Pickleball is a fun, recreational, and social sport growing in popularity. According to the USAPA, there are over 200,000 pickleball players throughout the country, and the number grows each year.

Many people who enjoy tennis are now playing pickleball while others are curious about the sport. Pickleball samples elements from various racquet sports but still has a unique flavor and gameplay. While the two sports have a lot in common, they also have different rules, gear, and playing courts. From the courts to the racquets, here's a look at the differences between tennis and pickleball to help you decide which sport is best for you.

Pickleballs are pretty different from the traditional bright yellow felt-covered tennis balls you're probably used to. Pickleballs are lighter, made out of plastic, and have holes throughout the ball. There are no color restrictions, but the pickleball must be a single, consistent color.

You'll find similar features like a net, court markers, benches, and racquet carts on both courts, but a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court. The court is 20' x 44' for both singles and doubles. Tennis and pickleball nets are similar, aside from the size difference. Pickleball nets are slightly shorter than tennis nets as well. A pickleball net is 3 feet at the center of the court, and a tennis net is 3 feet, 6 inches. Pickleball nets are also slimmer because the courts aren't as wide as tennis.

If you play tennis, you're familiar with volleying from anywhere on the court, but in pickleball, you have to stay out of the designated non-volley zone on the court. This can take a little getting used to!

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. The rules are inspired by other racquet sports but still unique to the pickleball game.

Taking up pickleball means learning a new set of game rules. The biggest differences are the scoring system and serving styles. In pickleball, you're only allowed to service underhand, while tennis players have the choice of serving either overhand or underhand. When it comes to the scoring system, in pickleball, unlike tennis, you can only score on your serve. The receiving team can't score. Also, pickleball games are only played to 11 points, with a team needing to win by a 2-point difference.

You can get a better grasp of pickleball rules here.

Yes, pickleball is typically easier on the body than tennis. That's not to say it doesn't come without its strains, but it's generally more comfortable on the joints and muscles. Because pickleball is more physically accessible than tennis, many people with limited physical capabilities can still enjoy friendly competition and exercise on the pickleball court.

Pickleball mainly requires strength in the lower back because you'll have to bend down often for shots.

Pickleball paddles are smaller than tennis racquets and made out of different materials. You're probably familiar with a tennis racquet's surface made of woven string. This string allows you to easily bounce the ball off of the surface.

On the other hand, pickleball paddles are smaller and have a solid surface. Usually, pickleball racquets or paddles are made of wood or composite and designed to hit the pickleball better.

Like traditional tennis racquets, pickleball paddles come in all sizes and cater to various skill levels. Get started with the Franklin 2 Player Paddle And Ball Pickleball Set if you're looking for a great beginner pickleball racquet. If you have already found your groove on the pickleball court, try Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle for more advanced play.  

Both sports are highly social, entertaining activities that players of all levels can enjoy in both singles and doubles for a lifetime. Regardless of which sport you decide to play (or try both), you'll have fun getting exercise and socializing on the courts.

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