Tennis vs. Badminton — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 14, 2024
Tennis involves a larger court and heavier ball, emphasizing power and endurance; badminton focuses on speed and precision, using a shuttlecock on a smaller court.
Difference Between Tennis and Badminton
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tennis is played on a larger court (78 feet long) with a heavy ball, requiring players to focus on powerful strokes and stamina. Whereas badminton is played on a smaller court (44 feet long) and utilizes a lightweight shuttlecock, demanding quick reflexes and precision.
In tennis, the ball is allowed to bounce once before a return, fostering a variety of playing styles from baseline to volley play. On the other hand, in badminton, the shuttlecock must not touch the ground, leading to a fast-paced game that requires constant alertness and agility.
Tennis rackets are larger and heavier, suited for hitting balls with high energy. In contrast, badminton rackets are lighter and more flexible, designed for speed and controlling the shuttlecock's flight.
Scoring in tennis can continue beyond the standard game if players are tied, requiring a two-point lead to win a game, promoting endurance. However, badminton matches are typically shorter; games are played to 21 points and won by a margin of two, emphasizing speed and tactical play.
Tennis often features longer rallies due to the durability and weight of the tennis ball, which can withstand powerful hits. Meanwhile, badminton rallies are generally shorter but faster, with players needing to anticipate and react swiftly to win points.
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Comparison Chart
Court Size
78 feet long, 27 feet wide.
44 feet long, 20 feet wide.
Ball/Shuttlecock
Heavy, bounces on the court.
Lightweight, must not touch the ground.
Racket Size
Larger and heavier.
Lighter and more flexible.
Game Duration
Longer games, no upper point limit.
Shorter games, points cap at 21.
Play Style
Power and endurance focused.
Speed and precision focused.
Compare with Definitions
Tennis
Involves singles or doubles matches.
They won the doubles tennis match in straight sets.
Badminton
Popular in countries like China and Indonesia.
Badminton is incredibly popular throughout Asia.
Tennis
Played on a rectangular court with a net across the center.
The tennis court was resurfaced for the tournament.
Badminton
A racquet sport played by hitting a shuttlecock across a net.
They played badminton at the park despite the wind.
Tennis
A racquet sport where players hit a felt-covered rubber ball over a net.
He plays tennis every weekend at the club.
Badminton
Requires a court divided into halves by a net.
The badminton net is set at 5 feet 1 inch high.
Tennis
Scoring includes terms like "love," "deuce," and "advantage."
The score is now 40-love.
Badminton
Can be played as singles or doubles.
The badminton doubles team coordinated their movements perfectly.
Tennis
Known for iconic tournaments like Wimbledon.
She dreams of competing at Wimbledon.
Badminton
Points are scored by landing the shuttlecock in the opponent’s court.
He scored a point with a sharp smash.
Tennis
Tennis is a racket sport that can be played individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a tennis racket that is strung with cord to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over or around a net and into the opponent's court.
Badminton
Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. Although it may be played with larger teams, the most common forms of the game are "singles" (with one player per side) and "doubles" (with two players per side).
Tennis
A game played with rackets and a light ball by two players or two pairs of players on a rectangular court divided by a net. The players must hit the ball over the net and into a marked area on the other side for play to continue. Also called lawn tennis.
Badminton
A game with rackets in which a shuttlecock is hit back and forth across a net.
Tennis
Court tennis.
Badminton
A sport played by volleying a shuttlecock back and forth over a high narrow net by means of a light, long-handled racket.
Tennis
(sports) A sport played by two players (or four in doubles), who alternately strike the ball over a net using racquets.
Badminton
(uncountable) A racquet sport played indoors on a court by two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs of players (doubles), in which a shuttlecock is volleyed over a net and the competitions are presided by an umpire in British English and a referee in American English.
Tennis
(dated) A match in this sport.
Badminton
(countable) A cooling summer drink made with claret, sugar, and soda water.
Tennis
(obsolete) An earlier game in which a ball is driven to and fro, or kept in motion by striking it with a racquet or with the open hand.
Badminton
A game, similar to lawn tennis, played with shuttlecocks.
Tennis
To play tennis.
Badminton
A preparation of claret, spiced and sweetened.
Tennis
(transitive) To drive backward and forward like a tennis ball.
Badminton
A game played on a court with light long-handled rackets used to volley a shuttlecock over a net
Tennis
A play in which a ball is driven to and fro, or kept in motion by striking it with a racket or with the open hand.
His easy bow, his good stories, his style of dancing and playing tennis, . . . were familiar to all London.
Tennis
To drive backward and forward, as a ball in playing tennis.
Tennis
A game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court
Common Curiosities
How do the physical demands of tennis compare to badminton?
Tennis generally demands more endurance and strength due to the larger court and heavier ball, while badminton requires quicker reflexes and speed.
What is the ideal age to start learning tennis or badminton?
Both sports can be started at a young age, often around 5-6 years old, to develop skills early.
What equipment is essential for playing tennis?
Essential tennis equipment includes a tennis racket, balls, proper shoes, and comfortable clothing.
What skills are important for badminton players?
Important skills include agility, reflexes, precision, and tactical thinking.
What type of surface is best for playing tennis?
Tennis can be played on various surfaces including clay, grass, and hard courts, each affecting the game's speed and style.
How is badminton scoring different from tennis?
Badminton games are scored to 21 points with rally scoring, where every serve can score, unlike tennis which uses a series of points, games, and sets.
Can tennis be played indoors like badminton?
Yes, tennis can be played on indoor courts, similar to badminton, although it is more commonly played outdoors.
Is doubles play in badminton similar to tennis?
Yes, both sports have doubles play that requires coordination and teamwork, although the strategies and court coverage differ.
How long does a typical badminton match last compared to a tennis match?
A typical badminton match is shorter, often lasting 30-60 minutes, while tennis matches can last from an hour to several hours.
Do tennis players require different skills for different types of courts?
Yes, skills such as adapting strokes and game strategy vary between clay, grass, and hard courts.
Are there any specific strategies unique to badminton?
Unique badminton strategies involve mastering shuttlecock placement, deceptive shots, and quick changes in attack and defense.
Can badminton be a physically demanding sport?
Yes, badminton is physically demanding, requiring intense bursts of speed, agility, and cardiovascular endurance.
What is the highest governing body for tennis?
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the highest governing body for tennis globally.
How do weather conditions affect tennis games?
Weather, especially wind and rain, can significantly affect outdoor tennis games, altering the ball’s trajectory and play conditions.
How important is equipment quality in badminton?
High-quality rackets and shuttlecocks can significantly enhance performance and game quality in badminton.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
