Pickleball has quickly become a favorite pastime for many, often being compared to tennis in terms of ease and accessibility. Players of all ages and skill levels are turning to pickleball for its unique blend of strategy and fun.
This article will compare the two sports, looking at their physical effort, calories burned, and ease of play.
Physical Effort
| Sport | Effort Level | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis | High | Requires more stamina and strength |
| Pickleball | Moderate | Less physically demanding |
The physical effort required for each sport varies significantly. Tennis demands a higher level of stamina and strength due to the larger court size and the need for powerful strokes and quick movements.
The high intensity makes tennis more physically challenging. In contrast, pickleball is less physically demanding, with shorter, controlled movements and a smaller court, making it easier on the body and more accessible to a wider range of players.
Court Size and Movement
| Sport | Court Size | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis | 78 ft x 27 ft (singles) / 36 ft (doubles) | More running and extensive movement |
| Pickleball | 44 ft x 20 ft | Less running, shorter movements |
The size of the court significantly impacts the physical demands of each sport. Tennis courts are larger, requiring players to cover more ground, which involves more running and extensive movement.
This leads to a higher-intensity workout. Pickleball courts are much smaller, reducing the amount of running required and resulting in shorter, more controlled movements. That makes pickleball less physically demanding and easier for players of all ages and fitness levels.
Calories Burned
Calories burned during exercise can be a significant factor in determining the intensity and benefits of a sport. Tennis generally burns more calories than pickleball due to the larger court size and higher intensity of play. Here are some key points:
- Tennis Singles: Playing singles tennis burns around 560 calories per hour for a 155-pound person.
- Tennis Doubles: Doubles tennis burns about 420 calories per hour.
- Pickleball Singles: Playing singles pickleball burns around 420 calories per hour for a 155-pound person.
- Pickleball Doubles: Doubles pickleball burns about 330 calories per hour.
The higher calorie burn in tennis is due to the greater physical effort required to cover the larger court and the intensity of the rallies.
Pickleball, while still providing a good workout, involves less running and shorter, more controlled movements, leading to a lower calorie expenditure.
Risk of Injuries
Injury risk is another important consideration when comparing the two sports.
- Tennis: Due to the high intensity and extensive running, tennis players are at a higher risk of injuries such as tennis elbow, shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries. The larger court size and the need for powerful strokes increase the physical strain on the body.
- Pickleball: Pickleball is generally less strenuous on the body, making it a safer option for older adults or those with joint issues. The smaller court size and lower impact nature reduce the risk of injuries, although players can still experience strains and sprains from quick movements.
Ease of Learning
Pickleball is often considered easier to learn than tennis, especially for beginners.
- Pickleball: The rules are simpler and more straightforward, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. The smaller court size and slower-moving ball allow beginners to pick up the basics quickly and enjoy the game without the steep learning curve associated with tennis.
- Tennis: Tennis requires more precise strokes, a greater understanding of angles and spin, and higher physical fitness levels, which can make it more challenging for beginners to master. The larger court size and faster ball speed add to the complexity of the game.
Conclusion
Both pickleball and tennis offer unique benefits and challenges. Tennis provides a higher-intensity workout and burns more calories but comes with a higher risk of injuries and a steeper learning curve. Pickleball, on the other hand, is more accessible, easier on the joints, and offers significant social and physical benefits.