As a tennis player, you're likely familiar with the game's physical demands and strategic gameplay. But have you ever considered switching your tennis racket for a paddle and trying pickleball?It's becoming very common for tennis players to transition to playing pickleball. This could be due to physical reasons that might lead them to preferring a smaller court and lighter ball moving forward, such as knee or hip problems, or they may be intrigued to try the fastest growing sport in the US.In 2022, an estimated 36.5 million people played the sport at least once across the country. Due to its ever-increasing popularity, this led to the establishment of the Major League Pickleball with many high-profile athletes investing in teams.And some of the most famous retired tennis players, including Andre Agassis, Steffi Graf, John McEnroe, Maria Sharapova, and Kim Clijsters, have even swapped their tennis rackets for pickleball paddles.In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to make the switch, including understanding the similarities and differences between pickleball and tennis and how to get used to the court, paddles, and shots.We’ll also include some tips for the transition, how to find pickleball courts and communities near you, and where to go if you're looking for help and support when trading your racket for a paddle!
Similarities between Pickleball and Tennis
So, is pickleball like tennis? Let's start by examining some of the similarities between the two sports. Pickleball has elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong with all being racket sports. Both games require athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to move quickly and decisively.Sometimes pickleball is played on converted courts using existing tennis courts. A tennis net can actually be used as a divider between two pickleball courts. Pickleball uses a similar net to tennis but it is slightly modified. And both can be played wearing tennis shoes.Pickleball and tennis can both be played as singles and doubles. And the overall technique is relatively similar with the need to bend your knees, make contact with the ball out in front of your body, and use your entire body when shining (not just your arms).Shots in tennis and pickleball can be hit with a variety of spin. So, in both sports, players can make use of topspin, slice, and sidespin.
Understanding the Differences: Pickleball vs Tennis
This fast-growing sport has similar elements to tennis, but there are some significant differences you need to know before giving pickleball a try.
The Court and Equipment
The rackets used in pickleball are actually solid paddles and not stringed like tennis rackets. Pickleball also has a smaller court and a lower net. It also uses a lighter and harder plastic ball with holes in it.On the other hand, tennis is played on a bigger court with a higher net. The smaller pickleball court means that the ball moves faster and rallies are shorter, increasing the need for quick reflexes and good positioning.
The Serve
With tennis, a server gets two attempts to hit the serve in the correct service box, and this is almost always done overhanded. But in pickleball, an underhand serve must be used, and you only are allowed one attempt to get the ball into the correct service box. Because of this, the serve isn't seen as big of a weapon in pickleball as it is viewed in tennis.
The Scoring
The scoring is one of the major differences between pickleball and tennis. In tennis, games consist of scores 15, 30, 40, deuce and ad-in or out. A set is a group of games, played until a player wins six games, and then a match is best two out of three sets. Tennis matches are typically significantly longer than pickleball matches.Scoring in pickleball is more similar to ping pong than tennis. A pickleball game is typically played to 11 points, but in some tournaments, games are played to 15 or 21. And a player must win a game by at least two points. Additionally, with pickleball, you can only win points when you're serving. A player will serve until they commit a fault, which involves any rule violations that stops play. This includes failing to return a ball, hitting the ball out of bounds, or volleying in the non-volley zone.
The Volleys
One of the other significant differences between the two sports is that pickleball has a no volley zone called the "kitchen". This means you can never hit a volley out of the air while any part of your body is in this area of the court. And while in tennis you can serve and volley, you can't do this in pickleball. You have to let the ball bounce one time on each side before hitting it out of the air.All of these differences between pickleball and tennis impact strategy and even means there are some things you may need to unlearn from playing tennis!
Getting Used to the Court, Paddles, & Shots
With tennis, you'll be used to taking big backswings and long follow-throughs on groundstrokes. But in pickleball, you need to keep the paddle in front of you as much as possible. While you can sometimes do full backswings, you'll need to return the paddle in front of you as quickly as possible as the ball comes back faster in pickleball.It’s important to also understand that the dink is a really important shot in pickleball. This is a shot that's more like pushing the ball with not much aggressiveness, and the idea is to land the ball at your opponent's feet. You may want to aim for the non-volley zone.When it comes to the equipment, tennis players will need to adjust to using a solid paddle instead of a stringed racket. Pickleball paddles are smaller and more compact, making them lighter to maneuver. Additionally, the balls used in pickleball have holes in them unlike tennis balls, making them not bounce as well.To get used to these unique differences, try practicing with a pickleball paddle and ball to get a feel for how they feel. You may also want to invest in a paddle that's specifically designed with tennis players in mind.
Tips for Tennis Players Transitioning to Pickleball
When making the transition from tennis to pickleball, it's crucial to keep the following tips in mind. First, make sure to keep your feet moving and stay light on your toes. The shorter court means that you'll need to move more quickly to keep up with the ball.Secondly, focus on the different timing and aim. Unlike tennis, pickleball has a flatter trajectory, meaning that the ball won't bounce as high.Lastly, work on your strategy and court positioning. Knowing where to be on the court, which is different from what you were likely taught to do in tennis, and anticipating your opponents' moves is critical to success in pickleball.Tennis skills can certainly be transferred to pickleball, as several former tennis professionals are proving. Your footwork, hand-eye coordination, and ball control can all be helpful in pickleball. And the more you practice, the better you’ll understand the sport.
Finding Pickleball Courts and Communities Near You
Dedicated pickleball courts seem to be popping up everywhere across the US, including at local parks, recreational centers, schools, and resorts. There can be indoor and outdoor courts built specifically for pickleball, and courts can also be converted using existing badminton or tennis courts.On public courts, there are often pickleball communities that encourage players of all skill levels to come out and socialize while playing the game. When making the switch from tennis to pickleball, it can be helpful to have access to a supportive community. This means you'll have people to ask advice and any questions you may have about the sport.Want to find pickleball courts in your area and get connected with the local communities who play on them? Find out everything you need to know about your local courts on Bounce!
Looking for Help and Support with Your Pickleball Game?
Whether you're a seasoned tennis player or a newcomer to the sport, transitioning to pickleball can be an exciting new challenge. And many enthusiasts feel the two sports pair well together! With the right equipment, strategy, and mindset, you'll be well on your way to mastering the game of pickleball.Remember to adjust your expectations and be patient with yourself as you learn the ins and outs of this sport that’s taking over the world. Above all, have fun and enjoy the process of becoming a pickleball player!Working with a coach one-on-one or taking part in hitting sessions can be particularly beneficial when transitioning from tennis to pickleball. On Bounce, you can find local coaches, tournaments, and leagues – no matter what level you're at!
