Badminton and pickleball are both racket sports that can be played indoors or outdoors. The two sports share some similarities but also some key differences.
Badminton is typically played with two or four players, while pickleball can be played with two, three, or four players. Both sports use a net, but the size of the court and net vary between the two sports.
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Similarities and differences in courts
The size of the courts for pickleball and badminton are the same. The court for both sports is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. However, the net height for pickleball is 36 inches, while the net size for badminton is 5 feet.
Scoring
Both sports use a scoring system where the first player or team to reach 11 points wins the game. In badminton, players must win by 2 points. In pickleball, players must win by 2 points as well.
The Service
The player must serve from behind the back line and underhand in badminton. The shuttlecock must be hit over the net so it lands in the diagonally opposite service court. In pickleball, the server must stand behind the baseline and serve underhand. The ball must be hit over the net to land on the diagonally opposite service court.
The Serve Return
In badminton, players can return the shuttlecock anywhere on their opponent’s side of the court. In pickleball, the player can only return the ball to their opponents’ baseline area.
The Rally
A rally is when the players hit the ball back and forth over the net. In badminton, the shuttlecock can be shot anywhere on the opponent’s side of the court. The ball must be hit to the onent’s baseline area in pickleball.
Winning The Point
In badminton, a point is scored when:
- The shuttlecock hits the floor inside the boundary lines of your opponent’s court;
- Our opponents hit the shuttlecock out of bounds; or
- Your opponents hit the shuttlecock into their court.
In pickleball, a point is scored when:
- The ball hits the floor inside the boundary lines of your opponent’s court;
- Your opponents hit the ball out of bounds; or
- Your opponents hit the ball into their court.
Similarities and differences in rackets
In both sports, players use rackets to hit a shuttlecock (or “birdie”) back and forth over the net. The shuttlecock is a feathered or plastic projectile that has a weighted base.
The main difference between badminton and pickleball is in the scoring. In badminton, players score points every time they hit the shuttlecock over the net, and their opponents cannot return it. In pickleball, players score points only when their opponents make mistakes.
Similarities and differences in rackets
In both sports, players use rackets to hit a shuttlecock (or “birdie”) back and forth over the net. The shuttlecock is a feathered or plastic projectile that has a weighted base. Badminton rackets are typically made of graphite or other lightweight materials, while pickleball rackets are often made of wood or composite materials.
The shape of the racket head also differs between the two sports. Badminton rackets have a much more oval-shaped head, while pickleball rackets have a more rectangular-shaped authority. The different shape of the racket heads affects the gameplay, as badminton players can generate more power with their swings, while pickleball players have more control over their shots.
The main difference between badminton and pickleball is in the scoring. In badminton, players score points every time they hit the shuttlecock over the net, and their opponents cannot return it. In pickleball, players score points only when their opponents make mistakes.
Is pickleball easier than badminton?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on each individual’s level of athleticism and hand-eye coordination. Badminton requires more stamina and power, while pickleball is more about control and precision. Many people find pickleball easier than badminton as it is less physically demanding, and the smaller court size makes it easier to keep the shuttlecock in play.
What are the basic rules of badminton?
A game of badminton starts with a coin toss. The winning player or team decides which side of the court they would like to start, and the loser gets to serve first. Players can only benefit from a behind-the-back line and must alternate serves after each point.
The shuttlecock must be hit over the net and into their opponent’s half of the court. A point is scored when the opposing player is unable to return the shuttlecock, it hits the ground in their half of the court, or they hit it out of bounds. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game.
What are the basic rules of pickleball?
Pickleball is played with two or four players on a court similar in size to a doubles badminton court. The game starts with a player serving the ball underhand from behind the back line. The ball must bounce before it is hit and must be hit over the net and into the opponent’s court.
Players can only hit the ball once before it must jump and cannot carry or catch it. A point is scored when the opposing player cannot return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or hits it into the court. The first player or team to reach 11 points wins the game.
How is badminton scoring different from pickleball?
In badminton, players score points every time they hit the shuttlecock over the net, and their opponents cannot return it. In pickleball, players score points only when their opponents make mistakes. In pickleball, players can only achieve this when their opponents hit the ball out of bounds, into their court, or fail to return it over the net.
More about the sports: Similarities and differences
Badminton is an Olympic sport. Its first origins are believed to be in Ancient Greece more than 2000 years ago. It popularly spread through Europe, and by 1873, it was being played in India. Badminton arrived in the United States in the 1870s. The first U.S. National Badminton Championship was held in 1937.
Popularity of Badminton
It’s estimated that nearly 220 million people have played badminton! The sport is most prevalent in Asia. It’s an unofficial national game of Indonesia. It’s also popular in China, Malaysia, India, and Korea.
Badminton is often played as a casual outdoor activity in a yard or beach; formal games are played on a rectangular indoor court.
Popularity of pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. It is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. According to the USA Pickleball Association, more than 5 million people play pickleball in the U.S., with over 250,000 new players joining each year.
Benefits of Badminton
- Badminton helps develop physical agility.
- Badminton develops coordination between the eyes and the body.
- Badminton strengthens the arm and leg muscles.
- Badminton helps improve stamina and reflexes.
Benefits of pickleball
Pickleball is a great way to exercise, as it requires running, jumping, and quick movements. The game can be played singles or doubles, making it an excellent activity for all ages and fitness levels. Pickleball is also a low-impact sport, making it easy on the joints. Additionally, pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile activity that can be enjoyed year-round.
Cost of Badminton
The cost of playing badminton will vary depending on the equipment you need and where you play. If you already have a racket, shuttlecock, and a net, then the only cost is the price of admission to your local badminton court. However, if you need to purchase all the equipment, you can expect to spend around $100.
Cost of pickleball
Pickleball is a relatively inexpensive sport to get into. You can purchase all the necessary equipment for around $100. This includes a paddle, balls, and a net. The cost will be even lower if you already have some of this gear (such as tennis rackets). Additionally, many communities offer free or low-cost pickleball clinics and leagues.
Exercise levels
Badminton is a moderate-intensity sport that can provide a good workout. A badminton game will typically last 30 minutes to an hour and can burn up to 450 calories per hour.
Pickleball is a lower-intensity sport than badminton but can still provide a good workout. A pickleball game typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour and can burn up to 300 calories per hour.