9 Key differences Between Tennis and Pickleball Explained

By now, you've probably heard about pickleball, and perhaps someone has even tried to convince you to try it. But what exactly sets tennis and pickleball apart? In this article, we'll delve into the major differences between these two sports in a language that's easy to understand, providing additional explanations along the way.

9 Key differences Between Tennis and Pickleball Explained

Before we dive into the major distinctions, let's briefly touch on some minor differences:

1. No double fault in serving: In pickleball, there's no penalty for serving faults like in tennis.
2. Serving in doubles: In pickleball doubles, each player gets a chance to serve until their team loses the serve.
3. Scoring in doubles: In pickleball doubles, the score has three numbers: your team's score, the opposing team's score, and whether you're the first or second server.
4. Court dimensions: The court dimensions are the same for singles and doubles in both tennis and pickleball.
5. Underhand serving: Pickleball serves must be done underhand, unlike in tennis, where overhead serving is allowed.
6. Fast-paced and accompanied by music: Pickleball is known for its energetic and loud nature, often played with background music.
7. Court sides: In pickleball, the sides of the court are referred to as even or odd rather than an ad or deuce, as in tennis.
8. Versatile playing surfaces: Pickleball can be easily played on indoor basketball or volleyball courts.
9. Player interaction: In pickleball, players intentionally hit the ball hard towards their opponents' bodies.

Now, let's explore the major differences in more detail:

1. Pickleballs are light and bounce low

When comparing pickleballs to tennis balls, one notable difference is their weight and bouncing behaviour. Tennis balls are larger and made with a hollow rubber core that compresses upon impact, resulting in a high bounce. This characteristic is familiar to tennis players. However, pickleballs, shell-like with no core, are made of hard plastic and do not compress. As a result, they bounce lower, which can catch tennis players off guard and require adjustment.

2. Types of balls

Besides the distinction between indoor and outdoor pickleball, there are considerations related to ball design. Outdoor pickleball is specifically designed to withstand wind interference, as its waffle ball-like structure is prone to be affected by air currents. To counteract this, outdoor balls are made with smaller holes to reduce the impact of wind and maintain better control during play. Furthermore, manufacturers have introduced extra-durable balls to address the issue of frequent ball replacements due to cracking.

3. Paddles vs racquets

Pickleball paddles and tennis racquets differ in size and shape and in how they interact with the ball. While both produce satisfying sounds—such as the "thock" of a tennis racquet or the "ping" of a pickleball paddle—there are substantial performance variations. Tennis racquets allow ball compression and spin generation as the strings bend upon impact. In contrast, pickleball paddles are rigid and do not compress the ball. This lack of compression results in immediate ball deflection, making it difficult to generate spin and requiring players to adjust their swing technique accordingly.

4. The court is significantly smaller. 

One of the most noticeable distinctions between tennis and pickleball is the size of the court. A pickleball court measures 20' x 44', considerably smaller than a tennis court. The compact dimensions are reminiscent of a badminton court with a lower net. This smaller size facilitates quicker rallies and requires players to adapt their footwork and positioning strategies.

5. The kitchen (non-volley zone) 

The "kitchen" or non-volley zone in pickleball plays a crucial role in shaping gameplay dynamics. This area extends 7 feet from the net on both sides of the court and prevents players from hitting volleys while standing within its boundaries. Volleys, striking the ball before it bounces, are considered powerful shots in many racquet sports. However, in pickleball, the non-volley zone restricts players from dominating the game solely with net smashes, promoting a more balanced and strategic style of play.

6. Play at the kitchen line.

Unlike tennis, where baseline rallies are common, pickleball's unique dynamics encourage players to position themselves close to the kitchen line. This line, located just before the non-volley zone, offers a strategic advantage. Being closer to the net enables players to react swiftly to high balls and initiate offensive plays. Moreover, being near the net helps defend against shots aimed at their feet, which can be challenging to return. Thus, the kitchen line becomes a focal point of the game, demanding quick reflexes and precise shot placement.

7. Pickleball is extremely volatile.

The fast-paced nature of pickleball leads to rapid fluctuations in tempo during a match. Players find themselves swiftly transitioning from calm exchanges to intense and powerful shots. Due to the relatively short distance between players, standing only 14 feet apart at the kitchen line, the game's pace can be exhilarating. The lightweight nature of pickleball paddles and proximity to opponents allow for rapid and forceful ball strikes, creating thrilling and unpredictable rallies.

8. The serve isn't serious.

In contrast to tennis, where serves can directly earn points, pickleball serves focus more on ball placement than power. Pickleball serves must be executed underhanded, and the lightweight, perforated ball limits its potential for powerful aces. Instead, players strategically aim to place their serves in specific locations on the court, setting up favorable situations for subsequent shots.

9. You hit the ball out in front of you.

While tennis players often hit the ball from the side, turning their bodies sideways, pickleball players are encouraged to hit the ball out in front of them. The low bounce and unique composition of pickleball make it challenging to generate pace when swinging from a sideways position, as is common in tennis. By hitting the ball in front of them, pickleball players can maximize their swing power and maintain control over the shot.

Overall, understanding these major differences between tennis and pickleball helps players appreciate the unique characteristics of each sport. By embracing the distinct dynamics, players can enhance their skills and enjoyment when engaging in either sport.