With so many pickleball players transitioning from tennis, it’s no surprise that a lot of people use the term “pickleball racquet” or “pickleball racket” to describe a pickleball paddle. So, why isn’t it called a pickleball racquet?
What is the difference between a pickleball racket/racquet and a pickleball paddle?
A racket or racquet has traditionally been used for tennis or badminton, and is a different tool than a paddle. A tennis racket has a round frame attached to a handle, with a network of strings attached. A pickleball paddle is made up of a handle attached to a core and two faces, as well as an edge guard in many cases. Pickleball paddles usually have less of a round shape than a tennis racquet or badminton racket.
Pickleball paddles are also made of a variety of materials. Learn more about paddle components here.
Pickleball paddle history
Because pickleball was created as a combination of many sports — including tennis, badminton, volleyball, and more — pickleball paddles were called pickleball racquets in the early days of the sport. But as it evolved into its own sport and gained popularity, the paddles became their own creation, earning the respect for their own name.
Pickleball paddle vs. racquet sizing
Both pickleball paddles and tennis racquets have very specific sizing they have to adhere to, as well as decades (or in tennis’ case, centuries) of time to refine the perfect size and shape.
Pickleball paddle dimensions:
Pickleball paddle dimensions (USA Pickleball Rule 2.E.3): A pickleball paddle’s combined length and width (including edge guard and butt cap) cannot exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm), and the paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm).
There is no restriction on paddle thickness or weight.
Learn more about pickleball paddle standards here.
Tennis racquet dimensions:
Tennis racquet dimensions (ITF Rule): A tennis racket should not have a length greater than 29 inches (73.66 cm), should not be wider than 12.5 inches (31.75 cm), and its hitting surface (strings) should not be more than 15.5 inches (39.37 cm) long and 11.5 inches (29.21 cm) wide.
Learn more about tennis racquet dimensions here.
Badminton rackets also have their own size regulations.
Why you shouldn’t call it a pickleball racquet
New players to pickleball, especially those who have played tennis, tend to use the term pickleball racquet, at least when they are learning. There is nothing wrong with it! Everyone will know what you are talking about — but, you should know it gives you away as a beginner player.
As you start playing more and more, you will see that in the pickleball world, there is no such thing as a pickleball racquet. Tennis equipment and pickleball equipment and badminton equipment are tailored for their specific sports, and they have become very different from each other over the years.
In the end, it doesn’t matter what you call your pickleball paddle. But if you are serious about learning the sport of pickleball, pickleball paddle is the official term to call your racket/racquet/paddle.
