Pickleball has gained immense popularity in recent years, attracting players from both tennis and badminton backgrounds. Since it shares techniques and strategies with both sports, many players wonder: Is pickleball more like tennis or badminton?
This article explores the similarities and differences between pickleball, tennis, and badminton, helping you understand which sport pickleball is most closely related to.
Similarities Between Pickleball, Tennis, and Badminton
1. Racket/Paddle-Based Sports
All three sports involve hitting an object over a net using a racket or paddle.
- Tennis & Badminton: Players use stringed rackets to hit a ball (tennis) or a shuttlecock (badminton).
- Pickleball: Uses a solid paddle similar to a table tennis paddle but larger.
📌 Advantage: If you're transitioning from tennis or badminton, pickleball’s hitting techniques will feel familiar. Find a great pickleball paddle to start playing!
2. Forehand and Backhand Strokes
All three sports require forehand and backhand shots to control rallies.
- Tennis: Uses powerful topspin groundstrokes.
- Badminton: Uses fast flicks and drives to keep the shuttlecock in motion.
- Pickleball: Uses a mix of drives, dinks, and drops to control the pace of the game.
📌 Similarity: Players transitioning from tennis or badminton to pickleball will already be comfortable with these stroke techniques.
3. Net Play & Court Positioning
In all three sports, positioning near the net is key.
- Badminton: The net is crucial for fast, tactical net shots.
- Tennis: Players approach the net for volleys and overhead smashes.
- Pickleball: The "kitchen" (non-volley zone) encourages soft, strategic net play.
📌 Advantage: If you have experience in badminton or tennis, you’ll quickly adapt to pickleball’s net game.
Key Differences Between Pickleball, Tennis, and Badminton
1. Court Size & Movement
- Tennis Court: 78 feet by 27 feet (singles) / 36 feet (doubles) – requires extensive running.
- Badminton Court: 44 feet by 20 feet – but players must cover the entire area with quick footwork.
- Pickleball Court: 44 feet by 20 feet – similar to badminton but with much less movement required.
📌 Advantage: Pickleball’s smaller court means less running, making it easier on the joints compared to tennis.
2. Equipment: Rackets vs. Paddles
- Tennis & Badminton: Use stringed rackets designed for power and spin.
- Pickleball: Uses a solid paddle to hit a plastic perforated ball.
📌 Advantage: Pickleball paddles are lighter and easier to handle, making them ideal for beginners. Check out these pickleball paddles to find the right fit for you!
3. Scoring Systems
- Tennis: 15-30-40 game scoring, with matches played in sets.
- Badminton: Games go to 21 points, must win by two.
- Pickleball: Games go to 11 points, only the serving team can score.
📌 Advantage: Pickleball’s simplified scoring system makes it easier to learn compared to tennis and badminton.
4. Ball/Shuttlecock Differences
- Tennis Ball: Heavy, pressurized, and made of felt, leading to faster, more powerful shots.
- Badminton Shuttlecock: Lightweight, feathered, requiring quick wrist movements and precise control.
- Pickleball Ball: A light plastic ball with holes, bounces less, leading to slower-paced rallies.
📌 Similarity: Pickleball’s controlled shots resemble badminton, while its court positioning is more like tennis.
Which Sport is Pickleball More Like?
Pickleball vs. Tennis
✔️ Similar court layout but smaller
✔️ Uses forehand & backhand strokes
❌ Less powerful shots due to the paddle and ball design
❌ Less running, making it easier on the body
Pickleball vs. Badminton
✔️ Similar court size
✔️ Strategic net play is important in both sports
❌ Less aerial play, since the ball doesn’t float like a shuttlecock
❌ Less emphasis on quick, high-intensity footwork
📌 Final Verdict: Pickleball is a hybrid of both sports, but it leans slightly more toward tennis due to its scoring system, stroke techniques, and doubles play.
Transitioning to Pickleball: Tips for Tennis & Badminton Players
🎾 Tennis Players:
- Adjust to softer shots instead of powerful swings.
- Focus on dinking and controlled net play rather than aggressive top-spin shots.
🏸 Badminton Players:
- Adapt to a heavier ball that doesn’t float like a shuttlecock.
- Use larger steps rather than quick shuffle footwork.
📌 Ready to try pickleball? Get started with a pickleball set to enjoy the game with friends!
Conclusion: Why Pickleball Appeals to Everyone
Pickleball is a perfect blend of tennis and badminton, making it easy to learn for players from both sports. Its smaller court, lightweight paddle, and simplified scoring make it ideal for all ages and skill levels.
✅ Easier to play than tennis (less running, simpler scoring)
✅ More forgiving than badminton (no need for quick wrist flicks)
✅ Fun, social, and engaging for beginners and experienced athletes alike
Looking for the best way to start playing? Check out pickleball paddles and pickleball sets to get everything you need!
