Tennis vs. Badminton: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 21, 2023
Tennis is a sport where players hit a ball over a net using rackets, while badminton involves hitting a shuttlecock over a net, also using rackets.
Key Differences
Tennis is played with a felt-covered rubber ball and larger rackets, whereas badminton uses a lighter shuttlecock (or birdie) and rackets with a smaller head and longer handle.
Tennis courts are larger, with a lower net, while badminton courts are smaller with a higher net, reflecting the different dynamics and speed of the games.
Tennis involves a playing style that emphasizes power and endurance, with rules allowing the ball to bounce once before being returned. In badminton, the shuttlecock cannot bounce, leading to a faster-paced game focusing on agility and precision.
Tennis uses a unique scoring system with games, sets, and matches, where players need to win by two clear points in a game. Badminton scoring is typically straightforward, with matches often played to 21 points in a best-of-three format.
While both sports require physical fitness, tennis demands more strength and stamina due to the heavier ball and larger court. Badminton emphasizes speed, reflexes, and strategic shot placement.
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Comparison Chart
Equipment
Larger rackets, heavier ball
Lighter rackets, shuttlecock
Court Size and Net Height
Larger court, lower net
Smaller court, higher net
Playing Style
Power and endurance, ball can bounce
Speed and agility, shuttlecock can't bounce
Scoring System
Games, sets, matches; win by two points in a game
Points to 21, best-of-three format
Physical Demand
Requires strength, stamina
Emphasizes speed, reflexes
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Tennis and Badminton Definitions
Tennis
A racket sport where players hit a ball over a net into the opponent's court.
She trained daily to improve her tennis serve.
Badminton
An indoor or outdoor game where players aim to keep a shuttlecock airborne.
Badminton can be played as singles or doubles.
Tennis
A sport involving two or four players striking a ball with rackets.
He bought new rackets for playing tennis.
Badminton
A sport in which players use rackets to hit a shuttlecock across a net.
They played badminton at the family picnic.
Tennis
A competitive game played on a rectangular court with a net in the middle.
The tennis match drew a large crowd.
Badminton
A fast-paced racket game played on a smaller court than tennis.
Badminton requires quick reflexes.
Tennis
An athletic activity requiring physical stamina and precision.
Tennis is a popular sport at our school.
Badminton
A competitive sport focusing on agility and strategic play.
She excels in badminton due to her agility.
Tennis
A game where points are scored by hitting a ball over a net without it being returned.
Winning at tennis requires both skill and strategy.
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
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
(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
Court tennis.
Badminton
(countable) A cooling summer drink made with claret, sugar, and soda water.
Badminton
A game, similar to lawn tennis, played with shuttlecocks.
Badminton
A preparation of claret, spiced and sweetened.
Badminton
A game played on a court with light long-handled rackets used to volley a shuttlecock over a net
Badminton
A racket sport where the shuttlecock is not allowed to touch the ground.
The badminton tournament was intense and exciting.
FAQs
What equipment is used in tennis?
Tennis uses larger rackets and a felt-covered rubber ball.
What is badminton?
Badminton is a racket sport where players hit a shuttlecock over a net, aiming to land it in the opponent's half of the court.
How is a tennis court different from a badminton court?
A tennis court is larger and has a lower net, while a badminton court is smaller with a higher net.
What equipment is used in badminton?
Badminton uses lighter rackets and a feathered or plastic shuttlecock.
What are the basic rules of tennis?
In tennis, players serve the ball and aim to hit it into the opponent's court without it being returned.
How is the scoring system different in tennis and badminton?
Tennis uses a unique scoring system with games and sets, while badminton typically scores points up to 21 in a best-of-three format.
How long is a typical badminton match?
A typical badminton match usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
What is tennis?
Tennis is a racket sport where players hit a ball over a net, trying to score points against their opponent.
Can tennis be played indoors?
Yes, tennis can be played indoors or outdoors.
What are the basic rules of badminton?
In badminton, players hit the shuttlecock over the net, aiming to land it in the opponent's court without it being returned.
What is the surface of a badminton court?
Badminton courts are usually made of wood or synthetic materials, suitable for indoor play.
What are the health benefits of playing tennis and badminton?
Both sports improve physical fitness, coordination, and mental alertness, with differences in the emphasis on stamina (tennis) and agility (badminton).
Is badminton an Olympic sport?
Yes, badminton has been an Olympic sport since 1992.
What skills are crucial for badminton?
Crucial skills for badminton include speed, agility, and strategic shot placement.
Is doubles play common in both tennis and badminton?
Yes, both sports feature singles and doubles play.
Can beginners easily learn tennis and badminton?
Both sports are beginner-friendly, though they require different skills and techniques.
Which is faster, tennis or badminton?
Badminton is generally considered a faster-paced game due to the lighter shuttlecock and rapid rallies.
Are there professional leagues for both tennis and badminton?
Yes, there are professional leagues and tournaments for both tennis and badminton worldwide.
What skills are important for tennis?
Important skills for tennis include power, endurance, and precision.
How long does a typical tennis match last?
A typical tennis match can last from about an hour to several hours, depending on the level of play.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
