I am sure if you are a newbie to this sport then you will be thinking this game is similar to Tennis then what are the differences? As we know, this game was born out of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. As per my experience Pickleball is a game which involves more Planning, Strategy, Control and Placement which makes this sport really amazing. In my university days I saw many tennis players switching to pickleball.

 Knowing the differences helps us to understand the reason behind its popularity and the number of players emerging to play pickleball. It is one of the most popular emerging games among all ages in the United States. 

When I was growing up, I too had the same question when I saw my friends playing Tennis during the summer vacation in my school days.  I still remember my mother explaining to me very well many differences between these games which look similar but have various notable factors. I will be passing on the same details which my mom told me, like court dimensions, netting, sports equipment, game rules, serve and volley differences, etc. lets begin

What are the differences between pickleball and tennis?

1. Court dimension
   

   The court difference between the two sports is evident. The pickleball court is generally smaller than the tennis court, and a maximum of four pickleball courts can be built in one tennis court. In terms of construction, pickleball courts are typically made of asphalt or concrete, while tennis courts are made of a variety of materials including clay, grass, or hard court surfaces. 
   

   Dimensions of Court	Width	Length
   Pickleball	20 feet	44 feet
   Tennis	60 feet	120 feet

   Understanding the differences enhances your ability to build a pickleball court. You can read more in detail on how to convert a tennis court into a pickleball court.

    

2. Netting

   The netting of both games is based on the bounces of the ball. When comparing tennis balls with pickleball balls, tennis balls are made of rubber and can bounce higher than pickleball balls because they are made of plastics or thermoplastic rubbers. 
   The height of the pickleball net is 36 inches on the post and 34 inches on the centre.
   The tennis net’s height is 40 inches on the post and 36 inches in the centre.

    

3. Sport equipment

   The most notable difference is the equipment of the two sports. Pickleball paddles are comparatively smaller than tennis racquets, and they have shorter handles. The tennis racquet is made of strings in the striking area, while the pickleball paddle’s face is made of combinations of various materials for stability. Carbon fibre materials are mainly used for the face of the paddles, which enhances the ball’s spin
   As we know, pickleball is made of plastics or thermoplastics that do not bounce higher, while the tennis ball is made of rubber and bounces higher than pickleball.
   The weight of pickleball equipment is comparatively less than that of tennis equipment. 

    

4.  Serve and volley differences.
   

   In pickleball, the serve is done underhand, whereas in tennis, it is done overhand.
   In pickleball, a player can have only one serve attempt, while in tennis, they can have a maximum of two serve attempts.
   Another key difference is the ‘Two bounce rule’ in pickleball, which means the ball has to hit the ground once on each side of the net before players volley.
   Tennis, however, has no such rule. The volley is entirely different in both sports. In tennis, you have to move forward and make the volley in an aggressive forward motion, while in pickleball, there is a unique rule. There is a non-volley zone named Kitchen, a 7-foot area on two sides of the net, where you cannot volley directly by stepping into the region or your momentum carrying you touching the kitchen area. So, in pickleball, you have to stand behind the volley line and are subject to play a little backward volley, as you have to pull back your shoulder to do the volley.

5.  Scoring differences
   

   The scoring of both games has differences. The scoring system of pickleball, similar to ping-pong. Unlike tennis, where the scoring follows a 0, 15, 30, and 40 pattern, pickleball’s scoring system is typically an 11-point system,   with a winning difference of about 2 points.
   It’s important to note that if the players have 10 and 11 points, they must continue the game until one leads with 2 points. This rule ensures a fair and competitive game. 

6. Match durations
   

   The match durations between the two sports differ drastically. Pickleball matches last a minimum of 15 minutes, and the average maximum duration is about 30 minutes.
   Some crucial or advanced players’ matches last up to 45 minutes and may be more than that. On the other hand, a tennis match lasts a minimum of 45 minutes and a maximum of 5 hours. The average tennis match duration is about 3 hours.

7. Understanding of the game
   

   Based on the general structure of the game, both sports have a certain level of understanding. The time taken is based on the knowledge of the theoretical structure of the sport and practical differences. Pickleball requires less time to understand the game’s rules and structures and only requires a little physical support. In tennis, more time is needed to understand the complexity of the game rules, and more physical effort is necessary for the best performance. Due to the ease of understanding and playing the game, pickleball has more emerging players than tennis.

8. Tournament levels
   

   The tournament level of pickleball has been categorized by age as junior events, adult events, and senior events.

   Junior events are collectively known as under 18. In this category, players are primarily boys and girls between 12 and 18. Players under age 12 are also eligible to play matches.
   Adult events – people between 19 and 49 can attend these tournaments.
   Senior events – people aged between 50 and 80+ are eligible to attend these tournaments.
   Major Tours are PPA, APP and MLP
   The tournament level of tennis has been categorized based on gender, such as ATP and WTP.
   The  ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) conducts men’s tennis tournaments, and the WTP (Women’s Tennis Association) conducts tennis tournaments for women.
   

9. Governing and organizing bodies
   

   USA Pickleball has taken the lead in establishing the International Federation for Pickleball (IFP), a crucial entity that ensures the standardization and fairness of pickleball tournaments worldwide. Similarly, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) serves as the governing body for tennis tournaments, maintaining the integrity of the sport across its 200 member nations.

    

Why do older adults like pickleball more than tennis?

Pickleball, a sport that is gaining popularity among older adults, offers unique benefits over tennis. One of the key factors is the court size, which is a quarter of a tennis court. This smaller size allows for longer play, providing a gentle yet effective workout for the aging body. 

Another reason why pickleball is preferred by older adults is its simplicity. Unlike tennis, which can be complex to learn, pickleball is easy to pick up. This accessibility, coupled with the reduced physical demands, makes pickleball a more attractive option for those in their golden years

Why do people play pickleball instead of tennis?

Pickleball is a sport that caters to everyone, from students to working professionals, and even the elderly. Its popularity is on the rise globally, thanks to its easy-to-grasp rules, shorter game durations, and lower physical demands compared to tennis. Pickleball is more than just a game. It’s a way to connect with others. It requires fewer eye coordinations, doesn’t strain your joints as much as tennis, and needs less space to play. But what really sets it apart is its ability to quickly build a community around the players. Whether you’re playing leisurely or competitively, pickleball is adaptable to all environments, making it the perfect choice over tennis.

What are the similarities between pickleball and tennis?

• The primary similarities are that both sports are court games. 
• They can be played in singles and doubles events. 
• Pickleball and tennis require eye-hand coordination. 
• They have professional tours. 
• The spins of the ball are the same for both sports: topspin, Backspin (Slice), and Sidespin. 
• The playing technique is also similar, as both can be played by bending knees and facing the ball in front of their body.

Are tennis players switching to pickleball?

Yes, the number of players switching from tennis to pickleball is significantly increasing. The switching of tennis to pickleball by the tennis players is driven by a variety of factors, as discussed earlier. Importantly, pickleball presents a unique opportunity for tennis players to continue their sporting journey. As players age, they often find it difficult to maintain the same level of performance in tennis. However, pickleball, with its modified rules and equipment, provides a perfect platform for them to continue enjoying the sport in their golden years.

Conclusion

Major notable factors revolve around the differences between pickleball and tennis. That has been discussed in the article. You can understand how both sports have differences even though they share similarities. The impactive differences significantly change the number of players playing both sports. Based on the different factors revolving around pickleball and tennis, you can know why pickleball is not just a game but a popular emerging game worldwide. While opting for sports entirely depends upon the individual player’s capability and requirements. Both games have unique specifications and rules. Pickleball is ideal for all ages around the world.