Pickleball and badminton are two popular racquet sports enjoyed by many people around the world. Though they are both racquet sports, they differ in many ways. From the equipment used to the court size and the rules of play, these two sports have some distinct differences.
Equipment
One of the main differences between pickleball and badminton is the equipment used.
Pickleball: The pickleball racquet is made of graphite or composite materials, and is larger than a badminton racquet. The pickleball is a hollow, plastic perforated ball, slightly larger and heavier than a whiffle ball.
Badminton: Badminton racquets are made of light metal or graphite and are smaller than pickleball racquets. The badminton shuttlecock is a feathered or plastic projectile that is much lighter than a pickleball.
Court Size
The court size is another key difference between pickleball and badminton.
Pickleball: Pickleball courts are typically 20 feet by 44 feet, with a 7-foot non-volley zone at each end.
Badminton: Badminton courts are usually 44 feet by 20 feet, with a short service line at each end.
Rules of Play
The rules of play are also different between pickleball and badminton.
Pickleball: Pickleball is played with two or four players. Players must hit the ball over a net, which is typically set to a height of 34 inches at the center and 36 inches at the sidelines. The ball can be served from anywhere behind the no-volley zone. Points are scored when a player fails to return the ball or hits the ball out of bounds.
Badminton: Badminton is played with two or four players. Players must hit the shuttlecock over a net, which is typically set to a height of 5 feet at the center and 5 feet at the sides. The shuttlecock can only be served from the right side of the court. Points are scored when a player fails to return the shuttlecock or hits the shuttlecock out of bounds.
Scoring System
The scoring systems for pickleball and badminton are also different.
Pickleball: Pickleball is usually played to 11 points, and points are scored when a player fails to return the ball or hits the ball out of bounds.
Badminton: Badminton is usually played to 21 points, and points are scored when a player fails to return the shuttlecock or hits the shuttlecock out of bounds.
Conclusion
Though pickleball and badminton are both racquet sports, they differ in many ways. From the equipment used to the court size and the rules of play, these two sports have some distinct differences. Pickleball is played with a larger racquet and a hollow plastic ball, and is usually played to 11 points. Badminton is played with a smaller racquet and a shuttlecock, and is usually played to 21 points. Whether you’re a pickleball or badminton enthusiast, these two sports are sure to provide hours of fun and competition.