Pickleball Vs Tennis - Which Sport Is Harder?

These two often-compared racket sports each have their staunch supporters. But which one is more challenging? We examine the similarities and differences between pickleball and tennis, to determine whether one is harder than the other.

Despite their obvious similarities, pickleball and tennis have their own unique characteristics, as well as distinctive techniques, equipment, court sizes, and rules. Tennis, the more established and conventional sport, is hugely popular, and is known to be tough to pick up. Pickleball, which is gaining fans worldwide, has been lauded as a game with fewer barriers to entry. To find out which one is harder, we first need to examine how they have similar touchpoints, yet seem to be quite different sports.

Court Size

The court size is one of the most obvious differences between pickleball and tennis. A tennis court is much larger, measuring 78 feet (23.77m) long and 36 feet (10.97m) wide, while a pickleball court measures only 44 feet (13.41m) long and 20 feet (6.09m) wide. Due to its smaller size, it’s more possible to play pickleball indoors, which takes players out of the sun, rain and other challenging elements of weather. The smaller court requires less physical endurance and fitness, which makes it more accessible to kids and players who are more elderly.

Which is harder? Tennis seems to be the clear winner here in terms of which sport is more challenging, as its larger court size requires a higher level of stamina and fitness. 

Net Height

The net height for both sports also varies. A pickleball net measures 36 inches (91.44cm) at the posts, while a tennis net is 42 inches (106.68cm) at the posts. This difference in net height has an impact on the game. Since pickleball nets are lower than those of tennis, some players find it easier to volley and get shots over the net.

Which is harder? Again, tennis, with its higher net and requirements for more physical ability, takes the spot.

Racket Size

Another major difference between pickleball and tennis is the racket size. A pickleball paddle is smaller, measuring between 15 and 17 inches (38.1cm to 43.18cm), while a tennis racket is larger, measuring between 27 and 29 inches (68.58 cm to 73.66cm) long. This significant difference means that while tennis rackets are heavier and harder to handle, they offer more power and leverage, while pickleball paddles require more precision.

Which is harder? One can argue that playing with the smaller pickleball bat requires concentration and accuracy, while the larger tennis racket requires strength and coordination. We think based on the amount of skill necessary to wield a tennis racket and practice needed to perfect the right swing, tennis is still the harder of the two sports here.  

Ball Type

Pickleball uses a lightweight plastic ball with holes, while tennis balls are heavier, and made of rubber and felt. Pickleball balls are slower and tend to stay low while tennis balls are faster and have more bounce.

Which is harder? Again, it’s about physicality. With its faster and bouncier balls, tennis is the more challenging sport here. 

Scoring Method

The scoring method is another major difference between the two games. Tennis uses a more complex scoring system, including terms like "love" and "deuce." In contrast, pickleball keeps things simple with a 0-11 scoring system. The first team or player in pickleball to get to 11 points and lead by two wins.

Which is harder? Tennis games can stretch into hours, while pickleball games tend to be shorter. For folks with less physical endurance and stamina, pickleball would be the easier sport. 

Serve Technique

The serve is also another critical aspect that distinguishes these two racket sports. In pickleball, the serve is underhand, and it must be delivered from below the waist level. In tennis, players have more freedom in their serve; they can hit the ball either overhand or underhand. Also, serves in tennis are generally more powerful than those in pickleball, due to the larger racket and faster ball.

Which is harder? The tennis serve is notoriously difficult to master, which makes it the clear winner here in terms of which serve is harder. 

Playing Technique

In tennis, players are required to endlessly move back and forth to cover the court. In pickleball, however, players need to move less and can stay stationary more often since the court is much smaller. This means that pickleball requires less physical exertion than tennis, making it more suitable for older players or those looking for a less strenuous game. Pickleball, on the other hand, requires more strategy and placement as opposed to speed and power. It’s a game of precision, and one can be just as effective as an opponent with a lot of power.

Which is harder? This one is hard to call. While tennis appears more difficult in almost every aspect, pickleball is undoubtedly a highly competitive sport that requires immense skill and strategy. You need to have quick reflexes and an excellent sense of timing to hit the ball with precision, and your footwork must be on-point to move around the court swiftly. We’d say this one is a tie. 

In conclusion, both pickleball and tennis are excellent sports that require different types of skills and physical abilities. Tennis tends to be the harder sport due to its larger court size, heavier ball, higher net and test of a player’s athleticism. However, pickleball is not an easy sport, and players must display excellent reflexes, footwork, and hand-eye coordination to win games consistently. Ultimately, the sport that's harder will depend on your skill level, fitness level, and personal preferences. If you're looking for a challenging sport, why not try both to see which you enjoy more?