Pickleball vs Tennis : 19 Key Differences between Pickleball and Tennis
- PicklePal
- Feb 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 26
Here's our detailed and easy to read comparison guide to help you understand difference between pickleball and tennis.
Pickleball and tennis are both popular racquet sports, but they have significant differences in rules, equipment, court size, and gameplay. Below is a detailed comparison to help you understand the key distinctions between these two sports.
Pickleball vs Tennis : Key Differences
Feature | Pickleball | Tennis |
| 20 feet wide and 44 feet long | 27 feet wide (singles) or 36 feet wide (doubles), 78 feet long |
| 34 inches at center, 36 inches at posts | 36 inches at center, 42 inches at posts |
| Hard plastic ball with holes, 2.87–2.97 inches in diameter | Felt-covered rubber ball, 2.57–2.70 inches in diameter |
| Shorter, solid composite or wooden paddle | Longer racquet with strings, made from graphite, aluminum, or carbon fiber |
| Underhand, ball must be hit below the waist | Overhand or underhand |
| The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys (hit in the air without bounce) are allowed | No such rule; players can volley at any time |
| Only the serving team can score, games played to 11 (win by 2) | Points awarded on every rally, games scored in 15-30-40-game format |
| Hard courts, gym floors, or outdoor surfaces | Hard, clay, and grass courts |
| Primarily played in doubles, but singles is growing in popularity | Equally popular in singles and doubles |
| Slower-paced rallies due to plastic ball | Faster-paced rallies with greater ball speed |
| Less spin due to solid paddle, relies on placement | More spin potential, variety of slice, topspin, and flat shots |
| 7-foot non-volley zone near net | No restriction on volleys |
| Easier on joints, suitable for all ages | More physically demanding, requiring endurance and strength |
| Quick to learn, easier for beginners | Requires more practice to develop skills |
| Shorter matches, 15-30 minutes on average | Longer matches, 1–3 hours, depending on format |
| Louder, distinct popping sound from paddle and plastic ball | Quieter, softer sound from felt-covered ball |
| Pickleball has limited overhead smash opportunities due to the kitchen rule | Tennis features more powerful overhead smashes |
| Growing professional scene with events like PPA Tour and APP Tour, MLP & NPL | Well-established international tournaments like Grand Slams |
| USA Pickleball (USAP) | ITF (International Tennis Federation) |
Pickleball vs Tennis : All You Need to Know
1. Court Dimensions
A pickleball court is much smaller, measuring 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. In contrast, a singles tennis court measures 27 feet wide and 78 feet long, while a doubles court extends to 36 feet in width. The larger tennis court requires greater endurance and running, whereas pickleball courts allow for quicker play with less movement.
2. Net Height
The pickleball net is slightly lower at 34 inches in the center compared to 36 inches in tennis. This small difference affects shot trajectory and the effectiveness of net play.
3. Ball Material and Size
Pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball, which moves slower and is more affected by wind. Tennis balls are rubber with a felt covering, providing more bounce and spin, allowing for a faster-paced game.
4. Paddle vs. Racquet
Pickleball paddles are solid and made from composite materials, while tennis racquets have strings that generate spin and power. The shorter paddle in pickleball requires more precise control, while tennis racquets allow for more power and varied shot selection.
5. Serving Style
Pickleball requires an underhand serve where the ball is struck below the waist. Tennis allows both overhand and underhand serves, with overhand serves reaching high speeds and making serving a key offensive weapon.
6. Double Bounce Rule
One of the unique rules in pickleball is the double bounce rule, which requires that the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before volleys are allowed. This rule prevents immediate net dominance and encourages longer rallies. Tennis does not have this rule, allowing players to volley at any time, making net play a more aggressive strategy.
7. Scoring System
Pickleball only allows points to be scored by the serving team, with games played to 11 points (win by 2). Tennis follows a 15-30-40-game format, requiring players to win six games to secure a set.
8. Playing Surface
Pickleball is played on hard surfaces such as gym floors, asphalt, or outdoor hard courts. Tennis is played on hard, clay, or grass courts, with each surface affecting ball speed and player movement.
9. Singles vs. Doubles Play
Pickleball is predominantly played in doubles due to the small court size, making teamwork essential. Tennis has an equal balance of singles and doubles, with both formats having distinct strategic elements.
10. Gameplay Speed
Due to its plastic ball, pickleball rallies are generally slower. Tennis rallies tend to be faster, with powerful groundstrokes and faster ball speeds dictating play.
11. Spin & Shot Variety
Tennis players can generate topspin, backspin, and slice shots using their stringed racquets. Pickleball paddles do not create as much spin, making placement and control more important.
12. No-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
Pickleball has a no-volley zone ("kitchen"), preventing players from hitting volleys near the net. Tennis has no such restriction, allowing players to approach the net aggressively.
13. Physical Intensity
Pickleball is easier on the body, making it a popular choice for older players. Tennis requires greater physical stamina, agility, and endurance, especially in longer matches.
14. Learning Curve
Pickleball is easier to learn, with simple rules and a smaller court. Tennis takes longer to master due to its complex strokes, footwork, and strategic play.
15. Match Duration
Pickleball matches are shorter, typically lasting 15–30 minutes. Tennis matches can last anywhere from an hour to over three hours, depending on the number of sets played.
16. Noise Level
Pickleball produces a loud popping sound when the paddle strikes the plastic ball, making it noisier than tennis, which has a softer ball impact sound.
17. Overhead Smashes
Tennis features more powerful overhead smashes, whereas pickleball has limited smash opportunities due to the kitchen rule.
18. Tournaments & Professional Play
Tennis has long-established tournaments, including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the French Open. Pickleball’s competitive scene is rapidly growing, with tours like the PPA and APP gaining traction.
19. Official Governing Bodies
Pickleball is governed by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), which regulate rules and international competitions. Tennis, on the other hand, is overseen by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) globally and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in the U.S., managing major tournaments like the Grand Slams
Both pickleball and tennis offer unique experiences. Pickleball is a fast-growing, social sport that is easy to learn and play, whereas tennis remains a globally dominant, physically demanding game. Whether you prefer strategic shot placement or high-energy rallies, trying both can help you determine the right sport for you.
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