PICKLEBALL - the Fastest-Growing Sport that's Redefining Play!!!

Tennis players are increasingly making the switch to pickleball.

But while the sports share some surface similarities, the transition isn’t always as smooth as it seems. Tennis does bring valuable strengths like quick footwork, sharp hand-eye coordination, and strong net play, which can provide a great foundation for pickleball. 

However, there are key differences in technique, strategy, and rules that require a shift in mindset and skillset. 

In this article, we explore the pros and cons of switching from tennis to pickleball, highlight which tennis skills translate well, and uncover the common pitfalls to avoid - helping you make a confident and competitive leap into the world of pickleball.

Key Skills Specific to Pickleball

These key skills are specific to pickleball and are NOT typically part of tennis.

Mastering these is essential for truly excelling in the sport of pickleball:

1. Dinking

• A soft, controlled shot played just over the net from the non-volley zone (kitchen).
• Unique to pickleball and central to strategic rallies.

2. Third Shot Drop

• A soft, arcing shot from the baseline designed to land in the kitchen and give you time to move up to the net.
• Has no equivalent in tennis where aggressive baseline play dominates.

3. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Management

• Players must avoid volleying while standing in or stepping into the kitchen.
• Requires foot discipline and spatial awareness unlike any part of tennis.

4. Paddle Control in Tight Spaces

• Close-range battles at the net call for compact strokes, fast hands, and soft touches - different from the full swings in tennis.

5. Quick Resetting

• The ability to calm a fast rally or ‘firefight’ at the kitchen with a soft, controlled shot (often mid-rally) to regain positioning -is a unique rhythm adjustment.

6. Fast Reflex Volleys

• Especially in doubles, pickleball often becomes a reflex-driven exchange at the net - faster and tighter than tennis volleys.

7. Precision Shot Placement

• A smaller court and lighter ball means pinpoint accuracy, which matters more than raw power - aiming for gaps, feet, some body shots at higher levels of play, and rarely sidelines is key.

8. Strategic Patience

• Pickleball often rewards players who wait for the right moment to attack, especially during dinking rallies and net battles.

9. Stacking and Partner Switching

• A unique doubles positioning strategy to maximize player strengths or keep forehands in the middle - not used in tennis.

10. Paddle Angle Mastery

• Due to the rigid paddle and low bounce, fine paddle angle control is essential for soft shots, blocks, and deflections - more so than racquet sports.

These skills highlight the unique rhythm, touch, and tactics of pickleball - which make it a distinct sport, not just a scaled-down version of tennis.

Strengths of Being a Tennis Player

While tennis players bring many strengths to pickleball, including strong hand-eye coordination, solid footwork, and excellent court awareness. Their experience with stroke mechanics, net play, and strategic serving helps them adapt quickly.

Additionally, their anticipation skills and competitive mindset provide an edge, making it easier to learn pickleball’s unique tactics while leveraging their existing athletic foundation.

Tennis Habits You Need to Leave Behind to Become a Good Pickleballer

BUT...there are a few habits and instincts you’ll need to leave behind to adapt and succeed.

Here's what to watch out for:

🚫 1. Big, Loopy Swings

• Tennis-style groundstrokes are too long for pickleball’s compact court. Shorten your backswing to maintain control and speed.

🚫 2. Overpowering Every Shot

• Power doesn’t win in pickleball the way it can in tennis. Dial it back and focus more on placement, control, and soft shots.

🚫 3. Charging the Net Too Early

• Unlike tennis, don’t forget the double bounce rule before volleying the return of serve. Rushing the net immediately after your serve will cost you points.

🚫 4. Standing Too Far Back

• Tennis players are used to playing behind the baseline. In pickleball, you want to get to the kitchen line quickly and hold it.

🚫 5. Ignoring the Soft Game

• Tennis doesn’t emphasize dinking, but in pickleball, the soft game is crucial. Learn to embrace dinks, drops, and resets.

🚫 6. Hitting Serves Like in Tennis

• No overhand, spin-loaded bombs here! Pickleball serves are underhand and less aggressive, focusing on consistency and placement.

🚫 7. Expecting High Bounces

• Pickleballs bounce lower and less predictably than tennis balls. Forget the topspin kick - prepare to bend and get low.

🚫 8. One-Man Army Mentality

• Pickleball is heavily doubles-focused. You need to communicate, cooperate, and strategize with your partner constantly.

🚫 9. Over reliance on Topspin

• While topspin still helps, it’s not as dominant in pickleball. You need a broader shot variety, including flat and sliced shots.

🚫 10. Tennis Ego

• Don’t underestimate pickleball. It may look easier, but it has its own depth, tactics, and skills. Stay humble, stay curious, and enjoy the learning curve.

Leaving these habits behind frees you to fully embrace pickleball’s unique rhythm and style, and makes your tennis foundation a real asset, not a limitation.

So while Pickleball may look like “mini tennis,” its own rules, rhythm, and tactics create a gameplay experience that is quite distinct, fast, social and strategically rich.

We Dink Different!