Hey there, killer. Yes, you, the one reading this. We know how you feel about those pesky pickleball players infiltrating your precious tennis courts, their ceaseless dinking. We know you’re a tennis purist, so the idea of playing pickleball would be a dishonor to your values and love for the game of tennis. Well, what if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way?
What if I told you the realm of pickleball is awaiting your arrival, and that your tennis skills will translate with a fluency your opponents will learn to envy?
Don’t judge me, but as a tennis player myself, I’ve come to enjoy playing pickleball and socializing with countless others while playing this newfound sport. So what if the ball doesn’t make a satisfying ‘POP’ like it would on a tennis racquet; there are plenty of friends to be made, battles to be won, and fun to be had.
… and it’s calling your name.
Can Tennis and Pickleball Players Get Along?
Is there a conflict between tennis players and pickleball players? Long story short, yes. Pickleball has exploded in America, and cities across the country have opted not to build brand new courts for this new game, but to transform tennis courts into pickleball courts instead. Many tennis players, myself included, saw this as an egregious offense to our beloved sport, and that was just the start.
From afar, pickleball seems the inferior sport in both skill and aesthetic, and if you’ve ever talked to a tennis purist about it, they’ve likely expressed this sentiment. Tennis is an old, traditional sport with lots of history. Some of the world’s most impressive athletes are tennis players, and it’s a well-known fact that not just anyone can pick up a tennis racquet and take to the court. It takes years, arguably decades, for one to be considered an “advanced” tennis player.
On the contrary, pickleball is a new sport with lots of room for opportunity. The learning curve for this new sport is more forgiving, making it more accessible for those looking for a new hobby or passion. That said, pickleball is challenging in its own ways. It's faster, requiring quicker reactions and more precise shot selections. As a tennis player, these challenges make pickleball a more exciting, more competitive game I get to learn with others.
Finding a consistent partner to play tennis with is difficult, which is why I bring my pickleball paddle with me everywhere I go. Right now, with pickleball being so popular, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, people are always willing to rotate on and off courts since games are significantly shorter in pickleball. If you’re like me and need some daily physical movement, pickleball could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
The Truth? Pickleball and Tennis Can Work Together
In truth, pickleball and tennis CAN coexist. In fact, the two can benefit each other significantly. In all honesty, before pickleball came around, the tennis courts were looking a bit barren. Now, courts are bustling with people more than ever. Not only has pickleball revitalized public courts, but it has brought new people to tennis, too. I’ve witnessed pickleballers playing tennis for fun and to sharpen their skills on the pickleball court.
Pickleball and tennis share many of the same mechanics. While pickleballers might not apologize for hitting the top of the net, the sport has garnered genuine curiosity in tennis. The Pickleball to tennis pipeline is booming, and, because of this, tennis has gathered some unlikely fanatics. Not only are people more interested in playing both sports, but the gear is seemingly interchangeable. No, not racquets and paddles. But shoes and apparel go hand in hand. Tennis court shoes do exceptionally well on the pickleball court, and tennis apparel makes for easy mobility and breathability on the court.
As a tennis player, I enjoy playing pickleball because it’s a genuine challenge. Pickleball demands impeccable hand-eye coordination and lightning-fast reaction time. For me, it’s a time to practice my footwork, real-time strategies, and reactions at the net. I kind of hate to admit it, but pickleball has helped me be a more strategic tennis player.
What Pickleball Can Teach Us
What I love most about playing pickleball is its accessibility. I don’t need to arrange matches or pay for an app just to play (like I often have to with tennis). The social element of pickleball is truly unmatched and, typically, those hanging around the courts are friendly and welcoming.
As someone with chronic knee and shoulder pain, it’s nice to take a break from tennis yet still be active. Pickleball’s small court and light paddles make for a more forgiving play experience. If you’re like me and like to get active daily, pickleball will make an amazing addition to your life.
You Don’t Have to Choose a Side
It's not tennis or pickleball, it can be both. Even tennis legends such as Andre Agassi are getting involved in the game. Try pickleball, tennis isn't going anywhere anytime soon. As a budding pickleball enthusiast, I’m enjoying my daily exercise surrounded by my new friends and rivals on the court. I’ve even converted some pickleballers into tennis players. All I know is we are all having a good time, and you should give it a try.
Ready to Give It a Dink?
At Pickleball Express, we’ve got everything you need to kick-start your pickleball experience. From paddles and balls to shoes and apparel, we offer it all. If you already play tennis, you’re in luck! Much of your gear, such as your tennis shoes and apparel, will work just fine on the pickleball court. We don’t just offer a wide selection of pickleball paddles, we offer the best ones in the industry. So take your time and browse what we got. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
