Although tennis has been a popular sport, pickleball has been gaining popularity overtime. It is the fastest growing sport in the nation, and pickleball’s rising popularity has caused tennis players to switch to playing pickleball. But some may ask, what really is the difference between the two sports?
“I play pickleball a lot in the summer with my friends,” senior Lauren Mattick said, who is a player on the HSE tennis team. “It is a good sport to pick up easily if you are just starting to play.”
At first glance, tennis and pickleball look very similar. A court, a net, and a ball being hit over both sides. However, there are several key differences that change how each game is played.
One of the differences is the equipment. Tennis rackets typically weigh around 11 ounces and are used to hit a rubber ball covered in a blend of wool and nylon. Pickleball players use a paddle slightly lighter, around 7 to 9 ounces, and hit a hollow, perforated plastic ball.
“You have to hit the ball a lot harder in tennis than you do in pickleball,” Mattick said.
The courts are also different. A tennis court is much longer and wider than a pickleball court. Since pickleball courts are smaller, players don’t have to run as far to reach the ball.
“I do think pickleball is a great alternative to tennis, especially in terms of accessibility,” Taylor Ducey said, a junior on the HSE tennis team. “The smaller court and slower pace than tennis can make it easier for beginners, older players, or people who may not have as much experience with racket sports.”
“Public pickleball courts incorporate everyone while on public tennis courts, you’ll just see a few people playing with each other,” Molly Slota said, a senior on the HSE girls tennis team.
In tennis, players serve the ball overhand with power. In pickleball, serves are underhand, which is easier for beginners. In both sports the serve must land in the opponent’s diagonal service box, but pickleball adds an interesting twist called the two-bounce rule. The two-bounce rule requires the ball to bounce once on the receiving side and once on the serving side before either team can hit the ball in the air. This rule slows the game down to have longer rallies.
“The scoring is much different between the sports,” Slota said. “In pickleball, you can only score when your team is serving but in tennis you can score anytime.”
Because of these differences, the two sports require distinctive styles of play. Tennis often focuses on powerful serves and fast baseline rallies that demand strength, speed, and endurance. Pickleball, however, emphasizes control, placement, and strategy.
Many tennis players are switching to pickleball because it is less physically demanding. The smaller court, lighter equipment, and slower pace mean it puts less strain on the body. Players can also enjoy the sport for a longer portion of their lives. Pickleball is also known for being highly social since most games are played in doubles and rallies can last longer.
“Pickleball is a great alternative to tennis because it is less physically demanding,” Slota said.
