Among the many sports, tennis and badminton are both popular small-ball sports that possess their own unique charms and characteristics. Today, we will explore the difference between tennis and badminton.

First, the site size and environmental requirements

Tennis courts are usually large, a standard tennis court covers an area of about 670 square meters. The courts are divided into singles and doubles, with the singles court being 8.23 meters wide and 23.77 meters long, and the doubles court being 10.97 meters wide and 23.77 meters long. Moreover, tennis courts are generally of different types, such as hard surface, red soil and grass, which require high level and hardness.

In comparison, a badminton court is much smaller, with a standard badminton court measuring about 81.74 sq m. The area of a badminton court is usually rectangular. A badminton court is usually rectangular in shape, measuring 13.4 meters in length and 6.1 meters in width. Badminton court ground can be wooden floor, plastic and other materials, the requirements of the site is relatively more flexible.
Second, the difference in equipment

Racket

Tennis rackets are generally larger and heavier, with a length of 68.58 centimeters and a relatively large surface area. Tennis rackets are made of a variety of materials, including carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, etc., with prices ranging from several dozen to several thousand dollars.

Badminton rackets, on the other hand, are lighter, usually around 66 centimeters in length, and have a smaller racket surface. Badminton rackets are made of carbon fiber, titanium alloy and other materials, and the price range is also relatively wide.

Balls

A tennis ball is a rubber ball with a plush exterior, measuring approximately 6.54-6.86 cm in diameter and weighing between 56.7-58.5 grams. Tennis balls are more elastic and faster and require more power to hit a high quality ball.

Badminton balls are made of natural feathers or synthetic materials with cork or synthetic heads. The diameter of a badminton ball is about 58-68 millimeters and its weight is between 4.74-5.5 grams. Badminton is very light and fast, and requires more skill and precision in hitting the ball.
Rules and Play

Scoring Method

Tennis matches are played on a handicap system. A set usually consists of 6 games, and the first player to win 6 games with a net victory of 2 games over the opponent wins the match. If the match is tied at 6:6, a “best-of-seven” tie-break is required. In a match, the first player to win two sets usually wins.

Badminton is played on a point-per-ball, 21-point system. The first player to score 21 points and be at least 2 points ahead of their opponent wins the match. If the match is tied at 29, the first player to score 30 points wins.

Pace of play

Tennis is played at a relatively slow pace and a high level tennis match can last several hours. Players need to have good physical fitness and stamina to maintain their form over a long period of time.

Badminton is a very fast-paced game, and a match can usually be over in a couple of minutes. Players need to react quickly in a short period of time, which requires high physical strength and explosive power.

Technical Characteristics

The technical movements of tennis mainly include serving, forehand stroke, backhand stroke and interception. Tennis requires high strength, endurance, coordination and sense of rhythm, and also requires good tactical sense and psychological quality.

The technical movements of badminton are more diversified, including serve, high ball, flat high ball, hanging ball, killing ball, rubbing ball, pushing ball, hooking ball and so on. Badminton on the player's reaction speed, flexibility, coordination and skill requirements are higher, but also need to have good tactical use and teamwork ability.
Fourth, the intensity of sports and suitable for the crowd

Intensity

Tennis is a high-intensity sport, which requires players to have strong physical ability and endurance. In tennis, players need to keep running, hitting the ball, turning and so on, which is more exhausting to the body.

Badminton is also a high-intensity sport, but it is slightly less intense than tennis. In badminton, players need to move quickly, jump, swing, etc., which requires higher coordination and explosive power of the body.

Suitable for the crowd

Tennis is suitable for people who are in good physical condition, like to challenge themselves and have certain sports foundation. Tennis can exercise people's strength, endurance, coordination and psychological quality, and can also improve people's social skills and teamwork spirit.

Badminton, on the other hand, is suitable for people of all ages, especially those who like fast movement and pursue skills and flexibility. Badminton can exercise one's reaction speed, coordination, flexibility and skill, and it can also enhance one's cardiopulmonary function and immunity.