9 Reasons Pickleball Is Better Than Tennis
December 05, 2023
When you look at these nine reasons pickleball is better than tennis, it becomes clear why this sport is gaining popularity around the world.
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There are millions of people worldwide who love engaging in court sports. The premier court sport for decades was undoubtedly tennis, but there seems to be a notable shift as of late. Now, pickleball has not only caught up to tennis in popularity, but one could make the case that it has surpassed tennis. When you look at these nine reasons why pickleball is better than tennis, it starts to make sense.
1) Pickleball Is Easier To Learn
The simplicity of pickleball’s rules makes it an easy-to-learn sport for beginners. Unlike tennis, where the scoring can be perplexing with its loves, deuces, and ties, pickleball employs a straightforward point system that’s easier to understand.
Furthermore, pickleball requires less refinement, so new players only need to grasp a limited set of techniques to start playing. This contrasts with tennis, which demands mastering various strokes, such as the forehand, backhand, serve, and volley. That’s not to say pickleball players don’t use the same types of strokes, but they don’t require the precision that is necessary on a tennis court.
2) Pickleball Is Gentler on the Body
Another reason pickleball is better than tennis is that it doesn’t necessitate extended periods of high-intensity running or explosive movements. This diminishes the stress on the body, particularly on joints such as the knees and ankles.
Additionally, playing pickleball reduces the likelihood of injury since the court is smaller and the ball moves much more slowly than in other sports. Pickleball players also have less shoulder pain than tennis players because their swings are more moderate.
3) Pickleballs Are More Forgiving
Pickleballs are inherently more forgiving than tennis balls due to their unique design. Crafted from lightweight plastic with perforations, pickleballs are a bit slower and less bouncy than tennis balls. This results in a game with a reduced likelihood of unforced errors, and it makes the ball easier to control for players.
Furthermore, a pickleball’s softer nature compared to a tennis ball’s high compression lessens the impact of miscues, creating a more lenient environment for beginners. This gentle quality of pickleballs ultimately helps make the sport more approachable, allowing people of all skill levels to enjoy it.
4) Pickleball Is Inclusive
Pickleball’s inclusivity is one of its most endearing features, inviting people from all walks of life to participate. Unlike tennis, which can sometimes feel exclusive with its high-performance requirements, pickleball is open to everyone.
Regardless of age or ability level, anyone may participate in and enjoy this activity. The game’s rules and mechanics are simple enough for anybody to pick up on, and pickleball’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a fun activity for people of all backgrounds and skill levels to enjoy together.
5) Pickleball Is Social
Pickleball inherently fosters a communal atmosphere. These interactions often extend beyond the game, promoting a strong camaraderie among players.
Pickleball provides more possibilities for interaction between players than tennis—a predominantly singles game—provides. Conversation, humor, and lighthearted banter can all help create an atmosphere that’s as much about making connections as it is about winning.
With pickleball, there’s always time for a quip or casual conversation, even when the stakes are high. In essence, pickleball is more than simply a sport—it’s a gathering at which everyone is welcome.
6) Pickleball Is a Team Sport
While pickleball may seem like it’s all fun and games, it is still very much a team sport. A successful pickleball duo may finish each other’s sentences or have a special handshake, but they will also complement each other’s game to a perfect tee.
When it comes to pickleball, it’s all about the power of “we.” It’s a tag-team effort with you and your buddy sharing the highs of that killer volley, the lows of a missed shot, and the laughter when the ball goes rogue.
7) Pickleball Is Faster
Although we detailed how pickleball is kind to the body and more inclusive, the game’s speed is still fairly brisk.
With a compact court, players are always in the thick of the action, making for a rapid, exhilarating game full of quick-fire rallies. The smaller court means the ball is perpetually in play, keeping you on your toes and your heart pounding—no long waits or marathon runs like tennis.
Reactions must be sharp, strategy lightning-quick, and the tempo relentless. It’s this very energy and speed that make pickleball an absolute thrill-a-minute sport. If you’re looking for a quick and forever-exciting sport, consider grabbing a paddle and diving into the whirlwind world of pickleball.
8) Pickleball Is More Affordable
The cost factor significantly favors pickleball over tennis. For starters, the equipment required for pickleball—a paddle, a wiffle ball, and a net—is noticeably less expensive than that of tennis. Tennis necessitates a pricier racket and more costly balls, which require frequent replacement due to wear and tear.
And unlike the more expensive sport of tennis, which frequently requires access to dedicated courts, pickleball can be played on any flat, hard surface. As an inexpensive alternative to tennis, pickleball broadens the potential participant pool by decreasing entrance hurdles.
9) Pickleball Can Be Played Indoors
Since pickleball is playable on any hard surface, its adaptability to indoor play is a major win over tennis. With tennis, you’re at the mercy of the weather, but with pickleball, you’re good to go rain or shine.
You can easily set up a pickleball court in a gymnasium or indoor facility. This means no weather interruptions, and you can play comfortably without the sun beating down on you. And let’s not forget, this adaptability makes pickleball a year-round sport.
There’s no denying tennis is a great sport; however, pickleball offers a more accessible, social, and enjoyable experience. It’s a sport that anyone can partake in, regardless of age or skill. From the simplified scoring system to the quick pace and team-oriented gameplay, pickleball has much to offer.
You can jump into the action by getting the finest pickleball products from Fromuth Pickleball. Fromuth’s partnership with MLP ensures that all our customers get the best apparel, accessories, and equipment the sport has to offer, making you feel like a professional every time you step onto the court.