The court size is the same, but the way it's used differs
The pickleball and badminton courts are nearly the same size. Pickleball is 13.41m×6.10m, and a badminton doubles court is 13.40m×6.10m. Because of this, being able to repurpose a badminton court as-is for pickleball is a big advantage.
However, the way it's used differs greatly. Whereas badminton sets the net high at 1.55m (1.524m at center), the pickleball net is quite low at 86cm at center and 91.4cm at the ends. This difference in net height has a big influence on play style.
Also, pickleball has a special area not found in badminton called the kitchen (non-volley zone). Volleys are prohibited within a range of 2.13m from the net, and this unique rule creates pickleball's strategic depth.
The difference in equipment: shuttle vs. ball
The most fundamental difference is what you use. Badminton uses a feathered shuttlecock, and pickleball uses a perforated plastic ball.
The shuttle has large air resistance and is fast right after being hit but decelerates rapidly. The pickleball ball, on the other hand, flies at a relatively constant speed. This difference in flight characteristics greatly changes the tempo and rhythm of the game.
There's a difference in the striking implement too. A badminton racket is a lightweight frame with strings, but a pickleball paddle has a board-like solid face and no strings. Since the feel of the hit changes with the paddle face's material and thickness, choosing a paddle is one of the pleasures of pickleball.
The main differences in rules
The serve method
In badminton, the whole shuttle must be below 1.15m at the moment it meets the server's racket (introduced in the 2018 rule change; the old rule used the waist as the benchmark). Pickleball also requires an underhand serve, but it adds a rule that the serve must travel diagonally into the opposite service court. Badminton is not nearly as strict about where the serve has to land.
Scoring method
Modern badminton uses rally-point scoring (a point on every rally) to 21 points. Under pickleball's conventional rules, only the serving side can score, and it's first to 11 (2-point margin). Because of this difference, pickleball has the characteristic that comebacks happen more easily in a match.
The two-bounce rule
As a rule unique to pickleball, there's the "two-bounce rule" where the serve and return must always be hit after a bounce. Badminton has no such rule and always hits without a bounce (a shuttle touching the ground ends the rally in the first place).
Differences in exercise intensity and play style
Badminton demands intense up-down and left-right movement, and singles especially is a very hard sport. It becomes high-intensity exercise using the whole body, with high jumps, quick footwork, and powerful smashes.
Pickleball is on a relatively compact court and doesn't demand movement as intense as badminton. It's classified as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and especially in rallies centered ondinkendurance and focus become important. A design that can be enjoyed regardless of age or fitness is a big appeal of pickleball.
The advantages for badminton players
When badminton players start pickleball, they have several advantages. First, their sense of wrist use and racket work comes in handy. Since they're used to subtle control of the shuttle, they can grasp the feel of dinks and drop shots easily.
The foundation of footwork is also a big weapon. The quick direction changes and weight shifts honed in badminton can be used as-is in pickleball too.
However, there are points to note. Using the wrist too much out of badminton habit can throw off control in pickleball. Since a paddle, unlike a racket, has a hard face, a simpler swing is effective.
Which should you start?
For those who are young, confident in their fitness, and want to master individual skill, badminton. For those who want to enjoy the sport sociably regardless of age, pickleball is recommended. Of course, enjoying both is possible too. Making use of the advantage that the court size is the same, experiencing both sports at the same facility might be a good idea.
Related Articles Worth Reading
- The Complete Guide to Pickleball Skill Ratings (2.0–5.0) | Know Your Level
- Are There Pickleball Tournaments Beginners Can Enter? How to Join and the Right Mindset
- Pickleball Is Especially Great for Seniors | The Benefits and Cautions of Starting in Your 60s and 70s
- How Many Calories Does Pickleball Burn? Comparing One Hour of Exercise Intensity With Data
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