Pickleball vs Tennis: What’s Actually Different? (And Why More People Are Switching) 🏟️🔥

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.

👉 Check our schedule & start playing today