Pickleball vs padel: these are two of the fastest-growing sports in the world. But are they similar? Find out the difference between them here.
Padel and pickleball are two fast-growing racket sports that share some similarities but are fundamentally different in play style, rules and equipment.
If you've ever wondered which one might be right for you, or how they compare to tennis, we've got you covered.
Padel is played on an enclosed court with walls, allowing for rebounds, while pickleball is played on an open court.
Padel uses a depressurised tennis-like ball and solid rackets, whereas pickleball uses a plastic perforated ball and paddles.
Padel is almost always doubles, with an underhand serve and longer rallies, making it more physically demanding.
Padel is a dynamic racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash.
It’s played on an enclosed court with walls, using solid, perforated padel rackets and a slightly depressurised tennis ball.
Padel is typically played in doubles, emphasising strategy, teamwork and clever use of the court’s walls to keep the rally going. It's a bit like a mix between tennis and squash.
See our blog that explains what padel is in more detail.
Padel follows the same scoring system as tennis (15-30-40-game), but the key difference is that serves must be underhand, and the ball can bounce off the walls—keeping the game fluid and engaging.
The enclosed court creates exciting extended rallies, making padel a game of patience and tactical play.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
It is typically played on a smaller court with a lower net and a pickleball paddle that is larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket.
Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It’s a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and strategy.
Pickleball has a unique scoring system: games are played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.
Only the serving team can score, and players must serve underhand. One of pickleball’s most distinct rules is the "kitchen"—a no-volley zone near the net designed to prevent aggressive smashes.
Padel and pickleball require different gear, which influences how each game is played.
Padel: Solid, stringless rackets with holes for better control, and a depressurised ball similar to a tennis ball.
Pickleball: Hard paddles made of composite or wood, and a lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle pickleball ball.
Padel court size: 20 x 10 m (66 x 33 feet)
Walls: Enclosed with glass and mesh fencing, allowing for rebounds.
Net Height: 88 cm in the centre
Pickleball court size: 13.4 x 6.1 m (44 x 20 feet)
Walls: Open court, no walls
Net Height: 86 cm in the centre
Padel is different from tennis in the following ways:
Smaller court: Padel is played on a much smaller court than tennis.
Walls in play: Unlike tennis, the ball can bounce off walls.
Underhand serve: Padel serves must be hit underhand.
Doubles-focused: Padel is almost always played in pairs.
Paddle vs. racket: Pickleball uses solid paddles instead of stringed rackets.
Plastic ball: Pickleball’s perforated ball is lighter than a tennis ball.
No overhead serves: Players must serve underhand.
Smaller court: Pickleball courts are significantly smaller than tennis courts.
All are racket sports requiring players to hit a ball over a net.
They demand quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and strategic play.
If you’re skilled in one, many of your abilities will transfer to the others.
Both sports are experiencing rapid growth, but their popularity varies by region.
Pickleball has surged in North America, particularly among older players looking for a social, low-impact sport.
Padel has a strong following in Europe and Latin America, often played at clubs and resorts.
It depends on where you are! Pickleball has a larger following in the US, while padel is booming in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina.
Pickleball is a lower-impact sport with shorter rallies, making it accessible for older players or those looking for a casual game.
Padel is more physically demanding due to its larger court, longer rallies, and movement around walls.
There’s no definitive answer—it all depends on what you’re looking for:
Pickleball: Best for accessibility, social play, and a game suitable for all ages. You could play with your entire family if you wanted.
Padel: Ideal for those who enjoy strategy, teamwork, and longer rallies.
Tennis: Great for those who love traditional racket sports and a high-intensity challenge.
Ultimately, the best sport is the one that gets you moving and having fun.
