How is Pickleball Different from Tennis?

In racket sports, a newcomer on the block has been making waves—pickleball. Pickleball has technically been around since 1965 after three friends fused tennis, badminton, and ping pong. This hybrid sport has garnered a dedicated following worldwide. USA Pickleball membership numbers hit the 70,000 mark in February of 2023.

Now, let’s talk pickleball vs. tennis. Understanding the nuanced distinctions between pickleball and its more established counterpart is crucial. So, grab your paddles and sit back as we delve into what sets pickleball apart from tennis.

5 Factors That Set Pickleball Apart from Tennis

So, how is pickleball different from tennis? We’ve narrowed it down to five factors:

1. Court Size and Dimensions

Pickleball courts are significantly smaller than tennis courts, measuring just 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, whereas tennis courts span 27 feet wide and 78 feet long. This compact size allows for quicker movement and more dynamic gameplay in pickleball, fostering intense rallies and fast-paced action—the good stuff.

2. Equipment

While both sports utilize rackets and a ball, the equipment in pickleball is distinct. Unlike strung tennis rackets, pickleball paddles are solid and made of composite materials. Additionally, the ball used in pickleball is perforated, resembling a wiffle ball, which ensures slower flight and greater control, making it ideal for players of all ages and skill levels. (Note that a pickleball is not the same as a whiffle ball, which is a common misconception.)

The weight of a tennis ball and a pickleball also varies, the latter being much lighter. According to USA Pickleball, a pickleball must weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces, with a bounce ranging from 0 to 34 inches upon being dropped from a standard height of 78 inches. On the flip side, tennis balls are almost a whole ounce heavier. While seemingly insignificant, the weight change allows for a higher bounce in tennis.

In that same vein, pickleball paddles are lighter than tennis rackets. Most pickleball paddles typically fall within the weight range of 7 to 9 ounces. In comparison, the string weight of tennis rackets tends to hover around 11 to 11.5 ounces, albeit subject to some variability around these averages.

3. Serving Technique

In pickleball, serves must be executed underhand (in part due to the lightweight nature of the ball, as mentioned) and diagonally, akin to serving in badminton. This underhand serve minimizes the potential for powerful, unreturnable shots, placing a greater emphasis on strategic placement and finesse. If you’re a beginner, you’re in luck; underhand serves are much easier to master than overhand. On the other hand, tennis serves are typically overhand, allowing for greater velocity and spin.

We should also mention the two-bounce rule, another element that sets pickleball apart. 

Under the two-bounce rule, the team receiving the serve must allow the ball to bounce once before returning it over the net, and similarly, the serving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it for their second shot. From there, both teams are free to volley.

4. Volleying and Non-Volley Zone

Pickleball incorporates a unique rule known as the non-volley zone or “kitchen,” which spans seven feet from the net on both sides of the court. Players are prohibited from volleying the ball while standing within this zone, promoting strategic positioning and precise shot selection. This rule adds a layer of complexity to pickleball strategy, distinguishing it from tennis, where there’s no equivalent restriction.

*Note that a ball cannot land in this area during a serve either.

5. Scoring

How is pickleball different from tennis? Scoring is one key difference that we can’t leave off this list. 

1. Points System:

• In tennis, points are awarded in sets of 15, 30, 40, and game. A player must win at least four points and have a two-point lead to win a game.
• In pickleball, points are scored one at a time only by the serving team. Games are played to 11 points, and the winning team must have a lead of at least 2 points. Serving Rotation:

• In tennis, servers rotate sides after every game and also switch sides after an odd number of games within a set.
• In pickleball, the serving team rotates sides after scoring points but retains the same server. If the serving team fails to score a point, the serve rotates to the opposing team.

3. Faults and Let Serves:

• In tennis, a fault occurs when a player fails to serve the ball into the opponent’s service box, resulting in the loss of a point.
• In pickleball, a fault occurs if the serve does not clear the non-volley zone (kitchen) or lands out of bounds. A let serve, where the ball touches the net but still lands within the correct service area, is replayed without penalty.

4. Winning the Match:

• In tennis, matches are typically best-of-three sets, with each set won by the player or team who reaches six games first (with a two-game lead). Grand Slam events and some other tournaments play best-of-five sets.
• In pickleball, matches are typically best-of-three games, with each game won by the first team to reach 11 points (with a two-point lead).

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?

Technically, yes.

One of the advantages of pickleball is its adaptability to various playing surfaces. While dedicated pickleball courts offer the optimal playing experience, you can play pickleball on a tennis court with a few modifications. You can tape temporary pickleball lines onto existing tennis courts, allowing dual-purpose usage if you play both sports.

But why go through the extra steps when you can play on a designated pickleball court? Cue The Picklr.

Let’s Play

When you play on our courts, you can expect state-of-the-art, professional-grade outdoor surfacing that allows you to play like a pro. Whether new to the game or a seasoned vet, The Picklr welcomes all levels. Ready to play?

Become a member today.