Tennis vs Badminton: Key differences explained

Source: senivpetro on Freepik and Freepik

Tennis and badminton, they both involve rackets, a net, and a lot of running around, so it’s easy to see why people often compare them. But once you actually play both, you’ll realize they’re worlds apart. Sure, they’re both fast-paced and competitive, but everything from the court size to the way you score points is different.

You’ve probably seen tennis matches on TV with powerful serves and long rallies, or maybe you’ve watched a lightning-fast badminton game where the shuttlecock moves so fast you almost miss it. So which one is tougher? Which burns more calories? Which one should you try if you're new to racket sports?

In this article, we’re breaking down the key differences between tennis and badminton, from the equipment and court layout to the scoring system and physical demands. Whether you're curious about picking up a new sport or just trying to settle a friendly debate, this guide will give you a clear picture of how these two popular sports compare. Let’s get into it!

1. Equipment differences (rackets, balls vs shuttlecocks)

Let’s start with what you hold in your hand—the racket. At first glance, tennis and badminton rackets might look similar, but they’re built for very different games.

• Tennis racket:
• 
  
• Heavier with a thicker frame and larger grip
• Designed to absorb the force of hitting a heavy ball
• Prioritizes power and durability
• 
  
• Badminton racket:
• 
  
• Much lighter and more flexible
• Allows for quick swings and fast reactions
• Built for control, precision, and speed
• 
  

Next, what you hit during the game.

• Tennis ball:
• 
  
• Made of rubber and covered in felt
• Pressurized for bounce
• Can reach speeds over 100 mph
• Best suited for hard court surfaces
• 
  
• Badminton shuttlecock:
• 
  
• Made of feathers or nylon with a cork base
• Lightweight and aerodynamic
• Doesn’t bounce—floats and drops sharply
• Designed for indoor play (wind easily affects flight)
• 
  

The Conclusion:

• Tennis equipment is made to handle raw power and high-impact play.
• Badminton gear is all about speed, agility, and sharp reflexes.
• 
  

Each sport’s tools are tailored to its tempo, and once you try both, the contrast becomes crystal clear.

2. Court Size and Surface Comparison

At first glance, tennis and badminton courts kinda look alike, both have nets, lines, and that classic rectangle shape. But once you step onto the court, the differences become super clear.

Size

• Tennis courts are huge.
• 
  
• A full doubles court is 23.77 meters long and 10.97 meters wide.
• For singles, it’s a bit narrower at 8.23 meters.
• That’s a lot of ground to cover, which is why tennis players are always on the move.
• 
  
• Badminton courts are much smaller, about half the size, actually.
• 
  
• A doubles court is 13.4 meters long and 6.1 meters wide.
• Singles courts shrink just a bit more in width.
• This tighter space means the action happens fast and footwork needs to be super sharp.
• 
  

What About the Surface?

• Tennis gives you a few options:
• 
  
• Hard courts – the most common; consistent and decently fast.
• Clay courts – slower and more tiring, but great for long rallies.
• Grass courts – fast, slippery, and unpredictable (yep, just like Wimbledon).
• 
  
• Badminton is strictly an indoor sport.
• 
  
• Courts are usually wooden with synthetic mats or sometimes porous asphalt.
• It’s all about grip and quick movement. And because the shuttlecock is so light, playing outdoors just isn’t practical—wind would send it flying all over the place.
• 
  

The Lines Are Kinda Similar

• Both courts have:
• 
  
• Tramlines on the sides (used to mark singles and doubles play)
• A baseline at the back
• And service boxes in the front where you aim your serve
• 
  

3. Net height and setup

Now let’s talk about the one thing that literally stands between the players, the net. While both tennis and badminton use a net to divide the court, the height, setup, and how the net affects gameplay are quite different.

Net Height

• Badminton net:
• 
  
• Sits higher at 1.55 meters (around chest height for most adults).
• Since the shuttlecock doesn’t bounce, it needs to clear the net with precision.
• The higher net rewards delicate control and quick reactions—especially for shots like smashes, drop shots, and net kills.
• 
  
• Tennis net:
• 
  
• Lower in comparison, 1.07 meters high at the posts and 0.914 meters in the middle.
• That dip in the middle makes it easier to hit powerful, low shots across the court.
• The ball is allowed to bounce, so clearing the net isn’t as tricky as it is in badminton, but accuracy still matters.
• 
  

Net Setup

• In badminton, the net stretches across the entire width of the court and stays taut with clear visibility of the top tape. It’s crucial for fast-paced rallies and close-range play.
• 
  
• In tennis, the net is held up by two sturdy posts and a central strap to keep the middle low. You’ll often see players using that lower center to their advantage during serves and baseline rallies.
• 
  

5. Scoring System Differences

Tennis and badminton might both reward you for hitting winning shots—but how you rack up those points? That’s a whole different story.

Tennis Scoring

Tennis uses a unique and slightly quirky scoring system:

• A game is scored as 15 – 30 – 40 – game (instead of counting 1, 2, 3, 4).
• 
  
• If both players reach 40, that’s called “deuce.” From there, you have to win two points in a row to take the game.
• 
  
• Six games make a set, and to win a set, you need to lead by at least two games.
• 
  
• Most matches are best of three sets (or five in major men’s tournaments).
• 
  

It might take a minute to get used to the tennis lingo, but once you play a few matches, it starts to click.

Badminton Scoring

Badminton keeps things a bit more straightforward:

• Each game is played to 21 points.
• 
  
• You must win by two clear points—but if the score hits 29–29, the first to 30 wins.
• 
  
• Matches are usually played as best of three games.
• 
  
• Here’s a key twist: every rally counts, no matter who served—points are scored on every play.
• 
  

This “rally scoring” makes the pace feel faster, and games can swing in momentum really quickly.

Tennis scores feel more like mini battles within a bigger war—each point leads to a game, each game to a set. Badminton, on the other hand, rewards every single rally with a point, so the scoreboard moves constantly. Both systems add drama in their own way—you just need to decide which style excites you more.e

6.  Game Pace and Playing Style

Tennis and badminton may both involve rackets and a net, but when it comes to how the games are played, they feel completely different.

🏸 Badminton: Lightning-Fast and Reaction-Based

• Badminton is all about speed. The shuttlecock can travel over 300 km/h during a smash, but it slows down quickly, forcing players to react in split seconds.
• 
  
• Because of the smaller court, the game is played at a high tempo with quick bursts of movement—lunges, jumps, and fast pivots are constant.
• 
  
• Rallies tend to be short but explosive, requiring sharp reflexes, rapid footwork, and precision.
• 
  
• Players often use deceptive shots like flicks, drops, and feints to throw their opponents off balance.
• 
  

🎾 Tennis: Powerful and Strategic

• Tennis has a slower pace, but it demands more endurance. The larger court means longer rallies and more ground to cover.
• 
  
• Players rely on power, spin, and placement to control the rally. You’ll see big serves, heavy forehands, and smart shot construction.
• 
  
• There’s more time between each shot, giving players room to plan and execute tactical plays.
• 
  
• The bounce of the ball adds another layer, requiring consistent footwork and timing adjustments.
• 
  

The takeaway?

• Badminton is fast, reactive, and intense in short bursts.
• 
  
• Tennis is slower in rhythm but physically tougher over longer periods, with more emphasis on power and strategy.
• 
  

Each sport tests different skills, and the playing style you enjoy most will depend on whether you prefer quick reactions or long, tactical exchanges.

7. Singles vs doubles formats

Both tennis and badminton can be played in singles or doubles, but the dynamics shift quite a bit depending on the format—and from sport to sport.

🧍 Singles: One-on-One Battles

• In singles, it's just you against your opponent. This format tests your individual skill, stamina, and strategy.
• 
  
• You have to cover the entire court yourself, which means constant movement and smart shot placement are key.
• 
  
• In tennis, singles matches often involve long baseline rallies and strategic use of angles.
• 
  
• In badminton, singles is more about controlling the shuttle with a mix of clears, drops, and fast smashes to move your opponent around.
• 
  

👯 Doubles: Teamwork and Coordination

• Doubles adds another layer: teamwork. Two players work together on each side of the court.
• 
  
• The court also expands in width (using the outer tramlines), so communication and court coverage become essential.
• 
  
• In tennis, doubles is faster-paced at the net, with quick volleys and aggressive positioning.
• 
  
• In badminton, the pace is even faster, with rapid-fire exchanges and specialized roles—usually one player focuses on the front (net play), while the other holds the backcourt (smashes and clears).
• 
  

So what’s the difference?

• Singles puts the spotlight on your all-around game and endurance.
• 
  
• Doubles is about sharp coordination, quick reflexes, and trust in your partner.
• 
  

Both formats are exciting and challenging in their own way. Your choice might come down to how much you enjoy flying solo versus working as part of a team.

7. Physical demands and fitness requirements

Tennis and badminton are both intense full-body workouts—but the way they challenge your body isn’t quite the same.

💪 Tennis: Endurance, Strength, and Power

• Tennis matches can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, especially in tournaments, so cardiovascular endurance is a must.
• 
  
• Players need explosive power for serves and groundstrokes, along with core strength for balance and stability.
• 
  
• The large court means a lot of sprinting, sliding, and sudden stops, which puts stress on the legs and joints.
• 
  
• Recovery between points is longer, but rallies can be physically demanding—especially on slower surfaces like clay.
• 
  

⚡ Badminton: Speed, Agility, and Quick Reflexes

• Badminton is a game of short, high-intensity bursts. Rallies are fast and footwork is constant, even though matches are typically shorter.
• 
  
• It requires sharp reflexes, excellent coordination, and quick recovery between points.
• 
  
• The shuttlecock can change direction rapidly, so players are always on their toes—literally.
• 
  
• Leg strength and ankle mobility are especially important due to all the lunges, jumps, and quick direction changes.
• 
  

In short:

• Tennis challenges your strength and stamina over longer durations.
• 
  
• Badminton pushes your speed, agility, and reaction time in a smaller space.
• 
  

Both sports demand serious fitness—just in different forms. If you enjoy long, grinding matches, tennis may suit you. If you thrive on speed and explosiveness, badminton might be your game.

7. Cost and accessibility

Tennis and badminton are both intense full-body workouts—but the way they challenge your body isn’t quite the same.When it comes to picking up a new sport, cost and accessibility can make a big difference. Both tennis and badminton can be affordable or expensive—depending on how deep you go—but here’s a general breakdown of what to expect.

💸 Equipment Costs

• Badminton tends to be the more budget-friendly option.
• 
  
• A decent beginner racket can cost $20–$50, and shuttlecocks (especially plastic ones) are inexpensive and come in packs.
• 
  
• You’ll also need indoor court shoes, but they’re usually lighter and cheaper than tennis shoes.
• 
  
• Tennis gear costs a bit more.
• 
  
• Entry-level rackets start around $50–$100, but prices go much higher for advanced models.
• 
  
• Tennis balls wear out quickly, especially on hard courts, so regular replacements are part of the game.
• 
  
• Shoes are designed for durability and surface-specific play, which can make them pricier.
• 
  

🏟️ Court Availability

• Badminton courts are usually indoor, and they tend to be more common in community centers, schools, and sports halls—especially in countries where badminton is popular.
• 
  
• Tennis courts are available both indoors and outdoors, often found in parks, clubs, or private facilities. Some are free to use, but others may require bookings or memberships.
• 
  

🌍 Accessibility for Beginners

• Badminton is easier to pick up casually—it’s lightweight, doesn’t require a huge space, and you can even play recreationally in your backyard or driveway.
• 
  
• Tennis requires more space and a proper court to play safely and effectively, which can make it slightly less accessible for beginners or those in urban areas.

Which sport is right for you?

So—tennis or badminton? The answer really depends on what you enjoy, and what kind of challenge you’re looking for.

If you love fast reflexes, quick bursts of action, and high-energy rallies in a compact space, badminton might be your thing. It’s affordable, accessible, and great for improving agility and coordination. Plus, it’s easier to get started casually without needing a huge space.

On the other hand, if you’re drawn to powerful shots, strategic point-building, and covering lots of ground, tennis offers a more physically demanding experience with longer rallies and more emphasis on endurance. It’s perfect if you enjoy outdoor sports and don’t mind investing in gear and court time.

Both sports offer excellent cardio, competitive fun, and lifelong benefits. The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. Try both—see which one fits your pace, your style, and your goals. You might be surprised by which one wins you over.