Padel vs Pickleball: What’s the Difference?

Padel vs Pickleball: What’s the Difference?

 

In recent years, padel and pickleball have exploded in popularity across the globe. At first glance, these two fast-paced racket sports seem similar—they’re both played on smaller courts than tennis, involve quick reflexes, and cater to all ages. But despite some surface similarities, padel and pickleball are fundamentally different in rules, equipment, and style of play.

1. Court & Surroundings

Padel Court

  • Enclosed with glass and metal mesh walls.

  • Roughly one-third the size of a tennis court.

  • Players can use the walls to bounce the ball—like in squash.

  • Always played doubles.

Pickleball Court

  • Open and flat, without walls.

  • About the size of a badminton court (20 ft x 44 ft).

  • Played singles or doubles.

  • Features a “no-volley zone” near the net (called the kitchen).

2. Equipment

Padel

  • Solid padel racket with holes—no strings.

  • Made of composite materials (carbon fiber, EVA foam).

  • Uses a pressurized ball similar to a tennis ball, but slightly less bounce.

Pickleball

  • Lightweight paddle, also without strings, but flatter and larger than padel rackets.

  • Made from materials like plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber.

  • Uses a plastic wiffle ball with holes, making it slower and less bouncy.

3. Scoring System

Padel

  • Follows traditional tennis scoring: 15, 30, 40, game.

  • Best of 3 sets, with 6 games per set.

Pickleball

  • Uses rally scoring (as of recent updates in many places).

  • Games typically go to 11 or 15 points, must win by 2.

  • Points can only be scored on your serve in some rulesets.

4. Style of Play

Padel

  • Fast-paced, strategic, and heavily reliant on teamwork and positioning.

  • Wall bounces add a layer of complexity.

  • Long rallies are common; anticipation and reflexes are critical.

Pickleball

  • Quick, agile net play is crucial.

  • Emphasis on “dinking” (soft shots near the net) and positioning.

  • Easier to pick up quickly for beginners.

5. Popularity & Origins

Padel

  • Originated in Mexico in the 1960s.

  • Huge in Spain, Argentina, and spreading fast in Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.

Pickleball

  • Born in the USA in 1965.

  • Extremely popular in the United States and Canada, especially among older adults, but catching on with younger players too.

Which One Should You Try?

  • Choose padel if you enjoy a tennis-like game with walls, more intense cardio, and longer rallies.

  • Try pickleball if you prefer a lower-impact, accessible sport that’s quick to learn and fun from day one.

Final Thought:
Padel and pickleball may be cousins in the racket sport family, but each has its own vibe and community. Whichever you pick, you're in for a great workout, a lot of laughs, and a growing global community of players.

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