At first glance, pickleball looks like tennis’s smaller, quirkier cousin. You’ve got a net, paddles, and a ball flying over the court. But take a closer look, and you’ll see a totally different rhythm, strategy, and vibe.
So how is pickleball different from tennis? Whether you're a die-hard tennis fan considering a new challenge or just curious why your local courts are suddenly filled with pickleball players, here’s the complete comparison.
And if you're ready to make the switch, CustomPickleballBands.com has all the gear and style you need to look and feel like a pickleball pro.
Court Size: Think Smaller, Smarter
The biggest visual difference? The court.
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Pickleball: 20x44 feet
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Tennis: 27x78 feet (singles)
That means pickleball courts are less than half the size of tennis courts. The compact court:
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Emphasizes reaction time over long-distance sprints
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Makes doubles play tight and tactical
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Keeps rallies close and personal
Less court doesn’t mean less action. It just happens faster.
Equipment: Paddle vs. Racquet
Pickleball uses paddles—solid, often made from composite materials. Tennis uses stringed racquets.
Pickleball Paddle:
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Solid surface
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Short handle
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Great for control and quick exchanges
Tennis Racquet:
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Strung surface
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Longer reach
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Designed for power and topspin
Add a paddle band to improve grip and style. Our Jet Black Paddle Band is a sleek upgrade that gives you control and personality.
The Ball: Perforated vs. Pressurized
Tennis balls are fuzzy and bounce high. Pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes (similar to a whiffle ball).
Pickleball Ball:
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Made of plastic
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Lower bounce
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Requires more finesse
Tennis Ball:
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Pressurized rubber
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High bounce
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Suited for power shots
The lower bounce in pickleball keeps play strategic and fast-paced at the net.
Serving Rules: Underhand vs. Overhand
Pickleball Serve:
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Must be underhand
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Hit below the waist
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Served diagonally across court
Tennis Serve:
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Overhand
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Often the most aggressive shot
In pickleball, the serve starts the point but doesn’t dominate it. Think consistency over aces.
Scoring System
Pickleball:
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Only the serving team scores
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Games are to 11 (win by 2)
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Doubles is the most common format
Tennis:
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Points: 15, 30, 40, game
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Deuce and advantage scoring
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Games build into sets and matches
Pickleball scoring is simple, fast, and great for casual or competitive players.
The Kitchen Rule: Unique to Pickleball
Tennis has no non-volley zone. In pickleball, the kitchen (7-foot non-volley zone on either side of the net) is sacred.
You can’t volley while standing in the kitchen. This forces:
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Strategic dinks
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Footwork discipline
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More creative net play
Check out our deep-dive: What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
Play Style and Pace
Pickleball:
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Quick, reflex-based
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Focus on placement over power
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Emphasizes finesse, especially at the net
Tennis:
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Larger swings
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Longer rallies
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Power-driven baseline play
If you enjoy fast-paced volley exchanges, pickleball delivers every time.
Age and Accessibility
Pickleball is known for its inclusive appeal. Tennis often requires more strength, endurance, and technique.
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Pickleball is ideal for:
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Seniors staying active
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Families and casual players
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Competitive athletes wanting variety
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Tennis suits:
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Players with strong mobility
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Those focused on long rallies and athleticism
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Pickleball’s smaller court, lighter paddle, and slower ball make it easier on the joints while still being a great workout.
Community and Culture
Both sports have strong communities, but pickleball is exploding in social spaces:
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Local clubs and rec leagues
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Community-based tournaments
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Pickleball-specific courts being built across the U.S.
It’s common to show up at a court and be invited into a doubles game within minutes. That welcoming vibe is core to the culture.
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Cost of Entry
Pickleball:
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Paddle: ~$40–150
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Balls: ~$10 for a pack
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Court time: Often free at parks
Tennis:
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Racquet: ~$100–300
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Balls: ~$5–10 per can
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Court fees: May apply at private clubs
Pickleball’s lower cost makes it a great entry point for all ages.
Want to Switch from Tennis to Pickleball?
Many tennis players are making the switch—or playing both. Here’s how to transition:
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Start by learning kitchen rules and dinks
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Practice with a friend in doubles games
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Customize your gear for paddle control
Visit our Pickleball Blog for beginner guides and expert gear tips.
Final Thoughts: A Sport All Its Own
So how is pickleball different from tennis? In every way that counts.
From smaller courts to simpler rules and paddle-based strategy, pickleball stands alone. It’s a welcoming, fast-paced, social sport where anyone can step in and thrive.
Ready to start? Grab your custom gear from CustomPickleballBands.com, upgrade with a Jet Black Paddle Band, and join the game that’s changing how America plays.