Pickleball if you come from padel or tennis: what changes
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If you already play padel or tennis, you'll learn pickleball fast. But there are five things that surprise almost everyone the first time.
1. The paddle has no holes or strings
It's a flat, solid paddle, shorter than a tennis racket and without the holes of a padel racket. The face is usually fiberglass or carbon, with a honeycomb core. If you don't know which to choose, start with the best paddles to start with.
2. The ball is plastic and has holes
It weighs very little and bounces differently. There are indoor and outdoor balls: we explain the difference.
3. The court is smaller and has no walls
It measures 44 × 20 feet (13.4 × 6.1 m), similar to a badminton court. The net is low and there's no glass: if the ball goes out, it's a point. Here you don't play off the wall.
4. There's a "kitchen"
The no-volley zone, about 7 feet (2.1 m) from the net, is what's hardest at first. You can't hit the ball out of the air inside that zone. You play with soft touches, the dink, which drives crazy anyone who comes from power.
5. The serve is underhand
Always below the waist. You score only when you serve, and games are usually to 11 points, win by two. The full rules are here.
What will help you
- The net play and reflexes you bring from padel.
- Placement and court sense, especially in doubles. You'll see it in doubles: positions and strategy.
Frequently asked questions
Is it easy to move from padel to pickleball?
Yes. Many movements are alike and the pace is more relaxed. The hardest part is usually controlling the no-volley zone.
Does a padel racket work for playing pickleball?
No. A pickleball paddle is smaller and has no holes. The balls for each sport are different too.
Can you play on a padel court?
It isn't usual. A pickleball court is smaller and the lines are different. Many clubs paint the lines on tennis or padel courts.
Keep reading
If you come from another racket sport and want to start, in our shop you'll find the ACE paddle and the ARC elbow sleeve.
