Tennis vs. Volleyball — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Tennis is typically played between two or four players using rackets and a tennis ball on a rectangular court, whereas volleyball involves teams of six using their hands to hit a ball over a net.
Difference Between Tennis and Volleyball
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tennis is played on a rectangular court divided by a low net, with players using rackets to hit a tennis ball back and forth; on the other hand, volleyball is played on a larger court split by a higher net, with players using their hands or arms to keep the ball in play.
In tennis, the objective is to hit the ball into the opponent's court in such a way that they cannot return it; in contrast, volleyball players aim to prevent the ball from touching their side of the court by keeping it airborne and trying to make it land in the opponent's court.
Tennis matches are scored based on a sequence of points, games, and sets, whereas volleyball uses a simpler point system where each successful play results in a point, aiming to reach a set score to win a game.
Tennis requires a high level of individual skill, especially in singles play, emphasizing precision, agility, and stamina, while volleyball is a team sport that focuses on coordination, teamwork, and strategic placement of the ball.
Tennis has a global following with major tournaments known as Grand Slams, drawing individual star power; volleyball also enjoys global popularity but highlights national teams, especially during events like the Olympic Games and World Championships.
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Comparison Chart
Court Shape
Rectangular, divided by a low net
Rectangular, divided by a higher net
Equipment
Rackets and tennis ball
Volleyball (ball)
Team Size
Singles or doubles (1-2 players per side)
Six players per side
Objective
Score points by landing the ball in the opponent's court
Keep the ball airborne, score by landing it in opponent’s court
Scoring System
Points lead to games, then sets
Points accumulated per successful rally
Focus
Individual skills in singles, teamwork in doubles
Team coordination and strategic play
Compare with Definitions
Tennis
Played on grass, clay, or hard court surfaces.
Tennis on clay courts requires a different strategy than on hard courts.
Volleyball
Played indoors or on the beach (beach volleyball).
Beach volleyball is played on sand and involves teams of two.
Tennis
A racket sport played individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles).
She trains for three hours a day to improve her tennis skills.
Volleyball
Points are scored each time the ball hits the ground in the opposing team’s court.
Quick reflexes are crucial for scoring in volleyball.
Tennis
Associated with major global tournaments.
She dreams of competing in the tennis Grand Slams.
Volleyball
A team sport where six players on each side of a net try to hit a ball over the net and to the ground on the opponent’s side.
Their volleyball team won the championship last year.
Tennis
Points are scored when the opponent fails to return the ball within the court boundaries.
He won the last set of the tennis match with an ace.
Volleyball
Emphasizes teamwork and strategic placement of the ball.
Volleyball requires excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Tennis
Involves hitting a ball over a net into the opponent’s court.
Winning in tennis requires both power and precision.
Volleyball
Featured prominently in international competitions like the Olympics.
The volleyball world championships attract teams from around the globe.
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.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.
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.
Volleyball
A game for two teams, usually of six players, in which a large ball is hit by hand over a high net, the aim being to score points by making the ball reach the ground on the opponent's side of the court.
Tennis
Court tennis.
Volleyball
A game played by two teams on a rectangular court divided by a high net, in which each team, using up to three hits per effort to return the ball, tries to drive the ball over the net onto the ground on the opposing team's side.
Tennis
(sports) A sport played by two players (or four in doubles), who alternately strike the ball over a net using racquets.
Volleyball
The inflated, spherical ball used in this game.
Tennis
(dated) A match in this sport.
Volleyball
(uncountable) A game played on a rectangular court between two teams of two to six players which involves striking a ball back and forth over a net.
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.
Volleyball
(countable) The inflated ball used in such a game.
Tennis
To play tennis.
Volleyball
A game in which two teams hit an inflated ball over a high net using their hands
Tennis
(transitive) To drive backward and forward like a tennis ball.
Volleyball
An inflated ball used in playing volleyball
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
What are key skills for volleyball?
Teamwork, strategic positioning, and reflexes are key in volleyball.
Can tennis and volleyball be played as team sports?
Tennis can be played in doubles, and volleyball is inherently a team sport.
What skills are essential for tennis?
Precision, agility, and tactical play are crucial in tennis.
Where are tennis and volleyball typically played?
Tennis is played on grass, clay, or hard courts; volleyball is played on indoor courts or on sand (beach volleyball).
What is the primary equipment used in tennis and volleyball?
Tennis uses rackets and tennis balls; volleyball uses a volleyball.
How do the roles of individual players differ in tennis and volleyball?
Tennis focuses on individual performance in singles and coordination in doubles; volleyball emphasizes coordinated team effort.
How does scoring differ between tennis and volleyball?
Tennis has a complex system of points, games, and sets; volleyball scores are simpler, based on points per rally.
What are some major tournaments for tennis and volleyball?
Major tennis tournaments include the Grand Slams; major volleyball events include the Olympic Games and the FIVB World Championships.
How does the net height differ in tennis and volleyball?
The tennis net is lower compared to the volleyball net.
What are the cultural significances of tennis and volleyball?
Tennis is known for its individual star power and prestigious tournaments; volleyball is celebrated for its team spirit and dynamic play in global competitions.
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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.
Co-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.
