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Talking about overnight popularity; there is no doubt in the fact that pickleball is taking the world by storm. It is undoubtedly the most widely played sports not only in the US but the rest of world as well. BUT! Have you ever wondered if pickleball like tennis? This comparison is usually drawn because both the games generally have the same kind of play. The racket, the ball I mean everything is there. Having said that, there are some differences that are also there that make both these sports slightly different from one another. Now you must be wondering what these differences might be? YES! That is exactly what we are going to explore ahead so that all this dilemma and confusion are settled once and for all. Let us briefly take a look at pickleball and tennis game first!
A Look at Pickleball & Tennis Games
Do you feel tennis is like pickleball? Tennis and pickleball are two well-liked racquet sports, yet they differ significantly.
QUICK LIGHTBULB! Invented in 1965, pickleball has a smaller court, solid paddles, and a plastic ball with holes.
The game has a volley zone, and underhand serves are emphasized. Tennis is a game that dates back to the 12th century in France. It is played on a larger court with string racquets and a rubber ball wrapped in felt. With a length of 78 feet, the tennis court accommodates solid serves and a variety of baseline strokes. Both games require players to hit a ball over a net to score points, but what sets them apart are the different court sizes, gear, and playing styles. Let us take a look at what particular things set these two sports apart!
The Detailed Comparison Between Pickleball and Tennis
Although striking a ball over a net is a requirement for both sports, pickleball, and tennis differ in a few ways. Let’s take a look at how is pickleball different from tennis!
1. Size of the Court
- Pickleball Court Dimensions
A typical court is 20 feet long by 44 feet broad. Because of its lower court size, pickleball is a more accessible game for players of all ability levels.
- Tennis Courts
Tennis courts are noticeably more significant, 36 feet wide and 78 feet long for doubles matches. The more extensive court gives players more room to cover, increasing the game’s physical demands.
2. Net Height
- Pickleball Net Height
The Pickleball net heights are 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
- Tennis Net
Like pickleball, the tennis net’s height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. However, the height of the net in relation to the bigger proportions of the court has a different effect on gaming.
3. Ball-Type
- Pickleball Ball
Pickleball uses a lightweight plastic ball with holes. Because of its design, the ball is less susceptible to wind and plays at a slower tempo.
- Tennis Ball
Compared to pickleball balls, tennis balls are heavier and bouncier because they are composed of rubber and covered in felt. Because of the increased bounce and weight, tennis moves more quickly.
4. Equipment
- Pickleball Paddles
Competitors utilize wooden or composite solid paddles. Compared to tennis racquets, the paddle requires less force and offers perfect control thanks to its solid surface.
- Tennis Racquets
Stringed racquets provide more control and power for players. The dynamic surface created by the strings allows the ball to have different spins and speeds.
5. Style of Serving
- Serving in Pickleball
When serving underhanded, the paddle must strike the ball beneath the waist. The non-volley zone, sometimes known as the “kitchen,” is 7 feet from the net on both sides and must be cleared by the serve.
- Tennis Serving
The ball is hit from behind the baseline during an overhand or underhand serve. The serve must land in the opposing service box, which is farther away from the net than the non-volley zone in pickleball.
6. Scoring System
- Pickleball Scoring
Pickleball usually employs a system in which points are awarded solely to the serving team. For games to be played to eleven or fifteen points, players must win by a minimum of two points.
- Tennis Scoring
A more intricate scoring system for tennis uses points, games, and sets. A player can win a set after six games, and a match can be won after two or three sets, depending on the match type.
7. Volley Zone
- Pickleball
Players are not allowed to volley or hit the ball before it bounces in the non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen,” a 7-foot space on either side of the net. This regulation encourages longer rallies and prevents players from controlling play at the net.
- Tennis
There isn’t a designated volley zone in tennis. Players can approach the net and volley, which adds to the sport’s aggressive and fast-paced nature.
8. Play Style
- Pickleball
Because of the smaller court and plastic ball, the game usually has shorter rallies and a slower tempo. It focuses on placement, strategy, and fast reactions.
- Tennis
With a heavier ball and a larger court, tennis has longer rallies and a faster tempo. Muscular physical endurance, quickness, and forceful strokes are required for the game.
Is Pickleball Sport like Tennis – Some Comparisons
Tennis and pickleball are different sports, yet they are similar in a few ways;
- The Game Objective
- Both games aim to score points by launching the ball into the opposition’s court.
- Racquet Sports
- Tennis and pickleball are examples of racquet sports that require technique, timing, and accuracy.
- Court Play
- In both sports, players must cover the floor, read their opponent’s movements, and take calculated shots.
- Serving
- The first move in both games is to serve, essential to winning the rally.
Pickleball or Tennis?
Which sport is better for you, pickleball or tennis, depends on your tastes and physical capabilities.
- Pickleball
Perfect for athletes looking for a sport that emphasizes strategy and quick reflexes but doesn’t require as much physical exertion. So hit that dink shot and enjoy pickleball!
- Tennis
Both sports provide competitive and entertaining experiences, and many athletes find it helpful to experiment with both to determine which works best for them.
Final Thoughts
As we come to the end of this comparison; pickleball and tennis are racquet sports with a lot of excitement, but they also differ significantly from one another. Pickleball is played on a smaller court with a lower pickleball net and with a plastic ball and paddle. It has underhanded serves and emphasizes volley zone strategy. Conversely, tennis uses a larger court (78 feet long) with a higher tennis net, a tennis ball, and a racquet. The two have different gameplay dynamics and serving styles.
In conclusion, whether you love pickleball’s strategic components or tennis’s fast-paced action, both games present different difficulties and fun opportunities. So, whether you choose pickleball or tennis, both offer fantastic chances for enjoyment and physical conditioning. Pickleball or tennis; play in style!
