Being a mental mastery performance and high-performance coach, I am fascinated by the rise of pickleball in the sports realm. This sport that was once considered niche has now become a hit among players and coaches alike, even catching the attention of professional tennis players.

We’ll delve into the thoughts of the sports community regarding pickleball tournaments and dig deep into perspectives from tennis legends such as Novak Djokovic on how it compares to tennis in terms of technical skills and gameplay requirements.

Pickleball has seen a rise in popularity in the US, with more than 36 million players recorded in 2022 alone. This surge has even sparked the creation of leagues, like the World Pickleball League (WPBL), striving to take the sport to greater levels of recognition and success. Adding to this trend is the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) actively working towards promoting pickleball in India and highlighting its growing appeal worldwide.

In the world of sports, enthusiasts are quite excited about pickleball because it provides an option compared to tennis that attracts a wider range of people from different backgrounds and ages to join in the fun together. Its straightforward accessibility enables individuals of all skill levels to join in and promotes a feeling of camaraderie and social bonding. With pickleball courts being able to be arranged in settings like home yards and sports complexes, it has become more convenient for folks to get involved in playing the game.

The growing interest in pickleball has caught the attention of tennis icons like Novak Djokovic, who have shared a blend of admiration and concern for the sport’s growth and popularity among players and fans.

Some other tennis legends have also expressed their opinions on the matter. For example, Serena Williams has shown her interest in pickleball and emphasised its inclusive characteristics. On the other hand, Roger Federer and others have highlighted that although pickleball can be a fun activity, it’s essential to remember and respect the long-established legacy and competitive complexity of tennis.

The technical side

Although both sports have a shared history, they vary greatly in terms of elements and the skills they demand.

Variations in tools: Tennis and pickleball games differ in the equipment used by players. Tennis players wield strung rackets for power and precision, whereas pickleball players opt for paddles crafted from composite materials to enhance control and finesse in the fast-paced game.

Tennis balls are designed to be heavier and pressurised for a game with higher bounce rates compared to pickleball’s lightweight plastic balls, which offer a unique playing experience focusing more on precision than sheer power.

Court size: In singles tennis matches, a court size of 78 by 27 feet, allows for extended rallies and strategic gameplay opportunities. Pickleball courts are designed to be smaller at 44 feet by 20 feet to encourage play and focus more heavily on the players’ reflexes and strategic shot placements.

Rules of the game and keeping score: In tennis matches, you can use overhand serves, whereas in pickleball you need to serve underhand diagonally across the court; this basic distinction influences how players strategise and play in each sport. In tennis, matches are scored using a system involving games and sets, whereas in pickleball a simpler point system is used, with games typically played to 11 points, making it easier for casual players to enjoy the game.

In tennis, players need to be agile and have endurance because of the bigger court and longer rallies. They have to be skilled in playing both near the net and at the baseline. On the other hand, pickleball calls for quick reflexes and smart positioning, especially in doubles matches where teamwork is key.

Playing pickleball usually involves an aspect where players switch partners frequently and interact with a diverse community of players, which creates a friendly and enjoyable environment, especially for those playing recreationally.

Anwar Wahhab is a mental performance mastery coach and a bioprint practitioner. You can reach him at anwarwahhab.awefitness@gmail.com