Pickleball vs Badminton: The Simularity
If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've probably seen the word pickleball pop up, and if you're Malaysian, your first thought was probably: "Isn't that just badminton?" Fair question. Both sports use rackets (or paddles), both involve hitting a lightweight object over a net, and both are easy to pick up. But they are not the same game, and Malaysians, of all people, deserve to know the difference.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport invented in the United States in 1965. It combines elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. Played on a small court with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball), it has exploded in popularity worldwide, including in Malaysia, where community courts are beginning to appear in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru.
Pickleball is one of the most social and accessible sports in Malaysia, and it has gained popularity so quickly, with the sport exploding in popularity across the country. It's very easy to convert a badminton court into a pickleball court, which has been very helpful. Malaysian betting sites have also picked up on this increasing trend and are now offering Pickleball betting sections.
What Is Badminton?
Badminton needs no introduction in Malaysia. As the birthplace of legends like Lee Chong Wei and the reigning world champions in doubles, Malaysia lives and breathes badminton. Played with a lightweight racket and a feathered or synthetic shuttlecock, it is the country's most popular racket sport. From professional arenas like Axiata Arena to the makeshift courts in Taman parking lots on weekend mornings.
Court Size: Pickleball vs Badminton
One of the most striking differences between the two sports is court size!
Pickleball and Badminton Court Size Comparison
Pickleball vs Badminton Court Size Overview:
| Feature | Pickleball | Badminton |
|---|---|---|
| Court length | 13.41 m (44 ft) | 13.40 m (44 ft) |
| Court width (singles) | 6.10 m (20 ft) | 5.18 m (17 ft) |
| Court width (doubles) | 6.10 m (20 ft) | 6.10 m (20 ft) |
| Net height (center) | 86 cm (34 in) | 76 cm (30 in) |
Interestingly, both courts are nearly identical in length, meaning a standard badminton court can be converted into a pickleball court with minimal modifications. This has made the transition easy for Malaysian sports halls and community centers looking to offer both sports without major infrastructure investment.
Maxim88
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Pickleball betting is not something all international bookmakers offer in their sportsbook section, unless they focus specifically on popular Malaysian sports, which Maxim88 does. There are also multiple welcome bonuses to choose from as a new customer, and tons of promotions to opt in for as an already registered player.
Rules: How the Games Differ
Serving
In pickleball, the serve must be hit underhand, diagonally cross-court, and clear the kitchen (the non-volley zone, the 2.1-meter area closest to the net on each side). Only the serving side can score a point.
In badminton, the serve is also hit cross-court diagonally, but can be short or long. The player wins a rally point regardless of who served, which is a system called rally scoring.
Scoring
- Pickleball: Traditionally played to 11 points (win by 2), using side-out scoring where only the server scores. Doubles pickleball has a two-server system.
- Badminton: Played to 21 points (win by 2) using rally scoring. Best of three games.
The Kitchen Rule (Pickleball Only)
The biggest unique rule in pickleball is the non-volley zone, nicknamed "the kitchen." Players cannot volley (hit the ball before it bounces) while standing in this zone. This single rule completely shapes pickleball strategy, making the game more about placement and patience than raw power.
Badminton has no equivalent rule, meaning you can smash from any position on the court.
Equipment
- Pickleball: Solid composite or graphite paddle (no strings), plastic perforated ball
- Badminton: Strung racket (typically graphite), feathered or nylon shuttlecock
The shuttlecock travels much faster than a pickleball, making badminton a faster-paced game at the professional level.
Which Is Easier to Learn?
For most Malaysians, pickleball is easier to pick up. The smaller court, slower ball, and underhand serve make it more accessible for older adults and beginners. Many retirees and casual players across the Klang Valley have found pickleball to be a gentler alternative to badminton, as it involves less joint stress, shorter rallies, and more social play.
That said, if you grew up playing badminton in school (and most Malaysians did), you already have a head start. Your footwork, net awareness, and competitive instincts all transfer.
Where to Play in Malaysia
Pickleball is still growing in Malaysia, but courts are now available at several sports complexes and private clubs in the Klang Valley, including facilities in Petaling Jaya, Bangsar, and Subang. Penang and Johor Bahru also have active pickleball communities. Searching Facebook groups or the Pickleball Malaysia community is a good way to find your nearest court.
For badminton, virtually every dewan olahraga, sports center, or community hall in the country will have courts available, often for as little as RM5–RM10 per hour.
Final Comparison
| Pickleball | Badminton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for beginners | Great | Moderate |
| Malaysian popularity | Growing | Massive |
| Physical intensity | Low-Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Social play | Excellent | High |
| Social play | Excellent | High |
| Indoor/outdoor | Both | Mostly indoor |
| Online Betting Available | Yes | Yes |
Both sports are worth playing, and if you're already a badminton fan, trying pickleball is only going to make you a more well-rounded racket sport player. With courts becoming more accessible across Malaysia, there's never been a better time to pick up a paddle.
Pickleball is getting increasingly popular in Malaysia, and finding a court to play in is easy in 2026
Whether you're a seasoned badminton player or a complete beginner, pickleball is fast becoming one of the most social and accessible sports in Malaysia. Find a court near you and give it a try.
