Pickleball Comparison

Pickleball vs. Tennis vs. Badminton vs. Ping Pong: understanding the differences between the racquet sports.

Featured image: Photo by Phil Robson on Unsplash

As a new player to the sport of pickleball, you may be wondering how it compares to other racquet sports such as tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Each of these sports has its own unique qualities, but let’s take a closer look at this pickleball comparison.

Comparison Table
SportCourt DimensionsBall/ShuttlecockRacket/PaddleScoring System
Pickleball20′ x 44′Wiffle BallPaddle11 Points
Tennis78′ x 27′Tennis BallTennis Racket15/30/40 Game
Badminton44′ x  20′ShuttlecockBadminton Racket21 Points
Ping Pong9′ x 5′Table Tennis BallTable Tennis Racket11 Points
Table: Comparison chart of differences between Pickleball and other similar racket sports.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these sports and what sets them apart from pickleball.

Tennis

Tennis is a fast-paced, high-energy sport that requires a lot of endurance and strength. The larger court size and heavier ball used in tennis means that players have to cover more ground and hit the ball with more force than in pickleball. The scoring system in tennis can also be more complex, with a point system that goes up to 40 and requires players to win by a margin of two points.

Badminton

Badminton is similar to pickleball in that it is played on a smaller court and with a lightweight racket. However, the shuttlecock used in badminton is much lighter than the ball used in pickleball, which can make it more challenging to control. Additionally, badminton is played with a scoring system that goes up to 21 points, with players required to win by a margin of two points.

Ping Pong

Ping Pong, also known as table tennis, is played on a much smaller court and with a smaller ball than pickleball. The scoring system in ping pong is similar to that of pickleball, with players required to win by a margin of two points. Ping Pong is often played as a casual or recreational sport, and may not offer the same level of competition as pickleball.


Overall, pickleball offers a unique combination of speed, strategy, and teamwork that sets it apart from other racquet sports. The smaller court size and lightweight paddle make it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, while the scoring system is straightforward and easy to understand.

Whether you’re a seasoned tennis player or a beginner looking for a fun new sport to try, pickleball has something to offer everyone. Give it a shot and see for yourself why it’s become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.