Pickleball Vs Platform Tennis - What Sets Them Apart? - iPickleballMag (2024)

Platform tennis and pickleball may seem similar when you first learn about them, but the two games have some key differences.

Since I recently Covered Pickleball Vs Squash it’s time to cover Pickleball with platform tennis.

Both are racket sports played on an enclosed court. In platform tennis, the court is much smaller than a regular tennis court. It has fencing all around, so balls stay in play. Pickleball is played on a court like a badminton court.

The scoring systems between the sports are also different. Platform tennis uses scoring that counts like in tennis, while pickleball tracks the team’s total points. And they each have their own specific serving rules that players must follow.

Platform tennis allows you to use an overhand serve, but pickleball requires an underhand motion. The number of chances on a serve differs between the sports, too.

Stay with us until the end for a detailed comparison of Pickleball vs Platform Tennis.

Pickleball Vs Platform Tennis

It is important to note that platform tennis and pickleball differ in many game areas, such as scoring, serving style, equipment, etc.

The differences are explained in detail below.

Scoring

The differences between pickleball scoring and Pickleball scoring are explained in detail.

Platform Tennis Scoring

Platform tennis uses a unique scoring system. Each game is referred to by the server’s score, with zero meaning love. The first point is 15, the second is 30, and the third is 40. It takes 4 points to win a game.

If you and your opponent are tied at 15, people will say the score is “15 all”. At 30, all spectators should announce, “We’re even at 30 apiece” to keep the match alive and not make it boring. When you each have 40 points, you’ve reached “deuce.”

The next point after the deuce is crucial, being named as an advantage for whoever wins. If you gain the advantage, but your opponent takes the next point, it returns to deuce once more.

To win the set, one of you needs to win 6 games. However, you must still be ahead by 2 full games, like the scores should be 6-4. Tiebreaks occur at 6 games, where the first to 7 points with a 2-point lead takes the set.

Matches are usually best of three sets with tiebreaks in every set.

Pickleball Scoring

Scoring in singles and doubles is different.

In doubles, three numbers are used for the score – your team’s points, the opponent’s points, and whether it’s the first or second serve. For example, a score of 6-3-1 means your team has 6 points, they have 3, and it’s the first serve.

Each team gets two serves before it goes to the other side. The first server starts on the right and alternates sides with each point scored. The third number will be a 1 for the first serve and 2 for the second.

Only the two players’ scores are used in singles without the third number. Points are scored on your serve only.

The starting score for a doubles match is always 0-0-2 since the second player serves first to prevent an advantage.

The standard length is 11 points to win, but you must exceed the other team’s score by 2 points. Tournaments may use 15 or 21 points as well.

Matches are typically a best-of-three games format.

Serving

Platform tennis and pickleball also differ in terms of serving.

Platform Tennis Serving

In platform tennis, you can use an underhand or overhand motion when serving. The rules for serving differ slightly between singles and doubles.

Like tennis, a singles player gets two chances to serve before announcing the fault. In doubles, you have only one attempt, so accuracy is crucial.

Platform tennis lets the ball touch the net on the serve and remain playable. Platform tennis services can be made from anywhere behind the baseline.

Pickleball Serving

In pickleball, the Serve must use an underhand motion, with the wrist remaining below the hand. Pickleball only provides one chance before a fault is called.

This puts more pressure on getting your pickleball to serve incorrectly the first time than platform tennis.

Any contact with the net results in a fault. You’ll need to focus more on accuracy to keep your pickleball serves from hitting the net.

At least one foot must remain touching the surface when you strike the ball in pickleball. So you cannot jump or toss the ball and swing like in some platform tennis serves.

To Check the official rules for Platform Tennis and pickleball check out their Official website:

Court Size

The difference between court-size pickleball and platform tennis is explained in detail below.

Platform Tennis Court Size

A platform tennis court measures only one-quarter of the size of a traditional tennis court. The court is enclosed by a 12-foot tall chicken wire fence, which keeps balls in play even if they hit the fence.

The fenced-in area measures 60 feet by 30 feet and is rectangular. A regulation playing court measures 44 feet long by 20 feet wide within this exterior boundary.

In the center of the playing surface, a net rises to 34 inches; at the ends, it rises to 37 inches.

Pickleball Court Size

A pickleball court measures 44 feet in length by 20 feet in width, the same standardized dimensions as a badminton court.

These length and width measurements equate to 13.41 meters by 6.10 meters. Both singles and doubles pickleball matches take place on courts of this size.

The official court measurements of USA Pickleball, the sport’s governing body, are still the same whether played indoors or outdoors.

In gymnasiums, parks, or club facilities, pickleball is played on marked surfaces consistently worldwide by following a uniform court size.

The Paddles

Both Paddles are made with different types of Materials

Platform Tennis Court Size

The core of paddles is typically made of EVA foam. This provides cushioning and comes in different densities for varying feel and control.

Fiberglass sheets and other materials like Kevlar or graphite are layered around the foam core. This reinforces the structure and adds stiffness.

The reinforced layered core is then placed into a mold. Liquid polymers or epoxy resins are injected into the mold and cured. This fuses all the layers into a solid composite paddle.

After curing, the excess material is trimmed away, forming the final paddle shape. Holes may be cut, or the surface textured to provide grip and control.

Finally, a protective coating or skin is applied. This seals and finishes the paddle.

Pickleball Paddles

Paddles consist of two key parts – a graphite, fiberglass, or polymer face covering a honeycomb core usually made of foam or other lightweight grids. In molds, these layers are bonded together.

Surfaces are coated, grips are applied, and rims are added. To ensure a secure grip, caps, and wraps are applied, and then the handles are finished.

Within composite materials, innovations include vibration reduction.

Health Benefits Of Playing Platform Tennis.

Platform tennis is great for your health in many ways. Playing requires intense focus, which helps clear your mind and reduce stress.

Partnering up makes it even more fun while strengthening relationships. Feeling included and bonding with others promotes better mental wellness.

The fast action keeps your cardiovascular system fit by burning calories. You’ll sharpen hand-eye coordination and improve flexibility, too. This prevents injuries, especially as you grow older.

Quick moves build flexibility and reflexes to score points. Overall, balance grows as leg muscles develop over time.

Compared to regular tennis, it’s less exhausting yet still provides moderate exercise.

Health Benefits Of Playing Pickleball.

Pickleball does the body good in many ways. It provides easy exercise on joints, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

This sport lets you stay active indoors or out. No matter where you play, it provides low-impact movement that protects your body. Calorie burning and cardiovascular health are boosted without stressing joints.

Players form strong connections as well. The benefits of spending time with family and friends can overcome the risks of being alone.

Research finds regular players experience less loneliness and report greater life satisfaction during tough times. Both physical and mental well-being are benefited.

The sharpened focus required on court relieves stress. Quick movements enhance coordination while keeping the pulse up.

Answers To FAQs

Some of the most asked questions about Pickleball and platform tennis are below.

Last Thoughts

Many people think that pickleball and platform tennis are the same sports, but in reality, these sports are different from each other.

We Hope this Guide covers all your Questions about Pickleball vs. Platform Tennis, and in the future, you’ll always be clear when seeing or listening about these games.

Thanks for reading along. Have a nice Day!