Pickleball vs tennis.
They look similar, but they play very differently. Pickleball uses a smaller court, an underhand serve, and a slower plastic ball — which is exactly why it's quicker to learn. Here's how the two compare.
The key differences
| Feature | Pickleball | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20 × 44 ft (singles & doubles) | 36 × 78 ft (doubles) |
| Net height (centre) | 34 inches | 36 inches |
| Equipment | Solid paddle + perforated plastic ball | Strung racket + felt ball |
| Serve | Underhand, below the waist | Overhand, fast |
| Scoring | To 11, win by 2 — only the server scores | Points 15/30/40 then game; 6 games a set; best of 3–5 sets |
| Usual format | Mostly doubles | Singles or doubles |
| Learning curve | Easy — most rally on day one | Steeper — takes longer to rally |
Coming from tennis?
Tennis players usually pick up pickleball fast — the hand-eye skills transfer, though the soft "dink" game near the kitchen takes a little rewiring. The easiest way to make the switch is to just play a few friendly games. New to both? Start with how to play pickleball, compare the court dimensions, or read the rules of pickleball.
Pickleball vs tennis, answered
Is pickleball easier than tennis?
For most beginners, yes. The court is about a third the size, the serve is a simple underhand motion, and the slower plastic ball is easier to track and control — so new players can rally in their first session, which often takes much longer in tennis.
Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
Yes. A tennis court is large enough to fit one or more pickleball courts, which is why many cities — including Toronto — line pickleball courts over existing tennis courts.
Is pickleball good exercise compared to tennis?
Both are great cardio. Tennis covers more ground and tends to be higher intensity over a match, while pickleball's smaller court means quicker reactions and longer rallies with less running — which is part of why it's so accessible across ages and fitness levels.
Give pickleball a try this week.
Weekly Saturday Sessions · 5–7 PM in central Toronto. Paddles provided, all levels welcome — tennis players and total beginners both fit right in.