Is pickleball easy for tennis players?

The basics come quickly, but the soft game at the kitchen line takes practice. Many tennis players reach an intermediate level fast and then need to unlearn power habits.

Will pickleball hurt my tennis?

Not much for most players. Some find their timing changes slightly, but the volleying and reflex work often helps their net game.

Pickleball Tips for Tennis Players

4 video lessons

Keep your hands and footwork, lose the big swing.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Tennis players pick up pickleball quickly thanks to their hand-eye coordination and footwork, but a few habits get in the way. Big swings and heavy topspin send balls long on the smaller court, and staying at the baseline hands the net to your opponents.

Shorten your swing, get to the kitchen line, and learn to love the soft game. Patience in dink rallies wins more points than power, and a compact punch volley beats a full tennis volley at close range.

Key tips

Use a shorter, more compact swing than in tennis.
Move up to the kitchen line instead of staying back.
Learn the dink and third shot drop early.
Watch the kitchen line: tennis instincts pull you into the net on volleys.

FAQ

Is pickleball easy for tennis players?: The basics come quickly, but the soft game at the kitchen line takes practice. Many tennis players reach an intermediate level fast and then need to unlearn power habits.
Will pickleball hurt my tennis?: Not much for most players. Some find their timing changes slightly, but the volleying and reflex work often helps their net game.