What is Paddle tennis (Pop Tennis)?
Paddle tennis is a sport that combines action with fun and social interaction. It is a great sport for players of all ages and abilities because it is quick and easy to learn. Most players learn the basics within the first half hour of playing so they can quickly enjoy the game just like pickleball. In general, paddle tennis is different from tennis. The sport is growing every year and maybe you’ve seen it on the runway. The court is one-third the size of a tennis court and the walls are made of glass. Do Not to be confused with Padel (sport) or Platform tennis. To quote from Wikipedia:
Pop tennis since 2015, previously known as paddle tennis, is a racket game adapted from tennis and played for over a century. Compared to tennis, the court is smaller and has no doubles lanes, and the net is lower. Paddle tennis is played with a solid paddle as opposed to a strung racquet, and a depressurized tennis ball is used.
The same court is used for both singles and doubles, with doubles being the dominant form of play. The smaller court size adds a strong emphasis and advantage to net play and creates a fast and reaction-based game. The game is gaining reputation and has spread out in Dubai and Egypt, where local leagues and tournaments are organized frequently.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that is played with a kind of bat and uses a special ball that is played on the field and equipped with a net. This sport has become known very quickly and has gained popularity all over the world. In addition, this sport can be played by children and adults, even people who use a wheelchair can also play it. This sport combines three sports, namely badminton, paddle tennis, and ping pong. In addition, pickleball can be played in singles or doubles, but most people prefer to play doubles. Pickleball can usually be played outdoors or indoors.
What are the differences between Pickleball and Paddle tennis?
1. Ball
The first difference is in balls, pickleball, and paddle tennis balls are very different. In pickleball, the ball is 2 7/8” to 3” in diameter. While the weight weighs from 2.26 to 28 grams. Although there is no color limit, all that is needed is uniform. In addition, when you play pickleball, the ball needs to be checked and must be approved before you play it.
Then, paddle tennis balls are generally the same as tennis balls in that they are fluorescent yellow during major sporting events. In addition, they can have almost any color during simple exercises and recreational games. Rowing tennis balls are usually covered with a fibrous cloth which can change their aerodynamic properties. However, the balls are made under lower pressure.
2. Racket
Next is the racket that is used as a liaison between players and the game. The pickleball racket is smaller than the paddle tennis racket. Moreover, these two rackets are made of different materials as well. The name for a pickleball grip is not a racket, but a paddle. Pickleball paddles are usually rectangular in shape and have shorter handles. But usually, this paddle is quite large. The paddle that is usually used when competing in pickleball is made of high-tech composites. Pickleball paddles usually cost around 44 and 133 Euros. The surface of a pickleball paddle is usually more prominent but also sturdy.
Another difference from the core of the pickleball paddle is the core of the pickleball paddle itself. Most of these paddles are composite. Composites are pieces or parts that combine to make one thing. There are three components of this composite paddle, such as the core, face, and edge guard. The point is not only solid material, as a result, but the core of the paddle is also made in the shape of a honeycomb to make it lighter. In addition to being perforated on the inside, the result will provide a material that is sturdy and strong but lightweight. In addition, the surface remains smooth and has a protective edge.
In paddle tennis use a short racket without a rope with a perforated elastic surface and a low-pressure tennis ball. This makes it lighter but also stronger. The surface of a paddle tennis racquet is a braided string made of synthetic natural material.
3. Points
The difference in points scored when you score points in pickleball is different from paddle tennis. In pickleball, you can score points with your serve. While the opponent can’t score points. During the match, pickleball is played with 11 points with the winning team receiving a difference of 2 points. But in paddle tennis, you can play a sport that ends in sets, and matches are usually played in 2-3 sets. Both sports only take 2-3 times to complete the scoring system.
4. Time Spent
In paddle tennis, the scoring system which means theoretically longer games in pickleball. There is a pro set of 8 games or the best of 3 in a standard set of six games. 60 seconds rest when switching sides, 10 minutes between 2nd and 3rd sets, and 15 seconds between points allowed while in pickleball all matches will be played in one day.
5. Court surface
Although these two sports have the same field, the difference is the service. This means, the ball bounces less and there is no double trajectory. Although singles and doubles can be played on courts of the same size. In pickleball, there is a 7-foot-high volleyball-free area or commonly known as the “Kitchen” or ZNV that extends from the net.
Typically, the standard size of a paddle tennis court is 30 meters and 10 meters wide with a glass back wall as high as 3 meters and while the glass sidewall ends after 4 meters. According to the regulations that have been made regarding the dimensions of a pickleball court, this court is indeed not much different from the dimensions of a paddle tennis field. However, this court is 6 times shorter than a paddle tennis field. In addition, the field used for matches is usually larger than the usual dimensions.
6. Serving
In pickleball, the rules for playing this sport are quite strict. Players are only allowed to serve once. In addition, players are strictly prohibited from letting the ball touch the non-volley zone while serving. The non-volley zone is the court area extending backward from the net.
In addition, paddle tennis tends to be more accommodating. Players also only get one chance to serve, and they can serve as they please. By making use of their serving style, they will win the match with their strong and maximal serve.
7. Rule
The rules made between the two sports are indeed significantly different. Although not too detailed, some of the basic differences are included in the scoring system and presentation style. Players are only allowed to serve under pickle. Then, pickleball players can only score points if they serve and the game only reaches 11 points.
It is usually played in doubles on a closed court surrounded by a glass wall and metal net. Meanwhile, the ball can bounce off any wall but can only hit the ground once before being hit back. Points can be scored when the ball bounces twice on the opponent’s court.
Final Thought
As you have read above, there are some big differences between pickleball and paddle tennis. However, both sports are equally fun to play. Although pickleball is more fun for children to play sport. In addition, when compared to other sports, pickleball and paddle tennis are both relatively easy to access because they only require minimal equipment. However, pickleball paddles tend to be less expensive than paddle tennis. If you and your family want to play them at home, you can buy a backyard starter kit that contains two racquets, one or two balls, and a net that is easy to install and can be used anywhere.
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- Pickleball vs Tennis: Major Differences between Tennis & Pickleball
- Badminton Vs Pickleball: What’s the Difference
- Pickleball Vs Racquetball: Differences between The 2 Sports
- Pickleball vs Wiffle Ball: Quick Comparison
