Pickleball Net vs Tennis Net: 6 Key Differences

Are Pickleball Nets and Tennis Nets the same?

The 6 key differences between a pickleball net and a tennis net.

1. The pickleball net height is 2″ lower in the center 
2. The pickleball net height is 6″ lower at the end posts 
3. The pickleball net width is 20′ shorter than a tennis net for doubles matches and 13′ shorter for singles matches
4. Pickleball net end posts extend 1′ outside the sidelines versus tennis net end posts which extend 3′ outside the sidelines
5. Tennis nets are sturdier than a pickleball net to withstand the weight of tennis balls
6. Pickleball net end posts are smaller than tennis net end posts

The similarities between a pickleball net and a tennis net are:

• Both have supporting posts at each end although tennis posts are larger
• Each has a metal cable that runs across the top with a 2″ white band that covers it
• Both nets are made of mesh

#1 – Height of the Net

Height differences between pickleball nets and tennis nets

The main difference between a tennis net and a pickleball net is that the pickleball net height is set at a lower net height than a tennis net.

At the end posts, the height of a pickleball net stands 36 inches high and in the center of the net, 34 inches high .

At the end posts, the height of a tennis net is 42 inches high and 36 inches in the center of the net. 

The pickleball net height and the tennis net height can be adjusted with the center strap.

Why is a pickleball net height different than a tennis net height?

There are similarities between a pickleball game and a tennis game, but there are key differences including the height of the net.

Pickleball nets and tennis nets are different heights due to the differences in the balls used in each sport. 

Pickleball nets are shorter than tennis nets because a pickleball ball has less bounce compared to a  tennis ball which means it doesn’t bounce as high.

Pickleball balls are similar to a wiffle ball and are made of hard plastic which means they bounce lower than a tennis ball.

A tennis ball is made of rubber, filled with pressurized gas which means it will bounce quite high.

To make it easier for a pickleball ball to bounce over the net, the net is lower than a tennis net at both ends and in the middle. 

The height of a pickleball net is 36″ at the posts and 34″ in the middle of the net. 

The height of a tennis net is 42″ at the posts and 36″ in the middle of the net.

#2 – Width of the Net

​Width differences between pickleball nets and tennis nets

Another big difference is the width of a pickleball net vs. a tennis net.

A pickleball net is 22′ wide, while a tennis net is 42′ wide for doubles matches and 33′ wide for singles matches.

Since the size of the court surface for a standard tennis court is much larger than the surface of a pickleball court, this makes sense.

According to the International Tennis Federation, a standard tennis court is 60′ x 120′. 

According to the USA Pickleball Association, a standard pickleball court is 30′ x 60′.

The smaller width of the pickleball net makes it easier to set up and take down making portable nets a good option for indoor or outdoor courts.

#3 – Composition of the Net

Both nets are similar in their composition and setup. 

They’re made from a durable material but a tennis net is more durable so that it can withstand being hit by a tennis ball.

The nets are typically set up with a tension system that keeps them taut during play. But tennis nets are strung at a higher tension than pickleball nets, ensuring they are more rigid and stable.

#4 – Placement of the Net

Differences in placement of a pickleball net versus a tennis net

The placement of the net posts is another difference between the two nets. 

In tennis, the net posts extend 3′ outside the sideline. In pickleball, the net posts sit 12″ outside the sideline. 

Who decided on the pickleball net dimensions and design?

The game of pickleball is actually a game that was originally invented by three men in 1965 to keep their kids busy during the summer. 

According to the Fitness Industry Association, it’s now the fastest-growing sport in the United States. In recent years, it’s become popular with younger people and is included in many high school sports classes.

And, many tennis players are putting down their tennis rackets and picking up pickleball paddles. 

While summering on Bainbridge Island, not far from Seattle, Washington, Congressman Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum were looking for a fun activity that the entire family could play together.

When Joel, William, and Barney came home from a game of golf one day to find their kids bored and restless, they set out to create a game that would be challenging but suitable for everyone to play.

They started playing with table tennis paddles (ping-pong paddles), a wiffle ball (large perforated plastic ball), and a lowered badminton net, on a badminton court.

The men adjusted the rules of the game, the style of ball and adjusted the badminton net until it was at a height that made it possible for the ball to get over it.

FAQ – Pickleball Net vs Tennis Net