What is the Difference Between Tennis and Badminton?

Tennis and badminton are both racket sports with similarities, but they also have several key differences. Some of the main differences between the two sports include:

1. Court size: Tennis courts are larger than badminton courts, with singles and doubles court sizes being 260 feet x 135 feet and 260 feet x 108 feet, respectively. In contrast, badminton courts are smaller, with dimensions of 44 feet x 22 feet for both singles and doubles.
2. Net height: Tennis nets are 36 inches tall, while badminton nets are lower, with a height of 5 feet.
3. Equipment: Tennis uses a racket with strings and a softer felt ball, while badminton uses a racket with a built-in net and a shuttlecock. The weight of the rackets for the two sports is also different, with badminton rackets usually weighing less than 100 grams.
4. Gameplay: Tennis games are longer, with rallies often lasting several minutes, making it more like a marathon compared to badminton's quick and fast-paced gameplay. Badminton matches are typically the best of three games, with each game played until one player scores 21 points.
5. score and tiebreaks: In tennis, points are scored using a 15, 30, 40, 40, and game system, with tiebreaks used if the game is tied at 6-6. In badminton, a numerical scoring system is used (1, 2, 3, etc.), and the game continues until a winner has a 2-point margin or reaches 29 points, in which case another round is played.
6. Footwork: Good footwork is essential for both sports, but the specific footwork requirements for badminton and tennis differ. Badminton players need to be able to change direction quickly and make short, sharp movements, while tennis players require more endurance for longer rallies.
7. Scoring: Tennis scoring is based on the number of games won, while badminton scoring is based on the number of points earned in a match.

In summary, while tennis and badminton share some similarities, they have distinct differences in court size, equipment, scoring, gameplay, and footwork requirements.

Comparative Table: Tennis vs Badminton

Here is a table comparing the differences between tennis and badminton:

Both tennis and badminton are racket sports, but they differ in several aspects. Tennis uses a larger court with a higher net and a hard felt ball, while badminton has a smaller court with a lower net and uses a shuttlecock. The scoring systems are distinct, with tennis using a Love, 15, 30, 40, game format, and badminton using a Love, 1, 2, 3 format. Tennis requires more running and hitting with topspin and slice, while badminton demands agility, speed, and wrist action. Tennis courts are less common in public spaces, whereas badminton courts are more accessible and easier to find.