Pickleball vs tennis: the differences for tennis players
How pickleball differs from tennis: court size, the underhand serve, the kitchen, the two-bounce rule, scoring and paddles, and what tennis players need to unlearn.
Side by side
| Pickleball | Tennis | |
|---|---|---|
| Court | 20 × 44 ft | 36 × 78 ft (doubles) |
| Net at centre | 34 in | 36 in |
| Serve | Underhand, one attempt | Overhead, two attempts |
| Volleys | Not in the kitchen; not until after two bounces | Anywhere, any time after the serve |
| Scoring | To 11, win by 2; only the server scores | Points, games and sets |
| Equipment | Solid paddle, plastic ball with holes | Strung racquet, pressurised felt ball |
What tennis players need to unlearn
- The big swing. Pickleball rewards a compact stroke, especially at the net.
- Rushing the net. You must let the return bounce before you volley, so wait for it.
- Hitting through everything. Many points are won by keeping the ball low and soft until someone pops one up.
- Wrist-heavy topspin on every ball. It helps on drives, but resets and dinks need a quiet wrist.
What carries over
Footwork, court sense, volleys and topspin drives all help. Tennis players often climb the ratings quickly once they learn the soft game. Many prefer an elongated paddle with a long handle, which feels closer to a racquet and leaves room for a two-handed backhand.
Common questions
- Is pickleball easier than tennis?
- It is easier to start. The court is smaller, the serve is underhand, and rallies happen sooner. Playing it well is still hard, especially the soft game at the kitchen.
- Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
- Yes. A tennis court can be lined for up to four pickleball courts, and many clubs tape temporary lines and use a lowered tennis net.
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