Expert guidance from Simona Moore, former professional tennis player and founder of PBPRO.
Former tennis players often progress quickly in pickleball because they already understand footwork, timing, spin, court positioning, and equipment feel. But the paddle that works best for a first-time athlete is not always the best paddle for someone arriving with years of racquet-sport experience.
Quick answer: The Infinity Falcon Lite is our best overall recommendation for most former tennis players because its elongated shape, 5.5-inch handle, 7.8 oz weight, and 16mm T700 raw carbon construction combine familiar reach with quick hands and control.
Table of Contents
Quick Match: Best Pickleball Paddles for Former Tennis Players
| Player Profile | Best PBPRO Paddle | Price | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most former tennis players | Infinity Falcon Lite | $89 | Best overall balance of elongated reach, quick handling, control, and a two-handed-backhand-friendly handle |
| Recreational or value-focused tennis player | PB Signature Plus | $54.99 | 16mm control, T700 carbon feel, and excellent stability at a strong value |
| Advanced or competitive former tennis player | Infinity Gen-X5 | $129 | Elongated reach, 16mm core, T700 face, and injection-molded carbon frame stability |
Why Tennis Players Transition Quickly to Pickleball
Tennis experience gives you an immediate foundation:
- Reliable hand-eye coordination and contact timing
- Familiarity with topspin, slice, and changing grips
- Footwork, anticipation, and court awareness
- Comfort generating power from the legs and torso
- An understanding of how equipment affects feel and performance
The biggest adjustment is often not producing power—it is learning the soft game. Dinks, resets, drops, blocks, and kitchen positioning reward touch, patience, and compact preparation.
Do Former Tennis Players Need a Beginner Paddle?
Not necessarily. Being new to pickleball does not erase years of racquet-sport experience. A former competitive tennis player may appreciate a control-oriented intermediate paddle immediately, while a casual tennis player may prefer a simpler, more affordable setup.
Choose according to how you played tennis, how often you expect to play pickleball, and whether you use a one- or two-handed backhand—not merely the number of pickleball matches you have played.
What Should Former Tennis Players Look For?
Control before maximum power
Most tennis players already know how to accelerate through the ball. In pickleball, the more important early challenge is controlling pace in a smaller court. A stable 16mm core and responsive carbon face can help with drops, resets, blocks, and dinks.
A spin-friendly surface
A textured T700 raw carbon fiber face rewards familiar brushing mechanics and can help tennis players shape drives, rolls, serves, and passing shots.
A comfortable handle
Players with a two-handed backhand often prefer a longer handle. A 5.5-inch handle provides additional room for the second hand while still supporting quick grip changes.
Familiar reach without excessive weight
An elongated paddle can feel natural to a tennis player because it offers extra reach and leverage. However, the paddle should remain maneuverable enough for fast exchanges at the kitchen.
Stability on off-center contact
A stable perimeter and forgiving hitting area help reduce twisting when contact moves away from the center of the paddle. This is particularly useful during the transition from a strung racquet to a solid paddle face.
Best Overall for Most Former Tennis Players: Infinity Falcon Lite – $89
The Falcon Lite is our lead recommendation for tennis players moving into pickleball. It preserves the reach and two-handed-backhand comfort many tennis players prefer, while its lightweight build makes fast kitchen exchanges easier.
- 7.8 oz average weight for quick hands
- 16.5 in × 7.5 in elongated shape for familiar reach
- 16mm core for touch, resets, and controlled blocks
- 5.5-inch handle with a 4.25-inch circumference
- T700 raw carbon fiber face for spin and feel
- Thermoformed construction for a stable response
Choose the Falcon Lite if you want a natural transition from tennis without sacrificing the softer control skills that matter in pickleball.
Best Value: PB Signature Plus – $54.99
The PB Signature Plus is the best value for former tennis players who want a stable 16mm T700 raw carbon paddle without moving immediately into premium pricing.
- T700 raw carbon fiber face for feel, spin, and precision
- 16mm polypropylene core for softer touch and reduced vibration
- Balanced control and power
- Stable response for drops, resets, and controlled drives
- Five color choices
Choose Signature Plus if value, a wider hitting area, and control are more important to you than an elongated shape or longer handle.
Best for Advanced and Competitive Tennis Players: Infinity Gen-X5 – $129
The Infinity Gen-X5 is the strongest match for former competitive tennis players seeking an elongated, stable paddle with advanced control and spin.
- 16.5 in × 7.5 in elongated profile
- 16mm GEN5 MPP Core
- 5.5-inch handle for two-handed backhands
- 8.0 oz average weight
- T700 raw carbon fiber face
- Textured surface for spin and controlled drives
- New Tech injection-molded carbon fiber polymer frame for greater stability and a connected response
The Gen-X5 combines familiar reach and leverage with added stability for resets, blocks, and aggressive all-court play. It is our premium recommendation for advanced USTA, college, and competitive former tennis players.
Should Tennis Players Add Weight?
Pickleball paddles feel much lighter than tennis racquets, so many former tennis players instinctively want to customize them. Start carefully. A few grams can noticeably change swing weight, stability, and maneuverability.
- Add weight near the top for more power and swing weight.
- Add weight at 3 and 9 o’clock for stability.
- Add weight lower on the paddle to increase mass with less effect on head speed.
Read the Paddle Weight Placement Guide →
One-Handed vs. Two-Handed Backhands
One-handed backhand
Prioritize maneuverability, stable contact, and a grip that allows quick changes between continental and more aggressive positions.
Two-handed backhand
Look for an elongated paddle with a handle around 5.5 inches. The Falcon Lite and Gen-X5 provide additional room for the second hand and leverage that can feel more familiar to a tennis player.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pickleball paddle for a former tennis player?
For most former tennis players, the Falcon Lite is the best overall choice because it balances elongated reach, quick handling, control, spin, and a longer handle. Choose Signature Plus for value and Gen-X5 for advanced competitive stability.
Should tennis players choose an elongated paddle?
Many do because an elongated shape offers familiar reach and leverage. Players who prioritize the largest possible hitting area may prefer a wider standard shape instead.
Do tennis players need more paddle power?
Usually not at first. Tennis players often generate pace naturally. Control, touch, stability, and kitchen skills are typically more valuable priorities during the transition.
Is a longer handle better for a two-handed backhand?
Yes. A longer handle provides more room for the second hand and can make the grip feel more natural.
How heavy should a pickleball paddle be for a tennis player?
There is no single ideal weight, but many former tennis players are comfortable around 7.8–8.2 oz. Start with the paddle’s stock weight before adding customization.
Final Recommendation
Your tennis background is an advantage, but the best pickleball paddle should help you develop the skills that are different: soft hands, resets, drops, compact volleys, and kitchen control.
- Choose Falcon Lite for the best overall transition from tennis, lightweight maneuverability, reach, and a two-handed-backhand-friendly handle.
- Choose Signature Plus for the best value and a stable, control-oriented 16mm setup.
- Choose Gen-X5 for advanced competitive stability, spin, reach, and all-court performance.
