What is Pickle Tennis and what are the Pickle Tennis Rules?
Pickleball is described as a mash up of tennis, ping pong and badminton. And it is seen as a direct competitor to the sport of tennis. But what happens when you mash up pickleball with tennis? You get a new sport – Pickle Tennis.
Let’s take a look at the pickle tennis rules and why this game is a great evolution of pickleball and tennis.
What is Pickle Tennis?
Pickle Tennis is a new game, that combines both Pickleball and Tennis. This new sport was invented in Sun City, South Carolina by Ron Liikala in the mid-2010’s before Pickleball exploded. Pickle Tennis was designed for players who were unable to play pickleball or tennis.
Pickle Tennis is a very low-impact game. It is played on a pickleball court using a tennis racket with a larger head and smaller handle. And “starter” tennis balls are used as they are larger than regular tennis balls and easier to see and hit.
Liikala is a tournament winning racquetball player. He helps Sun City residents with their tennis games. He came up with the idea of combining pickleball and tennis while teaching other players with joint and health issues. Pickle Tennis is easier to play than pickleball or tennis, with less stress on a players body and joints. This is ideal for any player at any age.
What are the Pickle Tennis Rules
Pickle Tennis is a smaller, slower version of tennis on a pickleball court. It is designed to be low impact for all players with medical or mobility issues. Luckily the rules are simple and can be modified based on player preferences.
The 5 Rules for Pickle Tennis
- Rule 1: Pickle Tennis must be played on a Pickleball Court.
- Rule 2: A Tennis Racket with a shorter handle must be used by the players.
- Rule 3: A “starter” tennis ball is used to play Pickle Tennis.
- Rule 4: Pickleball or Tennis Point systems can be used, whichever is preferred by the players.
- Rule 5: Go Slow and focus on control.
How Pickle Tennis is More Accessible for all Players
Pickle Tennis uses elements of both pickleball and tennis. It is designed for players that can’t play pickleball or tennis. Let’s take a look at the game elements to make Pickle Tennis more accessible for all players.
- Pickle Tennis is played on a Pickleball Court: Pickle Tennis is played on a pickleball court to limit the movement of the player.
- “Starter” tennis balls are used: These “starter” balls are larger than regular tennis balls. They are softer, move slower, bounce higher and are easier to see and hit.
- Smaller Tennis Racket: A stringed racket similar to a tennis racket is used. But it must be smaller than a standard tennis racket, with a shorter grip.
By playing on a smaller court, it prevents players from moving too fast. While the slower ball and shorter racquet will teach the players more control.
In case you missed it, the Bros covered Why Pickleball is easier than Tennis.
Final Thoughts
While Pickleball is a fun and easy game for anyone at any age to pick up, not everyone has the ability to pick the game up. Pickle Tennis is a great way for anyone to get active and get exercise. A slower game for people who are athletically limited is a fantastic idea. It’s not pickleball but it’s pretty close.
Pickle On!
The Aussie Pickleball Bros.
FAQs
Here are a few FAQs on Pickle Tennis
Are Pickle Tennis and Pickleball Different Sports?
Pickle tennis and pickleball are different sports. Players new to Pickleball may describe it as “pickle Tennis” because it can look like a miniature version of tennis. And they are aware of the “pickle” component of the sports name.
The main difference is:
- Pickleball is a mash up of ping pong, tennis and badminton.
- Pickle Tennis merges elements of Pickleball and Tennis.
Can Pickleball be called “Pickle Tennis”?
Technically, you can call Pickleball the incorrect name, “Pickle Tennis”. But you will soon find out that the sport is called Pickleball. And Pickle Tennis is a super niche sport that is not well known worldwide like pickleball.
When was Pickle Tennis Invented?
Pickle Tennis was likely invented around mid 2015 in Sun City, South Carolina by Ron Liikala. The first documented news or article on Pickle Tennis was published in the Bluffton Today on January 16, 2016. The article is still available to read: Sun City resident develops new sport, ‘pickle tennis’