Pickleball vs Tennis: What’s Actually Different? (And Why More People Are Switching) 🏟️🔥
- Nazim Louadah
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
If you’re new to pickleball — or coming from a tennis background — you’ve probably asked yourself this exact question:
“Isn’t pickleball just tiny tennis?”
Short answer: Not really.
Long answer: Let’s break down the biggest differences between pickleball and tennis — especially for players right here in Bloomington looking for their next go-to sport.
Spoiler: This is why more and more tennis players are showing up at Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse (BPW) every single week.
Are Pickleball and Tennis Courts the Same? 🏟️
Nope.
A pickleball court is MUCH smaller than a tennis court.
Pickleball Court Size:
→ 20 feet wide by 44 feet long
Tennis Court Size:
→ 27 feet wide by 78 feet long (singles)
That’s a BIG difference.
What does that mean for you?
✅ Less running
✅ Faster points
✅ Quicker reaction time
✅ Easier on the knees & joints
At BPW, all our courts are purpose-built indoor pickleball courts — so you’re playing on the real deal, not just lines drawn on a tennis surface.
Are Pickleball and Tennis Nets the Same Height? 🎯
Close — but not quite.
Pickleball Net Height:
→ 34 inches in the middle
Tennis Net Height:
→ 36 inches in the middle
It doesn’t sound like much… but in pickleball, the lower net makes driving the ball flatter and faster. It also changes your shot selection a LOT compared to tennis.
Are Pickleball and Tennis Shoes the Same? 👟
They can be — but they shouldn’t be.
Pickleball is played on smaller courts with way more lateral movement. Tennis shoes are often bulkier and designed for longer strides across a bigger court.
Pickleball Shoes = Court Shoes
✅ Better grip for quick stops
✅ Lighter weight
✅ Designed for smaller court movement
Most of our players at BPW use pickleball-specific or volleyball-style court shoes — it really helps with balance and footwork.
Are Pickleball Paddles Like Tennis Racquets?
Not even close.
Pickleball paddles are:
→ Smaller
→ No strings
→ Made of lightweight materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber
→ Easier to control
But here’s the thing: tennis players LOVE the feel of a pickleball paddle because it gives them instant control and quick reaction at the net (especially with doubles play).
What’s the Biggest Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis? 🤔
→ The vibe.
Pickleball is:
🔥 Faster-paced
🔥 More social
🔥 Easier to learn
🔥 Less intimidating
🔥 Played in shorter bursts
Most people coming from tennis quickly realize pickleball lets them stay competitive without feeling like they need to train for 2 hours just to break a sweat.
At BPW, the energy is casual but competitive — and the social scene is unmatched.
Why Are Tennis Players Switching to Pickleball? 💥
Tennis is awesome. But pickleball is exploding for a reason:
✅ It’s easier on the body
✅ It’s faster to pick up
✅ It’s super fun to play doubles
✅ The rallies are electric
✅ The community is everywhere
Plus… Bloomington finally has a full-time indoor pickleball facility: BPW.
No wind. No sun. No court-sharing drama.
Just pure pickleball — every day of the week.
Ready to Try Pickleball in Bloomington? 🏆
Whether you’re a tennis player curious about the hype or a total beginner looking for a new hobby, Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse has you covered.
Drop in for Open Play. Join a Clinic. Book a Private Court.
Let’s settle this once and for all:
Tennis vs Pickleball?
You don’t have to choose. You just have to show up.
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