Is pickleball easier than tennis?

It is easier to start: the court is small, the ball is slow and the serve is underhand. Playing it well still takes skill.

Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?

Yes. Many clubs tape pickleball lines on tennis courts and use a lower portable net; up to four pickleball courts fit on one tennis court.

Is tennis better exercise than pickleball?

Tennis usually involves more running and a bigger court, so it tends to be the harder workout.

Pickleball vs Tennis

7 video lessons

The real differences, and what carries over from tennis.

Quick answer & tips ▾

A pickleball court is 20 by 44 feet, about a third the size of a doubles tennis court, and the net is a little lower: 34 inches in the middle versus 36 in tennis. You play with a solid paddle and a light plastic ball with holes, so the ball is slower and rallies happen closer to the net.

The serve is underhand and diagonal, and there is a 7-foot non-volley zone (the kitchen) on each side where you can't volley. Each side must let the first two shots bounce. Games usually go to 11, win by 2, and traditionally only the serving side scores. Pickleball is quicker to learn; tennis asks more of your fitness and technique.

Key tips

Tennis players: shorten your swing and stay out of the kitchen on volleys.
Let the return bounce; the two-bounce rule catches tennis players.
Soft hands and dinks win more points than power.
Your volleys, footwork and doubles sense carry over.

FAQ

Is pickleball easier than tennis?: It is easier to start: the court is small, the ball is slow and the serve is underhand. Playing it well still takes skill.
Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?: Yes. Many clubs tape pickleball lines on tennis courts and use a lower portable net; up to four pickleball courts fit on one tennis court.
Is tennis better exercise than pickleball?: Tennis usually involves more running and a bigger court, so it tends to be the harder workout.