Pickleball vs. Tennis: Which One’s Right for You?
- Marketing @ PP (Performance Pickleball)
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Tennis has been a classic favorite for decades, but pickleball is the new kid on the court. With smaller courts, faster rallies, and a rising global fan base, pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most talked about sports today in Singapore. But when it comes to choosing between the two, which one really fits your lifestyle?
Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, looking for a fun new hobby, or just want to be part of an exciting community, this comparison will help you decide. Let's break it down: Pickleball vs Tennis, which one wins for you?
1. The Basics: Tennis vs. Pickleball Rules
Let’s start with how the games work.
Tennis is played on a large court with rackets and a felt covered ball. The game focuses on power, speed, and endurance, often requiring a strong serve and long rallies.
Pickleball, on the other hand, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on a smaller court with paddles and a plastic perforated ball. The pace can be fast but also can be slow, and the rules are simple, making it more beginner-friendly.
Key Difference: The “kitchen” zone in pickleball (a non volley area) creates a unique strategic element not found in tennis.
2. Equipment and Space Needed
Tennis requires a full-size court.
Pickleball needs less space than tennis, At Performance Pickleball, we release our courts when they are not used for our own programs and booking is easy with our very own Performance Pickleball App! Our courts are often known as the best courts in singapore! But if you're not so picky, you can technically play pickleball anywhere such as on badminton courts, indoor gyms, makeshift set ups.
Winner for Accessibility: Pickleball! While both sports can get quite expensive if you opt for higher end gear, Pickleball does offer affordable entry level gear to get you started. And in Performance Pickleball, we offer paddle rentals as well for those who might not want to invest in equipment right from the get go.
3. Physical Intensity and Injury Risk
Tennis is a full body workout with high intensity sprints, sharp direction changes, and longer matches. It builds endurance but can strain joints, especially knees and shoulders.
Pickleball is lower impact,and generally played in doubles format so its shorter movement bursts. It still offers a great cardio workout but is gentler on the body, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels.
Looking for Longevity? Both sports offer great health benefits through coordination and dynamic movement. But if you’re new to fast-paced sports, Pickleball might be a better place to start and it’s easier on the body and more beginner friendly
4. Social Experience & Community
This is where pickleball truly shines.
Tennis can feel competitive, and matches often require advanced skill levels or private coaching to feel included in the scene.
Pickleball is known as a social sport. Players of all skill levels often rotate partners, play in doubles, and engage in lighthearted games. The community vibe is inclusive and friendly, perfect if you're looking to meet new people in Singapore.
Want More Fun, Less Pressure? Pickleball is your go to social sport.
5. Which Sport Fits Your Lifestyle
When choosing between tennis and pickleball, it's important to consider your lifestyle and personal preferences. Tennis tends to have a steeper skill curve, with longer and more intense matches. It’s a great fit for seasoned athletes seeking a physical challenge and a competitive environment.
Reflecting on his career longevity, Novak Djokovic emphasized the importance of mental resilience: “It’s a question of mind over chatter… training yourself mentally and emotionally is as important as physically” theaustralian.com.au
Pickleball, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed yet still engaging experience. It’s easy to pick up, with shorter game durations and lower physical strain, making it ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. The social aspect is a major draw the community is known for being friendly, inclusive, and welcoming to newcomers
As the sport’s leading icon Ben Johns put it in an open letter: “I look forward to seeing pickleball flourish as a sport rooted in respect, passion, and community.” hysportblog.com
If you're an athlete craving intensity, tennis might be the sport for you. But if you're looking for a fun, accessible, and social way to stay active especially in a fast-paced city like Singapore then pickleball might just become your new favorite sport.
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