What Is the Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis?

Pickleball and tennis—both incredibly popular racquet sports—share some key similarities, but they are also distinct games with different rules, equipment, and playing styles. If you’re someone who enjoys one of these sports, you may find the other interesting but slightly puzzling when you first try it. Whether you're new to pickleball or a seasoned tennis player, understanding the differences between these two games can help you transition smoothly and enhance your experience.

1. Court Size and Layout

The most immediately noticeable difference between pickleball and tennis is the size of the court.

• Pickleball Court: The standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, about one-third the size of a tennis court. This makes the game faster-paced and requires quicker reflexes and strategic placement. The net in pickleball is also lower, standing at 34 inches at the center compared to tennis nets, which are 36 inches.

• Tennis Court: Tennis courts are 36 feet wide and 78 feet long for singles play. Doubles courts are wider, measuring 36 feet across but still longer (78 feet). Tennis nets are slightly higher at the ends and lower in the middle, but overall, the court's larger size means players typically have more time to react and recover during rallies.

2. The Ball

Another major difference lies in the ball itself.

• Pickleball Ball: The ball used in pickleball is made of lightweight plastic with holes, and it’s about the size of a grapefruit. Its unique design gives the ball a slower, more controlled flight, making it easier to keep rallies going. There are two types of pickleball balls: indoor and outdoor, with the outdoor ball being slightly heavier and more durable to withstand wind and weather conditions.

• Tennis Ball: Tennis balls are felt-covered and pressurized, creating more bounce. The bounce and speed of a tennis ball are far greater than that of a pickleball, so players must be quicker and more agile on the larger tennis court. The weight and texture also allow for a wider variety of spins and shots.

3. Racquets/Paddles

The most obvious equipment difference between the two sports is the racquet or paddle used.

• Pickleball Paddle: In pickleball, players use a solid, perforated paddle (like the Tempest Pickleball Paddle) rather than a stringed racquet. The Tempest Paddle, for example, is known for its lightweight, graphite face, providing excellent control and power for both novice and advanced players. The solid construction allows for greater ball control, making it easier to execute spins, volleys, and dinks. Its smaller size also makes it more maneuverable than a tennis racquet.

• Tennis Racquet: Tennis racquets are longer and feature strings stretched across the frame. They are designed for maximum power and spin, enabling players to generate significant ball speed and variety. The string tension can be adjusted for different playing styles, from control to power.

4. Scoring System

While both sports use a point-based system, the scoring structure differs significantly.

• Pickleball Scoring: Pickleball uses a rally scoring system, meaning points are scored on every rally regardless of who serves. Games are typically played to 11 points, with teams needing to win by at least two points. In doubles pickleball, only the serving team can score points. Players alternate serving sides every time they lose a point.

• Tennis Scoring: Tennis features a more complex scoring system, including 15, 30, 40, and then game point. A match is typically played in a best-of-three or best-of-five sets format. A player needs to win six games to win a set, but must also have a two-game lead. If the score is tied at 40-40, it goes into a deuce situation, requiring a player to win two consecutive points to win the game.

5. The Style of Play

The fundamental approach to playing each game can vary greatly due to the differences in court size, ball speed, and equipment.

• Pickleball Style of Play: The smaller court size in pickleball means quick exchanges and less running. The game is often played at a lower intensity but requires excellent reflexes, especially for the net game (the "kitchen" area just in front of the net). The soft shots—like dinks and volleys—are crucial, and much of the game focuses on control and placement. The underhand serve and lack of extreme power give pickleball a more strategic feel.

• Tennis Style of Play: Tennis, due to the larger court and faster ball speeds, emphasizes powerful serves, long rallies, and endurance. While finesse and control are important, tennis is generally more about generating speed and hitting hard from the baseline. Players often employ a wider variety of strokes (e.g., forehands, backhands, lobs, slices, and serves) to keep their opponents off balance.

6. Speed and Intensity

Because pickleball is played on a smaller court with slower ball movement, it is often seen as a faster-paced game in terms of reflexes and quick volleys, but it requires less endurance than tennis, which can be played at a more grueling intensity due to the larger court and faster ball speeds.

7. Accessibility and Popularity

• Pickleball: Pickleball is often hailed as an easy sport to pick up and enjoy, particularly for older adults. Its smaller court size and slower pace make it more accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The rise of pickleball has been phenomenal in recent years, and it’s now one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. It also requires less equipment to get started.

• Tennis: While tennis is also accessible, it tends to require a higher level of fitness and skill, particularly in competitive play. Tennis courts are more common in urban areas, and the equipment can be more expensive, but the sport offers more opportunities for intense physical and mental challenges.

8. Which Sport Is Right for You?

The choice between pickleball and tennis ultimately comes down to your preferences. If you're looking for a less physically demanding game with a focus on strategy, then pickleball could be your sport. It's fast to learn, and you can get a lot of enjoyment out of just hitting the ball back and forth.

On the other hand, if you're interested in more endurance, athleticism, and a faster-paced game, tennis might be a better fit. Tennis offers a greater variety of shots and strategies, and for players who enjoy intense physical challenges, it's an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts

Whether you pick up a Tempest Pickleball Paddle or a tennis racquet, both sports offer unique joys and challenges. The beauty of each is in the way they test your skills, reaction times, and mental game. Plus, they’re both highly social activities, making them great for meeting new people and staying active.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either sport! If you’re a tennis player, giving pickleball a try will introduce you to a whole new world of fun and strategy—and if you’re a pickleball player, you might find tennis to be a great way to expand your skills and fitness.

So, grab your paddle or racquet and head out to the courts—whether it’s pickleball or tennis, the game is yours to enjoy.