Pickleball and badminton are two of the most popular racquet sports available today. Whether it’s their competitive nature, the exercise, or the social aspect that draws people to them, these two sports have a lot of similarities and differences.
History of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three friends in Washington State. Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, two of the friends, were playing badminton when they realized they needed something to do with the younger kids and thought of creating a new game. They created a simplified version of badminton, using a lower net, a plastic ball, and wooden paddles. It quickly became a popular sport and today it is one of the fastest growing sports in the US.
History of Badminton
Badminton has been around for centuries, with its origins traced back to the 1800s in India. It was initially played by British army officers stationed in India and eventually spread to other parts of the world, becoming an Olympic sport in 1992. Today, it is one of the most popular racquet sports in the world.
Rules
Pickleball and badminton have similar rules, with a few variations. In both sports, the aim is to hit the ball over the net and into your opponent’s court. In pickleball, the ball must bounce twice on the court before it can be returned, and it must be served diagonally across the court. The main difference is that in pickleball, players use a wooden or graphite paddle, while in badminton they use a racquet.
Scoring
The scoring system for pickleball and badminton is also similar. Players must win two out of three sets, and each set is won by the first player to reach 11 points. In pickleball, if the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one player scores two points in a row. In badminton, if the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one player scores two points ahead.
Equipment
The equipment used in pickleball and badminton is similar, but there are some key differences. In pickleball, players use a wooden or graphite paddle, while in badminton, they use a racquet. The ball used in pickleball is hollow and plastic, while in badminton, it’s a feathered shuttlecock. The net for pickleball is lower than the one used in badminton, and it’s also a bit wider.
Court Size
The court size for pickleball and badminton is also different. In pickleball, the court is 20 ft by 44 ft, while in badminton, it’s 44 ft by 20 ft. The court size affects the way the game is played, since it determines the amount of space available to players.
Conclusion
Pickleball and badminton have many similarities and differences. Both sports involve hitting a ball over a net and into your opponent’s court, but they differ in terms of the equipment used, the court size, and the scoring system. However, they are both fun, fast-paced sports that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.