Pickleball VS Tennis
Pickleball is almost like a byproduct of different variations of racquet games, and tennis is possibly the most popular racquet sport. Both of these games come with different rules, and although they are similar, they’re very different. So if you’re wondering which of these sports to pick up, here are some things you need to know about the difference between pickleball and tennis.
What is the Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis?
Pickleball started in 1965 as a kid’s game in Washington, USA, and now in 2022, it has become an official state game. It gained mainstream appeal a few years ago, and while no one figured out why it surged in popularity, they can understand why so many people enjoy this sport.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines different elements from numerous racquet sports. It features elements of table tennis, tennis, and badminton. The equipment consists of a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The lack of serious and complex equipment is one of the main reasons why the game is so popular. It’s suitable for any age, and every body type.
Pickleball equipment is not demanding or complex. However, USA pickleball and the International Federation of pickleball have specifically designed a ball unique to the sport. It’s made of molded material with a smooth surface and must have evenly distributed circular holes that may vary from 26 to 40. Aside from the specially designed ball, there isn’t much to mention for its equipment.
Pickleball is a relatively easy sport to understand, but once you become a seasoned player, it can become very competitive. Tournaments are becoming more popular following the rise in popularity of the sport.
The smaller court (44 feet long and 20 feet wide) gives the game a personal feel and makes the game more intense. This intensity is ideal if you want to bond with new friends or reconnect with old ones. Because it resembles other racquet games so closely, anyone can play this and have a good time.
It’s also an ideal workout. Pickleball works on your agility, balance, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination. It will be perfect for you if you’re searching for a way to improve your health while having fun.
Tennis
Tennis is a world-renowned sport that originated in Britain, where Victorian ladies and gents played it on grass courts. The grass courts are also what contributed to its original name lawn tennis. Evidently, it’s now played on various surfaces, ranging from grass, marble, concrete, etc.
Real tennis, as Britain likes to call it, began in the 13th or early 14th century. It used to be a French Handball game that translated to “game of the palm,” which consisted of a complex series of racket and ball games. People rarely play this game of medieval times, but people still know about it. However, it usually goes by court tennis in America and royal tennis in Australia.
Millions of people play modern-day tennis in clubs for fun or on the court competitively. It began its ascent to mainstream popularity in the late 1960s. Both spectators and participants of the sport loved the physicality of it all. Tennis became even more popular in the 1970s when television broadcasts for this remarkable sport began.
As years passed, the typical attire for tennis changed significantly, allowing for a variety of different styles and colors. Even the tennis ball that was once a signature white, comes in different hues, with yellow being the most common.
Almost everyone is somewhat aware of what tennis is. The basics people often know are that it’s a sport where either there are two teams (doubles) or two opposing players (singles) standing against each other on a rectangular court. They use racquets with tautly drawn strings to strike a ball, of a specific weight and size, across the net on the rectangular court.
However, these are only scratching the surface of what tennis offers. It has proven to be an excellent exercise for your mind and body. It greatly improves critical thinking, and mental alertness, and sharpens your reflexes. Since the game requires players to be very swift and agile you have to operate on the field. Tennis also stimulates more serotonin in the brain, a chemical associated with functions such as appetite, sleep cycle, etc.
Difference Between Pickleball and tennis – Other Aspects
Pickleball
Pickleball is a friendly and easy-to-comprehend sport. You would usually need minimal preparation and straightforward materials to participate in the game.
Where in tennis you use tightly drawn racquets, in pickleball, you would use paddles. But similarly, with racquets, these paddles come in different sizes. Their sizes and thickness depend on how you play, whether you’re just trying out at your leisure or you’re a professional competing in tournaments.
The dimensions of a pickleball court are significantly smaller than tennis courts. It has been said that a tennis court could fit four individual pickleball courts. This closeness makes it preferable if you’re looking to spend quality time with your loved ones or you’re looking to make new friends. The exercise and fresh air would be stimulating for your brain and health.
Tennis
Tennis has been an established sport since the 14th century. It’s a professional sport that needs proper training and commitment. However, even regular people play it on a daily basis.
The tennis court is designed to be 78 feet long and 36 feet wide. This extra space offers more room to run in, making the sport more physically demanding. In tennis, you swing the serve with an upper hand, whereas in pickleball, you swing with an underhand, positioned close to your hip.
You use racquets, a designated ball, and protective gear in tennis. You can play the game as doubles or in singles, but people usually play pickleball in singles. Tennis is very popular as a competitive sport, but you can also play it for pleasure or for its many health benefits.
Tennis is famous for the workout it offers. It involves a lot of stretching and routine exercise, which can keep you in shape when you play. The more intense movement is the reason tennis has so many benefits. Someone might recommend Tennis for its advantages. It disciplines the brain and decreases cholesterol levels in the body, eliminating the risks of stroke, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, etc.
Conclusion
There is no one way to determine which sport is better than the other and really comes down to personal preference. They both have equal qualities which contribute to them being as famous and well-liked as they are. You should ask yourself which one to opt for when you’re trying out for yourself first; which one do you want to play?
To pit pickleball VS tennis wouldn’t be fair to the audience seeing how they both offer unique benefits. There’s something there for everyone in both sports, and they don’t have to choose either one. If you’re really struggling to choose one, why not pick both? The skepticism around them being the same is understandable, but hopefully, this article clears away any remaining confusion you had.
We hope this has added clarity so you could determine the difference between pickleball and tennis.
