Do tennis players have an advantage on the pickleball courts?
Although anyone can play and succeed in pickleball, regardless of their athletic background, individuals with experience in racket sports often exhibit accelerated proficiency.
Notably, newcomers with a high-level tennis background frequently make impressive debuts on the professional pickleball scene. For example, Jack Sock a former professional tennis player is a mainstay on the PPA Tour.
So yes, it can be an advantage.
Key considerations for tennis players choosing a pickleball paddle
Players transitioning from tennis should look for pickleball paddles that mimic the feel and performance of a tennis racket to leverage their existing skills.
Optimal paddles for tennis players generally feature:
1) Longer handle for a familiar grip, which is especially useful for two-handed backhands
2) High spin capability to utilize topspin and backspin in shots
3) Heavier weight for a feel similar to tennis rackets
4) Elongated shape to mimic the racket's sweet spot
For tennis players transitioning to pickleball, consider paddles such as the Selkirk Boomstik, Selkirk Omni, and the Selkirk ERA Power.
Advantages of a long-handled paddle
A longer handle on a pickleball paddle offers extra space for your non-dominant hand, which is essential for players who prefer a two-handed backhand.
About 80% of tennis players use a two-handed backhand when transitioning to pickleball because it gives them more power and increased stability.
On average, pickleball paddle handles range from 4-6 inches. A paddle that features a handle measuring 5.25 inches or longer is considered "long-handled."
The importance of spin in pickleball
Tennis players often learn to strike the ball in a way that generates spin, a practice that easily translates to pickleball. This practice is elevated when combined with a paddle that optimizes spin.
Several Selkirk Sport pickleball paddles, such as the Selkirk Boomstik and Omni feature a long-lasting spin surface, allowing players to maintain consistent control and shape their shots effectively.
It is not uncommon for new players to put too much focus on spin, so don’t overdo it if you are just starting out.
But when you become more comfortable striking the ball, spin adds to your shot selection and allows you to be more aggressive. You can put topspin, backspin, and even side spin on the ball to make your shots more difficult for your opponents to handle.
As the game evolves, aggressive playing styles are becoming more common. To stay competitive, it is important to be comfortable using power and spin to control the court.
Why should a tennis player use a heavier pickleball paddle?
A pickleball paddle is obviously going to be lighter than a tennis racket. A heavier paddle can simulate the weight and feel of a tennis racket, allowing consistent and controlled groundstrokes.
A typical tennis racket weighs 10.6 ounces, while the average pickleball paddle weighs 7.8 ounces. However, several Selkirk paddles weigh up to 9.0 ounces, which gives tennis players a more familiar option.
Heavier paddles allow players to generate more power. And if you still feel 9.0 ounces is too light, you can reach your desired weight with the addition of lead tape.
Benefits of an elongated paddle
If the goal is to find a pickleball paddle that closely resembles a tennis racket, the elongated shape is the best option. An elongated paddle has a longer face, which plays similarly to a tennis racquet because of the higher sweet spot.
But what is an elongated paddle?
Elongated paddles increase the length of the paddle face, which requires you to decrease the width to stay within the total surface area allowed by the USAPA rule book. This creates a slimmer paddle face than a “traditional” or “classic” paddle, but it increases your reach.
Recommended pickleball paddles for tennis players
There isn’t one definitive answer to this question, but these paddles offer the features discussed above to help you translate your tennis skills to the pickleball court.
1. Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik | Elongated
- Elongated 16.5" shape offered
- 5.8" handle with room for two-handed backhands
- 118 swing weight
- 10/10 Selkirk power rating
- 10/10 Selkirk spin rating
- intermediate-to-advanced positioning
- higher plow-through
2. Selkirk Omni | Elongated
- Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Average weight: 7.9-8.2 oz
- Handle length: 5.8”
- Average swing weight (as sold): 118 +/- 2
- Average twist weight (as sold): 6.9 +/- 0.2
- Paddle length: 16.5”
- Core material: PureFoam™
- Sweet spot size: 9
3. SLK ERA Power | Elongated
- Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Average weight: 7.9- 8.4 oz
- Handle length: 5.8”
- Average swing weight: 118
- Average twist weight: 6.6
- Paddle height: 16.5”
- Core material: Polypropylene surrounded by EVA Foam
- Sweet spot size: 8.5
Selkirk Sport provides a range of paddles designed for different playing styles. Use our paddle comparison tool to find the best paddle for you, whether you're looking for power, control, or spin.
