Have you noticed the names “pickleball” and “paddleball” popping up? Wondering what the difference is?
- These two racket sports are causing a lot of buzz, but they’re definitely not the same thing.
- Ready to dive deeper into the world of pickleball and paddleball? Let’s break down what really sets them apart.
Pointers
- The Court: Where the game takes place and the court sizes
- The Equipment: The paddles and the balls used.
- The Rules: How to score, serve, and win!
- The Vibe: The overall feel and atmosphere of each sport
Is pickleball the same as paddleball?
Nope! They are related, but definitely distinct sports. Think of them as cousins rather than twins. Both involve paddles and a ball, but that’s where the close family resemblance ends.
What are the fundamental differences between pickleball and paddleball?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
The Equipment:
- Pickleball: Larger, solid paddles resembling oversized ping-pong paddles. The ball is plastic with holes, similar to a whiffle ball.
- Paddleball: Smaller, solid wooden paddles. The ball is a bouncy rubber ball.
The Court:
- Pickleball: Played on a court similar in size to a badminton doubles court, with a net slightly lower than a tennis net.
- Paddleball: Played on a smaller court (often within a handball court) with a single wall for rebounding shots.
Gameplay:
- Pickleball: Primarily a doubles game, with a unique “kitchen” (non-volley) zone near the net. Points can only be scored on your team’s serve.
- Paddleball: Typically singles, played at a much faster pace. You can score points on any serve.
How do the rules of pickleball compare to those of paddleball?
Let’s focus on the biggest differences:
Serving:
- Pickleball: Underhanded serves, diagonally across the court.
- Paddleball: Overhanded serves, bouncing the ball before hitting it.
Scoring:
- Pickleball: Only the serving team can score. Games are usually played to 11 points.
- Paddleball: Both players/teams can score at any time.
The “Kitchen”: Pickleball has a non-volley zone near the net called the “kitchen.” You can’t volley a ball if you’re standing in the kitchen. This rule doesn’t exist in paddleball.
Non-volley zone (kitchen) in pickleball
The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a specific area on the pickleball court that restricts certain types of shots. It’s a zone extending 7 feet from the net on both sides of the court. In simpler terms, it’s the area just behind the serving line and extending towards the net. The rule is that a player cannot volley the ball (hit the ball before it bounces) while standing in the non-volley zone.
Here’s the key difference between the non-volley zone in pickleball and paddleball: paddleball doesn’t have a non-volley zone.
Types of paddles in pickleball vs paddleball
Pickleball and paddleball paddles share some similarities but also have some distinct differences. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Pickleball Paddle | Paddleball Paddle |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Composite materials (graphite, fiberglass) or wood | Wood |
| Surface | Textured or smooth | Smooth |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Grip | Shorter | Longer |
In a nutshell
The non-volley zone is a unique rule in pickleball that restricts volleying the ball within a specific area close to the net. Paddleball doesn’t have this restriction. As for the paddles, both pickleball and paddleball paddles are typically made of composite materials or wood, but pickleball paddles are smaller and have a textured or smooth surface, while paddleball paddles are larger and have a smooth surface.
What are the ball differences between pickleball and paddleball?
- Pickleball: Uses a plastic ball with holes, similar to a whiffle ball. This makes it lighter and less bouncy than a tennis ball.
- Paddleball: Uses a small, pressurized rubber ball. It’s bouncier and faster than a pickleball. Think of a slightly softer racquetball.
Are there specific court dimensions for pickleball and paddleball?
- Pickleball: A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court. It measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
- Paddleball: Can be played on a variety of courts. Traditionally, it’s played on a smaller, handball-style court (about 20 feet wide by 40 feet long), but can even use modified tennis courts.
How does scoring vary between pickleball and paddleball?
- Pickleball:
- Points can only be scored by the serving side.
- Games are usually played to 11 points, win by 2.
- There’s a special area called “the kitchen” near the net, which has rules for volleying the ball.
- Paddleball:
- Either side can score a point.
- Games are typically played to 15 or 21 points.
- Play tends to be much faster and more reliant on single volleys.
Whether you’re a seasoned tennis player or new to racket sports, both pickleball and paddleball offer something unique and exciting.
- Maybe you’ll love the fast-paced action of paddleball, or maybe the social and accessible nature of pickleball is more your style.
- The best way to find out? Grab a paddle and give them both a try!
References
- USA Pickleball Association: https://usapickleball.org/
- The Official Paddle Tennis Website: http://www.platformtennis.org