On the surface, looking at pickleball vs. paddle tennis can seem like you’re watching the same sport. Both are played on a similar size court, the net is roughly the same size, and it’s not uncommon to get you butt whooped by someone old enough to be a grandparent. But despite all of the similarities, the two sports are actually quite different.

Pickleball vs. Paddle Tennis

While sharing similar origins, pickleball and paddle tennis have a few key differences. The main things that set them apart are:

1. Court size and layout: The sports are played on different sized surfaces.
2. Game equipment: They require different balls and paddles.
3. Scoring and rules: Gameplay does not follow the same format.

Pickleball and paddle tennis Court layout

The first thing that sets these two games apart is the size and setup of the court you play on.

Pickleball court dimensions are 44 feet long and 22 feet wide, while a paddle tennis court comes in slightly larger at 50 feet long and 20 feet wide. This causes slight differences in strategy and footwork in the two games. However, it’s hardly the largest thing that makes their layouts unique.

Pickleball is famous for the no-volley zone, a 7 foot zone on either side of the net. There are a special set of rules for the kitchen (a nickname for this area) that plays a huge role in pickleball strategy and dictate how people play the game. Paddle ball has no kitchen — but what they do have is a serving box on the end of their court.

Another thing you’ll notice about paddle ball courts is that like tennis, they have higher enclosures. The ball they use can have a habit of finding its way upward, so the barrier helps keep the ball from getting too far away or migrating into the parking lot.

Equipment for Pickleball and Paddle Tennis

Pickleball and paddle tennis might look like they use the same paddles, but the surfaces are different. Paddle tennis paddles can have textured surfaces or holes, while pickleball paddles must have a smooth surface. This is such an important difference that pro pickleball leagues will use a special tool to measure the smoothness of a paddle and sniff out cheaters.

Arguably the biggest difference between the two is the ball. Pickleballs are plastic and have a wiffle ball style with holes. Paddle tennis uses a depressurized tennis ball made of rubber. When you give it a whack, it moves. Bringing a paddle tennis ball to a pickleball court is kind of like bringing a gun to a fist fight. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you want to be kicked of the court by the locals.

scoring and rules for PICKLEBALL AND PAdDLE TENNIS

The differences between the two don’t stop at equipment and setup. What really sets paddle tennis and pickleball apart is the scoring and rules.

Scoring differences

Pickleball uses a scoring system that is similar to badminton, with games being played to 11 points, and the winner having to win by 2 points. Paddle tennis, on the other hand, uses the same scoring system as tennis where players score at 15, 30, 40, and game also needing to win by 2.

Serving rules

Pickleball serving rules only allow underhanded hits, while paddle tennis allows for overhand serves. The overhand serve rule in paddle tennis allows that players can really put some heat on their serves and make it more challenging for their opponent to return.

Popularity and growth

Both are popular sports, but when it comes to pickleball vs. paddle tennis popularity, pickleball has seen a much greater level of growth in recent years. In 2020 alone, there was a 31% increase in the number of pickleball players across the United States. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, and is also seeing the professional side of the sport start a new chapter as investors like Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mahomes dump money into pro leagues.

Wrap up

Pickleball and paddle tennis come from the same world, but the two sports are widely different. With that said, there’s no need for beef between picklers and paddlers! We’re all out there to have fun, so whatever you play, just make sure you enjoy it.