Difference Between Pickleball And Badminton

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Pickleball is one of the games I want to play besides my favorite game, badminton. Pickleball and badminton are both popular court sports that involve hitting an object over a net, but they have significant differences in equipment, rules, and playing style. While badminton has a long history and is widely played across the world, pickleball is a relatively newer sport that has gained rapid popularity.

But what is the difference between pickleball and badminton? Do the two have any other differences besides the equipment used? So now let's see what the difference is.
Difference Between Pickleball and Badminton1. Equipment
One of the major differences between pickleball and badminton is the equipment used. Pickleball is played with a solid paddle made of wood or composite materials, and a plastic ball with holes similar to a wiffle ball. The ball is lightweight, durable, and designed for a controlled, slower-paced game.

Badminton, on the other hand, is played with a stringed racquet that resembles a tennis racquet but is much lighter. Instead of a ball, players hit a shuttlecock, which has a conical shape with a rubber base and feathers or plastic skirt. The shuttlecock is designed to be highly aerodynamic, allowing it to travel at fast speeds but also decelerate quickly in the air.

2. Court and Net Differences
Although the courts for both sports are similar in size, there are notable differences in net height and dimensions.
Pickleball court: 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a net height of 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches in the center.
Badminton court: 20 feet wide and 44 feet long (for doubles) or 17 feet wide for singles, with a net height of 5 feet at the center.
Another key difference is the non-volley zone in pickleball, which is a 7-foot area near the net where players cannot hit volleys. Badminton does not have this restriction.
3. Playing Style and Pace
The style and pace of each game are distinct. Pickleball is often slower than badminton due to the plastic ball's limited speed and bounce. Players use a combination of groundstrokes, volleys, and strategic placement to win points. Since the ball doesn’t travel as fast, the game relies more on positioning and precision than sheer power.
Badminton is much faster-paced because of the shuttlecock’s ability to move quickly through the air. Smashes can reach speeds of over 200 mph, making reaction time crucial. Players use a variety of shots, including clears, drops, smashes, and net shots, requiring agility, quick reflexes, and endurance.
4. Scoring System
Last week I watched my friend play pickleball and I asked her how to count points. So he told me a little bit about it.
Pickleball: Typically played to 11 points (win by 2), and only the serving team can score. Some competitive formats use 15 or 21 points.
Badminton: Usually played to 21 points (win by 2), and either player or team can score on every rally (rally scoring system).

These are some of the differences between these two games. But the important thing is that both can make you sweat and are good to be a favorite sport because they can be a healthy lifestyle. And I personally see this sport becoming a choice because there are places to play in many places and it is always in demand by many.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s book pickleball or badminton court in Malaysia now.
Conclusion
While both sports are fun, social, and great for fitness, they cater to different playing styles. Pickleball is more accessible and slower-paced, making it great for beginners, whereas badminton is a faster, high-intensity game requiring speed and quick reflexes. Depending on your preference, both sports offer exciting gameplay and health benefits!

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