What is Pickle Ball?
Pickle ball is a game that has become popular in the last few decades. It is a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is played with a paddle on a court similar to a badminton court. The rules are simple and easy to learn, making it a great game for players of all ages and abilities. Pickle ball is usually played as doubles, with two players on each side of the court.
What is Paddle Tennis?
Paddle tennis is a game that is similar to tennis but is played with a smaller court and a shorter net. It is also a game that is easy to learn and is often played as doubles. Paddle tennis is also played with a wooden paddle, which is shorter and lighter than a tennis racket. Paddle tennis is also known as platform tennis or short tennis.
What is the Difference between Pickle Ball and Paddle Tennis?
The biggest difference between pickle ball and paddle tennis is the size of the court and the size of the paddle. Pickle ball is played on a court that is 20 x 44 feet, while paddle tennis is played on a smaller court that is 16 x 32 feet. The paddle used in pickle ball is larger than the paddle used in paddle tennis, usually ranging from 17-26 inches in length. The size of the paddle in paddle tennis is typically between 12-18 inches in length.
Similarities between Pickle Ball and Paddle Tennis
Both pickle ball and paddle tennis share some similarities. They are both racquet sports that are played in doubles, and they use a similar scoring system. They both use a wooden paddle, and they require players to hit the ball over the net and into the opposing court.
Pickle Ball Rules
The rules of pickle ball are fairly simple and easy to learn. The game is played on a court that is 20 x 44 feet, and the net is hung at a height of 34 inches. The game is usually played as doubles, with two players on each side of the court. The ball is made of plastic and is similar to a wiffle ball. Players must hit the ball over the net, and the ball must bounce once before it is returned over the net. The first team to score 11 points wins the game.
Paddle Tennis Rules
The rules of paddle tennis are similar to the rules of pickle ball. The game is played on a court that is 16 x 32 feet, and the net is hung at a height of 34 inches. The game is usually played as doubles, with two players on each side of the court. The paddle used in paddle tennis is usually shorter and lighter than the paddle used in pickle ball. The ball used in paddle tennis is typically a felt ball that is slightly heavier than the ball used in pickle ball. Players must hit the ball over the net and the ball must bounce once before it is returned over the net. The first team to score 11 points wins the game.
Equipment Needed for Pickle Ball and Paddle Tennis
In order to play pickle ball or paddle tennis, you will need the following equipment:
- Paddle: The paddle used in pickle ball is usually longer and heavier than the paddle used in paddle tennis. The paddle used in paddle tennis is typically between 12-18 inches in length.
- Ball: The ball used in pickle ball is a plastic ball that is similar to a wiffle ball. The ball used in paddle tennis is usually a felt ball that is slightly heavier than the ball used in pickle ball.
- Net: Both pickle ball and paddle tennis use a net that is hung at a height of 34 inches.
- Court: Pickle ball is played on a court that is 20 x 44 feet, while paddle tennis is played on a smaller court that is 16 x 32 feet.
Advantages of Pickle Ball and Paddle Tennis
Both pickle ball and paddle tennis are great games that offer many advantages. They are both easy to learn, and they can be played by players of all ages and abilities. They are also low-impact games, which means they are less likely to cause injuries than other racquet sports.
Popularity of Pickle Ball and Paddle Tennis
Pickle ball and paddle tennis have both seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Pickle ball is now one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, with over 3 million players. Paddle tennis is also growing in popularity, with many clubs and tournaments popping up around the country.
Conclusion
Pickle ball and paddle tennis are both great racquet sports that are easy to learn and can be enjoyed by players of all ages and abilities. While they are similar in some ways, they also have some distinct differences. Pickle ball is played on a court that is 20 x 44 feet, while paddle tennis is played on a smaller court that is 16 x 32 feet. The paddle used in pickle ball is usually longer and heavier than the paddle used in paddle tennis. The ball used in pickle ball is a plastic ball that is similar to a wiffle ball, while the ball used in paddle tennis is usually a felt ball that is slightly heavier. Both pickle ball and paddle tennis offer many advantages and are growing in popularity.
References
- PickleballCentral. (2020). What Is Pickleball? Retrieved from https://www.pickleballcentral.com/what-is-pickleball.html
- USAPA: USA Pickleball Association. (2020). Pickleball Rules & Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.usapa.org/pickleball-rules-regulations/
- Pickleball Paddles Plus. (2020). What Is Paddle Tennis? Retrieved from https://www.pickleballpaddlesplus.com/what-is-paddle-tennis/
- The Platform Tennis Association. (2020). Rules & Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.platformtennis.org/rules-and-regulations/