Is Pickleball Easier Than Tennis?

Tennis Players Think Pickleball is Easier.

Yes, pickleball is easier than tennis for most people.

The main reasons people find pickleball an easier game to play than tennis are:

The size of the court – the smaller court size of a pickleball court means there’s less coverage and less movement required than on the bigger court used for a tennis game. It’s the size of a badminton court.
Similarity to tennis and table tennis – Pickleball is different than table tennis and tennis but there are elements of tennis in pickleball. The similarity to tennis is what attracts many tennis players to pickleball.
Lower level of physical fitness required – Because a pickleball court is much smaller than the size of a tennis court, there’s less court coverage needed when playing a game of pickleball. But, pickleball is not a walk in the park (so to speak) which is important for new players to understand.
Skill level – There are aspects of pickleball that make it easier for people with little skill level in racket sports such as tennis. Getting started playing pickleball is easier than tennis for most people.

Is pickleball easier than tennis? This question is often asked by people thinking about playing.

I know I had the same question before I started playing.

Thankfully, I found pickleball much easier than tennis.

Keep reading to better understand the answer to this question.

Major Differences Between Pickleball and Tennis

The main differences between these two racquet sports are:

#1 – Court Size and Net Height

One of the most significant differences between pickleball and tennis is the court size.

Pickleball courts are much smaller than tennis courts.

A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, while a tennis court is 78 feet long and 36 feet wide. Defined by the USA Pickleball Association.

The net height is also different.

In pickleball, the net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center.

In tennis, the net is 3 feet high at the center and 3 feet 6 inches high at the posts.

#2 – Equipment

Pickleball equipment and tennis equipment are very different for these reasons:

One of the main differences between pickleball and tennis equipment is that a pickleball paddle has a solid face and a tennis racket has strings.

Pickleball paddles are much smaller than tennis rackets. A pickleball paddle is typically 6-8 inches wide and 15-16 inches long, while a tennis racquet is around 27 inches long and 9-11 inches wide.
Pickleball paddles are also made of different materials than tennis racquets. They can be made of wood, graphite, carbon fiber or composite materials.
Pickleball balls are slower (similar to a wiffle ball) plastic ball which is very different than a rubber tennis ball that bounces further.

indoor pickleball ball outdoor pickleball tennis ball

A pickleball net and a tennis net are very similar. The main difference is the height. A tennis net is setup at 36″ and a pickleball net is 34″ in the middle and 36″ at the posts.

#3 – Scoring

The scoring system is also different.
In pickleball, you only score points when you are serving.
In tennis, you can score points on both your serve and your opponent’s serve.

Overall, while there are some similarities between pickleball and tennis, these racket sports have many differences.

Whether you prefer the smaller court size and different equipment of pickleball or the larger court size and traditional equipment of tennis, both sports offer a fun and challenging way to stay active and improve your racquet skills.

Major Differences in Playing

When it comes to playing, pickleball is quite different from tennis. Here are some of the key differences:

#1 – Scoring

In pickleball, games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by two points.

Points can only be scored on your own serve, and you must use an underhand serve.

In tennis, games are usually played to at least 4 points, and you must win by two points. Points can be scored on any serve, and the serve can be overhand or underhand.

#2 – Ball Bounce

In pickleball, after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before players can start volleying.

In tennis, the ball can be volleyed as soon as it crosses the net.

#3 – Non-Volley Zone

In pickleball, there is the non-volley zone that extends 7 feet from the net on either side.

Players cannot volley the ball while standing inside this zone.

In tennis, there isn’t a non-volley zone, which means that players can volley the ball from anywhere on the court.

pickleball court diagram - non volley zone

Benefits of Playing Pickleball over Tennis

When it comes to choosing between pickleball and tennis, there are several benefits to playing pickleball.

Here are the benefits of playing pickleball over tennis:

#1 – Easier to Learn

Pickleball is a paddle sport that’s easier to learn than tennis and you don’t need a lot of experience or skill to play pickleball.

In fact, many people who have never played a racquet sport before can quickly pick up the basics of pickleball.

#2 – Less Stress on the Body

Compared to tennis, pickleball is less stressful on your body.

The court is smaller, which means that you don’t have to run around as much.

The ball is lighter, which means that you don’t have to hit it as hard.

This makes pickleball a great option for people who have joint problems or other physical limitations.

Some people believe that pickleball players are less likely to get injured than tennis players.

But it’s still common for injuries to happen when playing pickleball, including torn muscles, ligaments etc.. and pickleball elbow (yes, just like tennis elbow) is not uncommon.

Take steps to avoid injury.

And pickleball players do get hit in the eye with the ball which can cause eye damage or vision loss.

Many pickleball players still haven’t figured out that eye protection is extremely important.

#3 – Social Aspects

Pickleball is a social sport that is played by people of all ages and skill levels. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.

I joined my local pickleball club to meet new friends.

I work from home and was beginning to feel isolated and playing pickleball was a great way to get out of the house and meet people.

Many pickleball players enjoy the social interaction of the game as much as the game.

Plus, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, so there are plenty of opportunities to play.

In summary, pickleball offers several benefits over tennis, including being easier to learn, less stressful on your body, and it’s geared towards having a social.

In fact, many Pickleball & Social Clubs are popping up.

FAQs – Is Pickleball Easier Than Tennis?

Why do people like pickleball more than tennis?

People like pickleball more than tennis because of the game’s accessibility, social aspects, and low-impact nature. Pickleball is also easier to learn than tennis, making it a great option for beginners. Its smaller court size and slower ball speed also make it a more manageable game for older players.

Is pickleball hard to learn and play?

Pickleball is not hard for most people to learn and play. The basics can be learned in a few games. A pickleball court is much smaller than a tennis court which makes it less demanding from a physical fitness perspective. Most players find that pickleball is easier than tennis but harder to master.

How does the size of the court in pickleball compare to tennis?

The court size in pickleball is much smaller than a tennis court.

The USA Pickleball Rule book states that the dimensions of a standard pickleball court are 34’x64′.

A tennis court is 78 feet in length x 36 feet in width. The USA Pickleball Rule book also states that the actual playing lines are 20’x44′.

Is pickleball less physically demanding than tennis?

Pickleball is less physically demanding than tennis, but it still provides a great workout and can be played at varying levels of intensity.

The smaller court size and slower ball speed may make it easier on the joints for some players.

Injury can still happen but there are steps you can take to avoid an injury.

Are the rules of pickleball simpler than tennis?

The rules of pickleball are generally simpler than tennis, with fewer technicalities and less complicated scoring. This can make it easier for beginners to learn and enjoy the game.

Is pickleball easier to pick up for older players than tennis?

Pickleball is often considered a more accessible sport for older players, due to the smaller court size and slower ball speed.

It can be a great way to stay active and socialize with others.

How does the equipment used in pickleball compare to tennis?

Pickleball equipment is generally lighter and easier to handle than tennis equipment, with smaller paddles and a lighter ball.

This can make it easier for beginners to get the hang of the game and develop their skills.

Summary – Is Pickleball Easier than Tennis?

In summary, many if not most people, find pickleball easier than tennis to play.

Of course, it will still take practice to become proficient and it take a ton of work to become good enough to compete against the best pickleball players.

And some of the rules are very unique to pickleball which makes it a bit tricky to wrap your head around the rules adequately enough that you’re not breaking them