hit it.

Tennis allows overhead serves, which can be very fast. Pickleball’s underhand rule keeps serves slower and easier to return.

Faults and Penalties

In tennis, hitting the ball into the net or outside the court lines is a fault. Double faults on serves lose you the point. You can also fault by touching the net or stepping into the court before hitting the ball.

Pickleball has a unique “non-volley zone” called the kitchen. You can’t hit the ball in the air while standing in this area. This rule changes gameplay strategies compared to tennis.

Both sports have foot faults on serves. In pickleball, serving errors only result in losing the serve, not the point. This makes the game more forgiving for beginners.

Gameplay Dynamics

Pickleball and tennis have distinct gameplay dynamics that set them apart. These differences affect how players move, the speed of the ball, and serving techniques.

Player Movement

In pickleball, you’ll find yourself covering less ground. The smaller court size means quicker movements and shorter sprints. You’ll need to be agile and ready for quick direction changes.

Tennis demands more running. You’ll cover a larger area, often sprinting from one side of the court to the other. Stamina is key in tennis, as rallies can be longer and more physically demanding.

Both sports require good footwork, but in different ways. Pickleball focuses on quick steps and positioning, while tennis relies more on lateral movement and recovery.

Ball Speed

Pickleball is generally played at a slower pace. The plastic ball and paddle create less speed and bounce compared to tennis. This allows for longer rallies and more strategy in shot placement.

Tennis balls move much faster. The stringed racquet and felt-covered ball produce high-speed shots. You’ll need quicker reflexes to react to these speedy balls.

The difference in ball speed affects gameplay strategy. In pickleball, you’ll focus more on placement and control. Tennis often rewards power and spin in addition to placement.

Serving and Volleying

Pickleball serves must be hit underhand and diagonally across the court. There’s a “two-bounce rule” where the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. This creates a unique rhythm to the start of each rally.

Tennis serves are overhand and can be very powerful. You can serve to either side of the service box. Volleys are allowed immediately after the serve, leading to serve-and-volley strategies.

Volleying in pickleball is restricted by the “non-volley zone” or “kitchen” near the net. This adds a strategic element to net play. In tennis, you can volley from anywhere on your side of the court, allowing for more aggressive net play.

Player Dress Code and Equipment

When you play tennis or pickleball, what you wear and use can make a big difference. Let’s look at how they compare.

For tennis, you’ll usually wear a collared shirt, shorts or a skirt, and tennis shoes. The dress code is often more strict, especially in fancy clubs or pro tournaments.

Pickleball is more laid-back. You can wear comfy clothes like t-shirts, shorts, or athletic wear. Just make sure you have good shoes with non-marking soles.

The biggest difference is in the gear you use. In tennis, you’ll swing a large racket, about 27 inches long. It’s strung with thin strings to hit a fuzzy yellow ball.

For pickleball, you’ll use a paddle instead. It’s shorter and solid, usually made of wood or composite materials. The ball is plastic with holes, like a wiffle ball.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Item	Tennis	Pickleball
Racket/Paddle	Long racket with strings	Short, solid paddle
Ball	Fuzzy, yellow	Plastic with holes
Shoes	Tennis-specific	Non-marking athletic shoes
Clothes	Often more formal	Casual athletic wear

Cultural Significance

Pickleball and tennis have made big waves in sports culture. They’ve shaped communities and sparked heated debates among fans.

Popularity

You’ve probably noticed pickleball’s sudden rise. It’s the fastest-growing sport in America, and pickleball courts are popping up everywhere.

The game’s easy to learn and fun for all ages. You’ll find kids and grandparents playing together. It’s a social sport that brings people closer.

Tennis has a longer history. It’s been popular for decades, and you might have grown up watching big tennis stars on TV.

Both sports attract different crowds. Tennis tends to draw a more serious crowd, while pickleball is known for its laid-back vibe.

Professional Leagues

Tennis has well-established pro leagues, and you’ve likely heard of the Grand Slams – Wimbledon, US Open, and others.

Top tennis players are global stars. They earn millions and have huge fan bases.

Pickleball is newer to the pro scene, but it’s growing fast. You’re starting to see more pickleball on TV.

Pro pickleball leagues are popping up, and the sport’s explosive growth is attracting investors and sponsors.

Prize money in pickleball is rising. It’s not at tennis levels yet, but it’s getting there.

You’ll notice more former tennis pros switching to pickleball. They’re helping boost the sport’s profile.

Variations and Adaptations

While tennis and pickleball have their standard forms, both sports offer fun variations to spice things up. Let’s look at some ways you can mix it up on the court.

In tennis, you might try playing on different surfaces. Clay, grass, and hard courts each bring unique challenges. You can also experiment with doubles or mixed doubles for a new dynamic.

Pickleball has its own twists too. Some players enjoy skinny singles, where you use only half the court. It’s a great way to improve your skills and get more exercise.

Both sports have adapted for different age groups and abilities. You’ll find modified versions for kids, seniors, and wheelchair athletes.

If you want to add some excitement, try glow-in-the-dark tennis or pickleball at night. It’s a whole new ball game when you can barely see the court!

Here’s a quick comparison of some popular variations:

Tennis	Pickleball
Beach tennis	Skinny singles
Table tennis	Dinking games
Mini tennis	Paddle-only rallies

These variations can help you improve specific skills or just have more fun. Don’t be afraid to get creative and invent your own games on the court!