Pickleball vs Tennis

Tennis and pickleball are both racket sports that share similarities but also have distinct differences. Here are some key ways in which tennis and pickleball differ:

1. Court Size:
   • Tennis: A standard tennis court is significantly larger, measuring 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles play.
   • Pickleball: A pickleball court is much smaller, measuring 44 feet long and 20 feet wide for doubles play and 20 feet wide and 10 feet long for singles play.
2. Net Height:
   • Tennis: The net height in tennis is 3 feet (0.914 meters) at the centre and gradually slopes down to 3.5 feet (1.07 meters) at the posts.
   • Pickleball: The net height in pickleball is 36 inches (0.914 meters) at the sidelines and 34 inches (0.864 meters) at the centre. The lower net allows for different types of shots near the net.
3. Equipment:
   • Tennis: Tennis is played with a racket, typically made of graphite or other materials, and a rubber ball covered in felt.
   • Pickleball: Pickleball is played with a solid paddle, usually made of wood, composite materials, or graphite, and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball.
4. Serving Technique:
   • Tennis: In tennis, the serve is typically an overhand motion, allowing for more power and spin. The serve is made from behind the baseline, with the goal of hitting the ball into the opponent's service box.
   • Pickleball: In pickleball, the serve is made underhand and must be initiated below the waist. The serve is made diagonally and must clear the non-volley zone (kitchen) and land within the opponent's diagonal service court.
5. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen):
   • Tennis: Tennis does not have a designated non-volley zone. Players can approach the net and volley the ball at any point during the game.
   • Pickleball: Pickleball has a non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, which is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players are not allowed to volley the ball while standing inside this zone, promoting strategic play and preventing excessive dominance at the net.
6. Scoring System:
   • Tennis: Tennis typically uses a scoring system with points awarded as 15, 30, 40, and game, with additional advantages in deuce situations.
   • Pickleball: Pickleball often uses a rally scoring system, where a point is awarded on every serve. Games are typically played to 11 or 15 points, with the serving team required to win by a margin of at least 2 points.

While tennis and pickleball share some similarities, such as the use of rackets and a net, their differences in court size, equipment, serving technique, and rules give each sport its unique characteristics and gameplay experience. Both sports offer enjoyable challenges and opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.