What Is the Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis?

Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis Court

One of the biggest differences between both sports is the court size. Speaking of pickleball court vs tennis court, the latter court size is on a more modest scale. Both have a similar layout, but the pickleball court is much smaller, so much so three pickleball courts can fit in one tennis court.

Tennis Vs. Pickleball Court

• Court Dimension: The pickleball dimensions are 44 feet in length & 20 feet in width. The layout includes a non-volley zone that extends 7 feet from the net & service box divided by a centerline. The pickleball court size is the same for singles & doubles. The tennis court dimensions are 78 feet in length & 36 feet in width. The lines on the tennis court create service boxes, namely baseline, singles & doubles sidelines. In singles & doubles tennis, the net splits the court into equal halves.
• Playing Surface: Another consideration for pickleball court vs tennis court is the playing surface. Tennis can be played on grass, clay & hard courts. Pickleball is played on hard courts, both indoor and outdoor.
• Net Specifications: The pickleball nets stand 34 inches at the center & 36 inches at the posts, while the tennis net stands 42 inches in height at the posts & 36 inches in the center. These height differences impact how the game is played; the low pickleball net promotes easier & frequent volleys.

Are Pickleball Rules the Same as Tennis?

The rules of pickleball and tennis are evidently different, which makes these sports so popular and fun to play. Following are the differences between pickleball rules & tennis:

Serving Technique: In pickleball, the serves are underhand, hitting the ball below the waist, which is the opposite of tennis, which involves intense overhand serves. The underhand method in pickleball makes serve easier & accessible to players of all skill sets, making it a fast-paced yet easygoing game. Pickleball uses a two-bounce rule that requires the ball to bounce once on each side before the volleying starts, which adds a competitive & fun element.

Scoring Systems: The scoring system in pickleball is very simple; the first player or team can score up to 11 points with a two-point lead to secure a win. While tennis employs a complex scoring sequence of 15, 30, and 40 & the game must be won by at least 2 points. This difference highlights pickleball’s focus on fast-paced, engaging games compared to longer tennis matches. Also, pickleball requires strategy and proper placement; in contrast with tennis, the stress is more on power & speed.

Playing Technique: The playing techniques in pickleball and tennis are quite different. The distinctive feature of pickleball is the non-volley zone or ‘kitchen’. Players must avoid volleying in this zone, which is particularly aimed at preventing dominance at the net & promoting fair gameplay. In tennis, players are required to move back & forth along the court, while pickleball plays stay more stationary as the court is smaller. This implies that pickleball needs less physical exertion than tennis, making it suitable for players of all ages.

Can You Play Pickleball on a Normal Tennis Court?

Yes. If you can’t find a pickleball court nearby, you can play pickleball on tennis court. The dimensions of a tennis court are different than those of pickleball, but you can adjust it to play on it. Adjust the tennis net to the right height and sub-divide the court, chalking out pickleball court lines, and you’re good to go.

Here is How to Mark Pickleball Lines on a Tennis Court

• Set the net in the middle of one side of the court.
• Next, with a measuring tape, mark a 22-foot line away from the net to form a sideline.
• From the 22-foot sideline, measure 20 feet horizontally to form a baseline.
• To make the second line, begin a food inside the net from the opposite side post & connect a straight line out to the baseline.
• For the ‘non-volley’ zone, mark 7 inches from the net on each sideline & mark it, and connect these points across the court.

Pickleball vs. Tennis Balls

The type of balls used in these sports is different. The ball used for pickleball is a lightweight ball with holes, while the ball used for tennis is made of rubber & felt and is heavier comparatively.

Pickleball Ball Specifications: The ball used in pickleball has a smooth surface & 26 to 40 uniformly spaced holes weighting 22.1gms (0.78ounces) to 26.50gms (0.935ounces), diameter between 2.78 & 2.972 inches for limited bounce & speed.

Tennis Ball Specifications: The tennis ball is heavier, weighing 55.9 gms (1.975 ounces) to 59.3 gms (2.095 ounces), and it bounces up to 60 inches high.

Is a Pickleball Racket the Same as a Tennis Racket?

No. When comparing pickleball Vs. tennis, one of the noticeable distinctions is the racket used. The pickleball paddles are solid and made of lightweight materials like composite, graphite, or wood. Unlike the tennis racket, the pickleball paddle does not have holes & has a maximum length of 17 inches. In contrast, the tennis rackets are up to 29 inches long and 12.5 inches wide with a stringed surface for spin application. The difference in the design of pickleball and tennis racket cater to the specific gameplay of both sports.

Is Pickleball “easier” Than Tennis?

In tennis various factors need to be taken into consideration. Personal physical fitness, skill sets, and athletic qualities of an individual can significantly impact one’s experience.

Pickleball is considered easier for beginners & suitable for players of all ages. The court size is smaller, implying lesser mobility, along with a smaller paddle & lighter ball, making the sport less exhausting, &more accessible for beginners.

The Differences Between Tennis and Pickleball Court Shoes

The tennis and pickleball court shoes are designed & crafted for side-to-side movement, providing superior lateral support & strong soles for quick movement & reflexes. However, there are distinctive features that make them unique.

Sole Patterns: One of the main differences between tennis and pickleball court shoes is the sole patterns. The tennis shoes are made for different surfaces featuring distinctive sole patterns. Pickleball shoes are made for hard courts, providing great grip & resistance.

Cushioning: The large tennis courts require shoes with soft & comfortable cushioning, in contrast to pickleball shoes that are tailored for quick moves.

Weight: Tennis shoes are lightweight for swift movement, while tennis shoes are heavier for better stability.

Conclusion

Tennis, with its classic & traditional gameplay, is a loved sport. Still, when it comes to pickleball Vs tennis, pickleball has made a niche for itself, attracting players around the world thanks to its inclusivity, making everyone feel welcome and part of the game. So bring out your pickleball paddles & head to a pickleball court near you! Get in touch with FindYourFit to get started.