Welcome back to another edition of our Five Things series, in previous editions, we highlighted some JOOLA pros who started their racket sport journey in tennis and even put together a handy guide comparing pickleball paddle shapes to tennis rackets.

But we can’t forget the fundamentals! From gameplay and equipment to shot selection and strategy, these key elements will help you transition smoothly from tennis to pickleball.

In this installment of Five Things, we’re breaking down the essentials to help you make the leap from the baseline to the kitchen line with confidence. Let’s dive in!

1 - Courts

Though it may not always be a popular thing to say. You can play pickleball on a tennis court! I know, I know, but hear me out. If you're in an area with a tennis court near by, you can easily pick up a pickleball paddle and a pickleball and play on the court as is. But there are some difference:

Court Layout: Up to four standard pickleball courts can fit on a tennis court, as long as it is the tennis court regulation size (60′ x 120′). Pickleball is 44 ft long compared to a tennis court that is larger at 78 ft.

The Kitchen: Pickleball and tennis share common court elements, but pickleball has one major difference the unique "kitchen" zone. The kitchen  exists to prevent a player from standing at the net and smashing every hit, helping to even the playing field for players of any skill level.

Surfaces: Pickleball is mostly played on hard outdoor surfaces, and wood or gym flooring. As of now there is no pickleball equivalent of clay or grass.

Net Height: The center of the pickleball net is 2-inches lower at the center than a tennis net. So you may want to adjust your tennis net or purchase a portable pickleball net. Here are some options that JOOLA offers for Nets.

4 - Comparing Tennis and Pickleball Shots

While some skills transfer between tennis and pickleball, the game dynamics are very different. Tennis players often need to adjust by:

• Shortening their swings
• Mastering dinking and the third shot drop
• Learning to control the kitchen line battle

Here are some shots that will help your game transition:

Forehand & Backhand Groundstrokes: Fundamental in both sports, but in pickleball, they’re often more compact with less topspin due to the paddle and plastic ball.

Volleys: Quick reaction volleys at the net are crucial in both sports. In pickleball, they’re used more frequently because of the non-volley zone (kitchen).

Drop Shots: Softly placing the ball just over the net works well in both sports, but in pickleball, the third shot drop is a core strategy.

Lobs: Lifting the ball high to force opponents back works in both sports, though in pickleball, it’s riskier due to the shorter court and potential for an overhead smash.

Overhead: A powerful put-away shot when opponents leave a ball floating high. Tennis overhead shots have more backswing due to the larger racket and faster ball.

5 - Tennis and Pickleball Techniques

One of the biggest differences between tennis and pickleball lies in the strategy and pace of play. In pickleball, players must engage in long dink rallies at the net, carefully placing shots and patiently waiting for the right opportunity to accelerate the game. Precision and control take precedence over sheer power.

On the other hand, tennis allows for bigger, more aggressive shots, with players using deep groundstrokes, angles, and well-placed serves to push their opponents out of position and dictate the point. While both sports demand strategy, pickleball requires a more nuanced approach to shot selection, while tennis rewards those who can effectively mix power with finesse.

Footwork & Positioning

• Both sports require agility and quick lateral movement, but the nature of each game demands different types of footwork. In tennis, players must cover a larger court, relying on endurance and explosive sprints to chase down shots. Pickleball, with its smaller court, places a premium on rapid, controlled movements in tight spaces. Players need to be exceptionally quick in short bursts to maintain dominance at the net, especially during fast exchanges. The ability to stay balanced and react instantly to dinks, drives, and speed-ups is crucial for success.

Patience & Strategy

• Point construction differs significantly between the two sports. In tennis, players build points using a mix of deep groundstrokes, heavy topspin, and sharp angles to stretch their opponents and create open spaces. Pickleball, however, requires a different level of patience, especially in the "soft game." Players must master the art of dinking—engaging in delicate, controlled shots at the net—while recognizing the perfect moment to escalate the rally with a speed-up or a well-placed passing shot. Timing and shot discipline are just as important as power and placement.

The world of racket sports is vast and continuously evolving. There's plenty of room at the top for multiple sports to thrive, and whether you're just getting started or fully immersed in your pickleball obsession, the JOOLA blog welcomes all players with open arms.

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