Similarities between Pickleball and Badminton
When it comes to badminton vs pickleball, one thing is for sure: both are racket sports that require skill and agility. Here are some other ways the two sports can be considered similar:
- Both games involve the use of a racket and a ball (or birdie) and hitting these over a net to your opponent, who then has to return them.
- Moreover, they both have their roots in traditional outdoor court games played with rackets.
- Both games are usually played in doubles or singles on an area outlined into courts using nets.
- The objective of both games is for each side to hit the ball/shuttlecock over the net until the opposing team can’t return it or fails to hit the ball within the court boundaries.
However, there are also quite a few differences between Pickleball and Badminton that distinguish these two sports from one another.
Differences between Pickleball and Badminton
Overall, if we look into badminton vs pickleball, they may have some similarities but they are two distinct racquet sports with their own rules and strategies. Whether you prefer one over the other is up to you, but neither sport should be overlooked when it comes to having an active and fun lifestyle.
- One of the main differences lies in the size of both courts. Pickleball courts are much smaller than badminton courts – typically 20 ft by 44 ft for doubles and 17ft x 44 ft for singles, compared to a standard badminton court measuring 13.4m by 6.1 m (44 feet by 20 feet).
- Badminton involves hitting a shuttlecock made of feathers over a net that is 1.55 meters tall at its highest point; Pickleball requires hitting an oversized plastic ball over a lower net that measures only 0.9 meters high at its center.
- When playing pickleball, players can use paddles to hit the ball instead of rackets and are allowed to let the ball bounce before returning it – something that is forbidden in badminton
- The racquets used in pickleball are made of polymer or wood, while badminton racquets are made of aluminum or graphite the strings used for pickleball are thicker than those used in badminton and the heads of the racquets have less surface area.
- The ball used in pickleball is larger, heavier, and hollow compared to a badminton shuttlecock. This makes it more difficult to hit with power, so players tend to focus more on accuracy and spin than power shots.
- The rules of the game are also different for pickleball and badminton. In pickleball, players must keep their feet behind the non-volley zone line, which is located 7 feet from the net. This rule does not exist in badminton.
- Pickleball is also typically played as doubles, while badminton is usually commonly played as both singles and doubles.
Badminton Serves vs Pickleball Serves
Serving is an important element of both sports. In badminton, the server must first stand behind their own service court before they serve. They then have to hit the shuttlecock so it passes over the net and into the opposite service court diagonally. The server must make sure that they avoid a fault by not hitting the shuttlecock too high or not touching it twice before it passes over the net.
On the other hand, pickleball servers do not need to stand in a specific place when serving, but simply need to hit the ball from behind their side of the court so that it travels across and lands in their opponent’s court. However, if players are playing doubles, then only one player from each team can serve and they serve diagonally (just like in badminton).
Badminton Court vs Pickleball Court
The court size for both sports also varies. If we consider a Badminton court vs. a pickleball court, a badminton court is slightly larger and is typically 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. Pickleball courts, on the other hand, have a more uniform size of 30 feet wide by 60 feet long with the exception that doubles courts may be 20 x 40 or even smaller.
The net height is different too; pickleball nets are only 2-3/8 inches tall whereas badminton nets can be up to 5 feet tall. However, pickleball is played on a badminton-size court.
What’s the scoring system of Pickleball and Badminton?
Scoring systems between pickleball and badminton also differ. In pickleball, the first team to reach 11 points wins the game, unless both teams have scored 10 points, in which case they must win by at least two points.
In badminton, the first team to reach 21 points wins the game and teams must have a two-point advantage over their opponents when they hit that score.
What are the rules for playing Pickleball?
The rules for playing pickleball state that the game starts with a serve from one side of the court over the net to any spot on the opposite side of the court. Then whoever hits it back must do so diagonally across to the other side.
If successful, each side takes turns hitting the ball back and forth until one side hits it too long, out of bounds, or fails to hit it over the net. The team that doesn’t return the ball successfully loses a point. The first team to score 11 points (with at least a two-point lead) wins the game.
Unlike badminton, the ball is allowed to bounce (hit the ground) during a rally. Pickleball allows the ball to bounce before a shot is made. In fact, when it comes to a serve, both the serving and receiving team must let it bounce once before returning it- thus, 2 bounces.
What are the rules for playing badminton?
In badminton, each rally starts with a serve from right behind the short service line on one side of the court to any spot on the opposite side of the court. Then whoever returns it must do so diagonally across to their opponent’s side.
If successful, each side takes turns hitting the birdie back and forth until one side fails to hit it over the net or hits it out of bounds. The team that doesn’t return the birdie successfully loses a point. The first team to score 21 points (with at least a two-point lead) wins the game.
Unlike Pickleball, once the birdie touches the ground, the badminton rally is over. The team that let the birdie hit the ground loses a point.
What is the equipment used in Pickleball and Badminton?
The equipment used for pickleball is basic and includes paddles, balls (similar to Wiffle balls), and nets; all of which can be bought from sporting goods stores or online retailers. Badminton, meanwhile, requires more specialized equipment such as racquets, shuttlecocks made out of feathers or plastic material, and usually, an outdoor court set up with posts for the net.
Where do Pickleball and Badminton originate from?
Pickleball’s origins date back to 1965 when it was invented in Washington State. Badminton, on the other hand, is thought to have originated in India around 2,000 years ago and was popularized by British soldiers in the 19th century.
Badminton vs Pickleball: It’s Your Choice
Badminton vs pickleball: both offer exciting gaming experiences but there are key differences in the rules that must be taken into consideration when deciding which sport to play. Both games require different strategies, skills, court sizes, quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and a lot more, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a choice. With the right knowledge, players of all levels can have an enjoyable experience with either sport.
However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced game that will keep you on your toes and a new sport to try that is similar to badminton, then pickleball is a perfect choice. This racket sport has exploded in popularity over the past few years and there are now regular tournaments being held all across the country.
Pickleball equipment is also less expensive and easier to transport than badminton equipment. Whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun, pickleball is a great way to get some exercise and meet new people. If you’ve never played before, be sure to check out our beginner’s guide so you can learn the ropes.
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