When you’re talking about racket sports, two names are sure to pop up: tennis and pickleball.

The latter of these sports combines elements of many different games, yet it’s often compared to tennis. This is probably because tennis is the older sport, but pickleball is growing! In fact, many new players are former tennis stars.

Why?

This post will break down these oft-compared sports, so get ready to discover the major differences between tennis and pickleball!

Sharing the Courts: What Pickleball and Tennis Have in Common

We’ll start with the similarities.

Both pickleball and tennis are commonly played racquet sports. They both require a “paddle” (or, for tennis, a racquet), a net, and a ball. Both can be played indoors or outside. More often than not, tennis players can reuse their attire on the pickleball court; similarly, pickleball players can wear the same outfits to a tennis court. And we can’t forget that these sports are frequently confused with badminton!

Even the gameplay looks similar.

Two opponents (or, for doubles matches, four) aim to consistently return a single ball over a centrally placed net. Everyone stands within a predetermined rectangular area. Committing a fault — such as failing to return the ball or breaking a rule — rewards points.

However, the list of differences between the two sports vastly outweighs this meager selection of similarities.

The Anatomy of the Court

For starters, both games take place on different courts. Though visually similar, tennis courts are not interchangeable with pickleball courts.

At 44×20 feet (13.5×6 meters), you can almost fit two pickleball courts inside a single 78×36 foot (24×11 meters) tennis court! It’s also worth noting that pickleball courts are the same size for doubles and singles games, while tennis courts have additional padding for doubles games.

The larger size means that tennis courts have wider nets. However, both sports have the same central net height of roughly 3 feet (0.9 meters).

The Kitchen Rule

Pickleball also has a “kitchen” (also known as a “non-volley zone” or “NVZ”). This unique area spans the 4-foot (about 2 meters) gap immediately following the net on both sides of the court; altogether, it measures 8 feet deep, including the net. And — as you may have guessed from its name — players cannot volley the ball within this space.

On tennis courts, the equivalent space is occupied by twin service zones, which stretch a whopping 21 feet (6.4 meters) deep and end at the service line. This line is placed at the halfway point of both sides, and the ball must land in front of it to be considered a viable serve.

How Tennis Courts and Pickleball Courts Are Made

The differences don’t end at the size and layout of these courts. Even the materials are different!

Thanks to their extreme bounciness (more on that in a minute), tennis balls can be used on many different surfaces. Most professional tennis courts are made with a solid base — such as asphalt, concrete, or even densely packed clay — topped by a layer of acrylic. However, tennis is also played on artificial turf, grass, and dirt courts.

Unlike tennis, the wiffle-ball-like pickleball ball is made of hard plastic. It gives the sport its characteristic “dink” but has much less bounce. You can try playing pickleball in your backyard, but it won’t go well! Pickleball courts must be rigid; otherwise, the ball won’t bounce. Again, professional pickleball courts are generally multi-layered acrylic or polyurethane. However, most communal courts are made of asphalt or concrete.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

So, what are some of the other differences?

Well, the next checkmark on our list is sports gear.

While you’ll be able to recycle most of those old tennis shoes, you can’t play pickleball with a tennis racquet! You also can’t use that ping-pong-like pickleball paddle to play your next tennis match. And we’ve already pointed out that your old tennis nets will be way too wide for a pickleball court!

At the end of the day, you will need new equipment if you want to switch from tennis to pickleball, and one of the first things you’ll probably want to buy is a new ball.

Obviously, both sports use different balls. (Why else would you buy a new one?) But! The differences between the two are more than aesthetic choices. The wiffle-like pickleball ball is made for the sport’s slower-paced style; similarly, the speedy tennis ball’s heft is one of the reasons for the sport’s iconic overhand serves.

It’s Not a Wiffle Ball; It’s a Pickleball… Ball!

The unique, hollow plastic ball is a unique part of pickleball. It’s also (probably) one of the first things most people will point out when you compare pickleball and tennis.

Per official pickleball rules, the ball must be made of rigid plastic. It should be hollow, with 26–40 evenly-spaced holes dotting its surface. Tournament-legal pickleball balls have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 inches (7–7.5 centimeters) and weigh 0.78–0.935 ounces.

These qualities result in a slow-moving but easily controlled ball. A pickleball — much like the wiffle balls that inspired it — has minimal bounce and high controllability. They also tend to move slower than a tennis ball. (Don’t believe me? The brainiacs of Pickleball Science even crunched numbers to prove it!) Its lighter weight is one of the reasons for the sport’s underhand serving style.

… And What About the Tennis Ball?

Now, let’s look at the subject of a tennis player’s ire.

While its construction has changed over time, the modern tennis ball is a solid air-filled mass. Where a pickleball ball excels at control, a tennis ball dominates in the categories of bounce and speed. These felted spheres are made of rubber and topped by a fuzzy layer of cotton, nylon, or wool. Professional options use felt dyed a bright hue of “optic yellow,” a color devised to help television viewers spot the ball.

(And here’s an interesting tidbit: Like the holes of a pickleball ball, the fuzz on tennis balls has a purpose. That unique covering increases the ball’s speed, contributing to the sport’s fast-paced gameplay.)

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) oversees the production of all match-worthy tennis balls, and each ball is held to a high standard! They must be 2.57–2.7 inches (6.5–6.9 centimeters) in diameter and weigh 1.975–2.095 ounces.

Oh! And remember how I said that tennis balls are bouncier? Get this: All new tennis balls should spring back 53–60 inches (1.3–1.5 meters) after a 100-inch (254 centimeters) drop!

Tennis Racquets vs. Pickleball Paddles

Now, you need something to hit the ball with.

In tennis, you use a racquet (or racket), hence its natural inclusion in the racket sports category. Pickleball, meanwhile, uses a solid paddle. As with the ball, these items have unique functions. The net-like strings of tennis racquets won’t help you win a pickleball game, and you’re likely to break those lovely pickleball paddles (and maybe even your wrist) if you take it to a tennis game.

What a Tennis Racquet Looks Like

Once made of heavy ash or beech wood, tennis racquets have endured a period of rapid development. Manufacturing refinements in the 1970s have led to a massive boom in tennis racquet diversity. Now, you’ll find racquets made of aluminum, composite, plastic, and (of course!) wood. The strings — once made of costly wound cow or sheep intestine (known as “gut”) — have diversified, too, with nylon being the most popular option.

The ITF caps racquet length at 29 inches (74 centimeters). The average weight of a competitive tennis racquet is between 11 and 11.5 ounces.

Like the sport’s ball, the tennis racquet is designed for power and speed over control. Like the hitting surface of a pickleball paddle, a racquet’s strings influence its performance. Looser strings give players more control; tighter strings increase power.

Modern manufacturers aim to provide players with lighter, faster racquets to increase serving power. The reduced weight has also made it easier for novices to be a hit on the tennis court.

However, those improvements have also made the sport more dangerous. Faster, stronger players are putting too much power into the game, increasing muscular injuries and long-term chronic pain among tennis players.

The Smaller, Lighter Pickleball Paddle

Conversely, most pickleball paddles are designed for control and comfort.

Per official guidelines, a pickleball paddle can be no longer than 24 inches (61 centimeters). There is no weight restriction for paddles, but the heaviest options are around 8 ounces. Paddles are usually made of aluminum, composite, graphite, Nomex, and wood.

The solid surface of a pickleball paddle imparts more force upon the hard plastic ball, compensating for its lack of bounce. Moreover, their simplistic construction generally makes them cheaper than most racquets. As they are considerably smaller than a tennis racquet, paddles travel well and are easier to store when not in use.

You Don’t Have the Same Rules

Great! The equipment is different, but…

What about the actual game?

Some may say this category of comparisons is the main difference between the sports. Aside from influencing the game, these rules have a huge impact on each sport’s respective “feel.” If you’ve ever wondered why pickleball players tend to be more casual and carefree, this section may be your answer!

Scoring Is Different

Now, I can’t cover every difference. Instead, I’ll focus on some of the most obvious.

Let’s start with the score.

Tennis has a fairly complex scoring system. A complete game is called a “match.” Winning a match requires a player to win 2 sets, and it takes 6 games to win a set.

Comparatively, pickleball has a simple table-tennis-like system. Its side-out scoring means that only the serving team can score, but there’s no complex side-switching. A team serves until there’s a fault, at which point the serving duties pass to the opposing team.

You Don’t Have the Same Serve

Speaking of serving…

Tennis has an overhand serve, while pickleball has an underhand serve. (Both also have a similar “bounce” serve, wherein players hit the ball after allowing it to bounce against the court.) Moreover, pickleball serves must be hit below a player’s waist.

As I said before, this is part of each game’s design. The slower, calmer underhand serve of pickleball gives players more control. It creates a more welcoming environment, and it’s easy to understand. Many consider this style of serving to be easier to replicate, and it may even be easier on your wrists.

Conversely, tennis requires complex overhand serves. These are tricky to master and require a great deal of power. Newer players often struggle to clear the tennis net, prompting frustration and disappointment.

Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

Finally, let’s take a look at the big picture.

In the battle of pickleball vs. tennis, it seems that pickleball is winning! People are flocking to the sport, and we’re seeing more and more major pickleball organizations. The renowned PPA Tour has planted roots on big-name channels like ESPN, and the sport’s growth isn’t slowing any time soon.

Why?

Pickleball Is More Accessible

One of the biggest factors is accessibility. Yes, both sports have adaptive rules, but that’s not what I’m talking about. When I say “accessibility,” I’m talking about how people get started.

I’ve already mentioned some of the barriers in tennis. Aside from its more competitive style — with singles games vastly outpacing doubles — the average tennis court is massive. It’s much harder to make your own tennis area, but most suburban homes have enough space for pickleball and its smaller court.

Overall, tennis requires a greater investment. You’ll need more money to buy the equipment and more time to practice the sport. You’ll even need more space to store your stuff!

Pickleball, in comparison, is cheaper to start. A small pickleball net and a basic paddle can easily cost as much as a mid-level tennis racquet. Similarly, composite paddles can easily be half the price of similar racquets.

Everyone Loves a Lower-Impact Sport

Another accessibility plus for pickleball is its low-impact style.

Unlike tennis, pickleball relies on control. You don’t have to be a speedster with a golden arm to win pickleball games. Moreover, the smaller court makes it easier for players of all skill levels to clear the net and win points. It also reduces the amount of movement required to cover the entire play area.

Smaller, lighter paddles are easier to hold. Hollow balls require less power to hit.

All of these factors make pickleball a much easier sport to play. Many former tennis players have switched because of the sport’s gentle nature. It makes it easier to play long games and reduces the wear and tear on your body.

It’s a Social Sport

Finally, there’s no way to avoid the social nature of pickleball.

From your local playground to sold-out arenas, pickleball remains an unabashedly friendly sport. Players love making friends, and you probably know more than a few active pickleball players.

That’s not to say tennis players are mean or antisocial. There are countless examples of delightful, welcoming tennis communities. However, the game is more solitary. Most tennis matches are played solo, and the massive tennis court isn’t a great place to play and talk. (Unless you really like yelling!)

However, if you’re looking for a way to make friends and stay in shape, you can’t go wrong with America’s fastest-growing sport.

Learn to Play Pickleball

Overall, pickleball combines elements of many racket sports to create a game that anyone can play! It’s spread far beyond the retirement communities of the 80s, becoming a household name with celebrity backers.

It’s a wonderful way to make friends and stay in shape, and it’s easy to learn! Browse the rest of my blog to find out more about this amazing game. Or, if you prefer in-person interaction, take a trip to your local pickleball court. You can also share this post to spread the word about pickleball!