What’s the Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis?

Pickleball and tennis are two fast-growing racquet sports that share some similarities—but they differ significantly in gameplay, equipment, court size, and player experience. Whether you're a seasoned tennis player curious about trying something new, or a complete beginner trying to choose a sport, this guide will walk you through the key differences.

🎾 Pickleball vs. Tennis: Court Size & Surface

• Tennis Court:
• Standard size is 78 feet long by 27 feet wide for singles and 36 feet wide for doubles.
• Courts are larger, requiring more running and lateral movement.
• Surfaces vary—hard court (most common in Canada), clay, and grass.
• Net height is 3 feet in the center.
• Pickleball Court:
• Measures 44 feet long by 20 feet wide for both singles and doubles.
• Entire court fits inside one side of a tennis court.
• Played mostly on hard court, gym flooring, or converted tennis courts.
• Net height is slightly lower at 34 inches in the center.

Takeaway: The smaller court in pickleball requires less mobility, which makes the game more accessible to seniors, kids, and beginners. Tennis courts, on the other hand, demand greater endurance and agility.

🏓 Pickleball vs. Tennis: Equipment

• Tennis:
• Uses a traditional racquet with a strung face, typically 27 inches long.
• Racquets are made from graphite, carbon fiber, or aluminum.
• Tennis balls are pressurized rubber, covered with felt, and come in various bounce types for different surfaces (hard court, clay, etc.).
• Grip sizes vary based on player preference and hand size.
• Pickleball:
• Uses a solid-faced paddle, typically 15–16 inches in length and 7–8 inches wide.
• Paddles are made of wood (basic), graphite, fiberglass, or carbon fiber (premium).
• Balls are lightweight, plastic with holes, and differ slightly for indoor vs. outdoor play (outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes).
• No string tension or customization is involved, making gear easier to manage.

Fun Fact: Pickleball paddles have no strings, no tension issues, and are lighter—making them more accessible for kids, seniors, and casual players.

👟 Pickleball vs. Tennis: Style of Play

• Tennis:
• Focuses on power, topspin, and endurance.
• Players utilize a wide variety of strokes—forehands, backhands, slices, volleys, and lobs.
• Rallies can be long, especially at advanced levels, and the pace is generally faster.
• Overhead serves add speed and aggression to the start of every point.
• Movement involves extensive side-to-side and baseline coverage.
• Pickleball:
• Emphasizes precision, soft hands, and net play.
• Rallies often occur at the net with players engaging in "dinking"—a soft and strategic exchange over the non-volley zone (aka the "kitchen").
• Serves are underhand and simpler, reducing the learning curve.
• The game favors quick reflexes, positioning, and finesse over raw power.
• Shorter court means less physical strain and more compact footwork.

Note: Pickleball’s "kitchen" (non-volley zone) prevents players from smashing at the net, encouraging clever placement and thoughtful strategy.

⏱️ Pickleball vs. Tennis: Match Length & Scoring

• Tennis:
• Matches are typically best-of-3 sets for recreational and women’s professional matches, and best-of-5 for men’s Grand Slam events.
• Each set is made up of games, scored as 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage, game.
• A tiebreaker is used if the score reaches 6–6 in a set (except in some tournaments).
• Matches can last over 2 hours, especially at higher levels.
• Pickleball:
• Games are generally played to 11, 15, or 21 points, depending on the format.
• You must win by at least 2 points.
• Only the serving team can score, which keeps rallies competitive and strategic.
• Matches tend to be faster-paced and shorter, often lasting 20–45 minutes.

Result: Pickleball’s scoring system makes matches quicker and more dynamic, ideal for players looking for a fast, fun game. Tennis matches demand more endurance and focus over longer periods.

🧠 Pickleball vs. Tennis: Learning Curve

• Tennis:
• Has a steeper learning curve due to its complex footwork, wide range of shots, and larger court.
• Requires considerable practice and physical fitness to develop consistent serves, topspin, and movement.
• Beginners often need several sessions with coaching before they can play a full game confidently.
• Pickleball:
• Designed to be approachable for all ages and skill levels.
• Players can often start rallying within minutes of learning the rules.
• The smaller court and simpler strokes allow for faster progress and more immediate enjoyment.

Tip: Many Canadian schools and community centers introduce pickleball as a first racquet sport because it encourages participation and success early on.

Tip: Many Canadian seniors and multi-sport athletes start with pickleball because it’s easier on the joints and fun from day one.

🧑🤝🧑 Pickleball vs. Tennis: Community & Culture

• Tennis:
• Tennis has a well-established and prestigious culture around the world.
• Competitive players can participate in structured leagues and international tournaments, including ATP and WTA events.
• In Canada, there’s a strong tennis presence through local clubs, school programs, and national tennis centers.
• The culture tends to be more traditional and competitive.
• Pickleball:
• Pickleball fosters a friendly, social, and inclusive atmosphere.
• Most games are doubles, which encourages interaction and team spirit.
• Local clubs across Canada host regular drop-in sessions, mixers, and recreational tournaments.
• There’s a growing sense of community especially among seniors, families, and new players.

In Canada: Pickleball is booming—many community centers, school gyms, and even some tennis facilities are adding pickleball courts to meet demand. It’s not just a sport; it’s becoming a community movement.

🇨🇦 Which One Should You Try, Pickleball or Tennis?

• Pick Pickleball if you:
• Want a fun, low-impact sport
• Prefer social play and shorter games
• Are new to racquet sports
• Enjoy quick learning and faster rewards
• Appreciate a strong sense of community
• Pick Tennis if you:
• Love long rallies and competitive play
• Want to develop advanced strokes and footwork
• Enjoy singles and fast-paced movement across a large court
• Are willing to invest time in improving technique
• Prefer a more traditional and established sports culture

Good to know: Many Canadians enjoy playing both! Some players start with pickleball to build confidence and later transition into tennis—or vice versa. Ultimately, your choice depends on your fitness level, personality, goals, and how you want to spend your time on the court.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Both sports offer great cardio, competition, and community. If you’re in Canada and deciding where to start, try both! Many clubs offer beginner sessions for tennis and pickleball—and who knows, you might just fall in love with both!

Check out TennisNetPro’s gear to explore racquets, paddles, balls, and accessories tailored for both sports.