While tennis relies on raw power, heavy topspin, and court coverage, pickleball rewards hand speed, patience, and placement. For tennis players making the switch, the transition is natural—especially for the serve and volley—but you will need to adjust your wrist mechanics and choose an “Elongated” paddle to mimic the reach and handle length of a tennis racquet.
The factions have formed, and the world seems to be debating the merits of Pickleball vs. Tennis. Pitting one sport against another is one of the dumbest things ever. If a game can provide joy and produce fans, can’t we all just get along? But there I go, dreaming again.
Rather than look at a battle between racquet and paddles; plastic and rubber; skill and fun; let’s examine several main differences between pickleball and tennis.