What’s the difference between paddle tennis and pickleball? Although the two sports may share a paddle, you’d be surprised to learn some striking differences between them.

There are numerous sports played with a paddle or a racket these days that it’s often very difficult to distinguish them. Two such games are pickleball and paddle tennis. Both games involve the use of a paddle and one might think that they’re quite similar in nature. If you've never played one of these games before, you could easily confuse one for the other.

Some of the major points of differences between paddle tennis and pickleball include paddle texture, scoring, type of ball, court design, form of serving, court dimension, and structure design. The basic rules of both games also differ widely since pickleball comes from badminton, while paddle tennis is a form of tennis.

Even though paddle tennis and pickleball appear to be similar, there are a lot of differences between the two. Once you are aware of the differences, you might discover that one of them appeals to you more than the other.

After conducting research and speaking with some of the top players of pickleball and paddle tennis, we have put together this guide to help you learn some of the fundamental differences between paddle tennis and pickleball.

What's The Difference Between Paddle Tennis and Pickleball?

It is simple to see why many people mistakenly think paddle tennis and pickleball are the same sport when they look at the equipment being utilized. Although they both employ a ball and are racquet sports, there are big differences between them.

Nowadays, there are various paddle or racket sports available that it is quite simple to mix up any two of them, let alone confuse the rules of two different sports if you play as many sports as we do. The majority of these sports have much of the same equipment, playing strategies, and rules, making it difficult to distinguish between them at times. Therefore, it is important to learn what differentiates both sports.

Pickleball is the fastest-growing racket sport in the USA, whereas Padel Tennis is by far the fastest-growing racket sport worldwide. What differentiates pickleball from padel tennis? Despite the fact that pickleball and padel tennis may appear to be identical at first appearance, they actually developed from very different sports. Padel developed from tennis, while pickleball came from badminton. This entails extremely diverse playing fields, scoring systems, and laws of the game.

What Is Pickleball?

In 1965, three fathers from Washington state invented the pickleball. Smooth paddles, which are often made of wood but can occasionally be constructed of other materials, are used to play this sport. Players in this game must hit a plastic ball with holes inside it back and forth over a net.

This game is popular since it's simple to play at any skill level, even for young players who aren't ready for tennis. The game effortlessly accommodates just about any arrangement, regardless of whether you just want a casual game or a big tournament.

You'll realize how different pickleball and paddle tennis are as you learn more about them. It's important to bear in mind that both games may keep you on the edge of your seat and require you to plot as well as have the coordination to execute your plans.

You could discover that each game has its own vibe, though. After all, each one may involve varied degrees of severity. Playing each one for a while is the greatest way to learn. You never know; you might develop an interest in both.

What Is Paddle Tennis?

Pop tennis, also known as paddle tennis, is frequently played outside in a secure setting. Like racquetball, it can also be played inside. Some players refer to paddle tennis as paddleball. Similar to tennis, it can be played in singles or doubles, allowing two or four players to compete simultaneously. The scoring is comparable and winning the set is like winning a tennis match. You can also visit the National Paddleball Association website for further rules.

Pickleball vs. Paddle Tennis – The Differences

These games are mainly completely different, despite some minor similarities. You may get an idea of what elements are distinct just by briefly observing each game. Some of the factors that differentiate pickleball from paddle tennis include, the type of ball, the scoring system, and the feel of the paddles being used.

Texture of a paddle

Despite having many similarities, there is one significant distinction between the paddles used in pickleball and paddle tennis that is important to note. This distinction significantly distinguishes the games and the ways in which they can be played.

This is in reference to the texture on the paddles. Pickleball paddles must be absolutely smooth; whereas, the paddles used in paddle tennis may occasionally be textured or have holes. Pickleball leagues and the like will employ a special gadget to assess the smoothness of a paddle because this difference is so significant. Too much texture in a paddle can give it an unfair edge.

Scoring Goals

In terms of when a player can score a point, pickleball's scoring system makes another left turn. Only the serving player or team may score during each turn in this sport. They win the point and get to serve again if their opponent is unable to outwit them. If they are successful in protecting their side, the player or team serving receives a fault. The only thing the defense receives in the meantime is the opportunity to serve next.

Paddle tennis adheres to tradition once again by awarding players points for effective offensive and defense. This increases the serving team's responsibility to deliver well. Conversely, pickleball may be said to promote entertaining displays by removing penalties for risk-taking actions and novel plays.

Type of Ball

The different types of balls used in the sports are another significant distinction. A little plastic ball that resembles a wiffle ball is used in pickleball. These balls are often very light and have holes.

Depressurized rubber paddle tennis balls are also used for play. So, you might compare them to ping pong balls. However, because they must be able to move across a court rather than a table, they aren't exactly that little.

Scoring

These two games have completely distinct score systems. The scoring system for paddle tennis is the same as for tennis. If you are unfamiliar, each game consists of six chances to score points, which are scored at the 15, 30, 40, and game points. Furthermore, a set of these games consists of six matches.

Pickleball has its own distinct scoring system. In most cases, the winner must accumulate at least 11 points. Additionally, they must have 2 more points than the opposing player. Due to the scoring disparity, the number of points before a game may occasionally exceed 11.

Court Design

Paddle tennis courts are a little bit longer than typical pickleball courts. In spite of this, they make it more difficult by providing players with even less room to strike the ball. The "non-volley zone," which extends seven feet to either side of the center, forbids players from smashing the ball back over the net.

Although players on the west coast may utilize a "restraint line," paddle tennis players have no such qualms about using a middle zone. The final three feet of the court, bounded by the baseline and a service line, are known as the "backcourt." Other than having four service zones and no double alleys, the layouts are similar.

The Form of Serving

The serve is yet another feature that distinguishes paddle tennis from pickleball. In pickleball, the serve is subject to very rigorous regulations. Players only have one chance to serve, and they can only serve dishonestly once. Additionally, while they are serving, the ball cannot enter the no-volley zone.

Conversely, paddle tennis has fewer rules. In paddle tennis, you only get one chance to serve, but you can serve whatever you choose; so you don’t have to be dishonest. You are free to choose to serve overhand if it makes you feel better.

Structure Design

Both of these activities include a protective barrier of some kind. A barrier is typically present in pickleball courts to aid in ball containment. A smaller, denser ball that can be going faster than a pickleball is kept in during paddle tennis by the screen.

Similarities

Fundamental Paddle Design

As was already established, racquets are used in both pickleball and paddle tennis. These rackets may appear to be pretty similar in general. They are frequently created using comparable materials and in comparable styles. The games could be mistaken for one another as a result.

Having said that, it could be worthwhile to take a second look if you observe a tennis-like game being played with a paddle. When you follow the game for a while or take another look at the tools or court in use, you're sure to notice some significant variances.

Court's Dimensions

Overall, the courts might look relatively similar to a novice player, although that would be incorrect to assume at first. Both games are attractive for players to switch up because of the distinctions.

The size of a paddle tennis court is 44' x 20'. Service zones and service boxes have been established on the court. The court for pickleball is configured differently. It is typically played on a badminton court. The dimensions must be at least 30' x 60'.

The center of the net is 34" lower. The kitchen is a "no-volley" zone that is accessible from the net area. You are unable to return a direct volley from this location. If you don't want to lose a point, you must wait till the ball bounces.

Gameplay Style

These sports are frequently mistaken for one another for a reason. These games are both played in a similar manner. They use paddles, although other related sports frequently employ racquets.

Pickleball and paddle tennis may appear to be the same sport to those who are unaware of the distinctions between them.

Additionally, the games share a lot of similarities. They feature keeping score and back-and-forth ball combat over a net. But those who are familiar with both games a little better will be able to tell that they are really distinct from one another.