I went to a Lite Tennis introduction event at Chicken N Pickle last night and, while I didn't try it, I was definitely intrigued. However, there is also this other new sport called TYPTI that another friend has been telling me about as well.
Lite Tennis
Lite Tennis describes itself as "real tennis played on a pickleball court." It was designed by Wichita, KS natives Leo Estopare and Buff Farrow so tennis players can continue using their normal strokes and racquets on a smaller court, making it especially attractive for seniors, recreational players, and those looking for a less physically demanding version of tennis.
Preserve the feel of traditional tennis on a smaller court
Uses any tennis racquet along with a proprietary Lite Tennis ball
Rules are tennis-oriented but adapted to the pickleball court, no body contact allowed
Follows scoring similar to tennis where 4 games equal a set and matches are best 2 of 3 sets
TYPTI
TYPTI is a new sport launched in 2026 by Tennis Channel founder Steve Bellamy. It uses custom equipment, a larger foam ball, unique scoring, and creative rules intended to make rallies longer and more entertaining. It's marketed as a distinct racquet sport rather than a modified version of tennis.
Unique game that is a blend of tennis, badminton, and pickleball with different rally dynamics
Uses a specialized 22-inch strung racquet, and a 3.5-inch channeled foam ball
Volleys are allowed anywhere (no "kitchen" restriction) and certain body part saves are allowed
Uses a unique "stakes scoring" system that requires three consecutive points to win a game
Which is Better?
If you want something that feels most like tennis, choose Lite Tennis.
If you enjoy trying new racquet sports and want something more innovative and fast-paced, TYPTI may be more appealing.
I'm down for trying both but I think, in the long run, I'll probably stick to pickleball.