Padel and pickleball are two racket sports gaining huge popularity, and at first glance they might look the same. But from the way the ball moves to the type of court you’re playing on, each sport is quite different. Learning what sets them apart makes it easier to decide which one you’ll enjoy more.
What is Padel?
Padel got its start in Mexico in the late 60s and really took off in Spain, Argentina, and across Europe. Now it’s making its way into U.S. clubs and parks. To read about the origin of pickleball click here.
The court is about a third the size of a tennis court and surrounded by glass and mesh walls that you can play the ball off. It’s almost always doubles, with a solid paddle that has holes in it, and you use a low-compression tennis ball. Serves are underhand, but once the rally starts, it’s quick and unpredictable.
Padel vs. Pickleball
| Padel | Pickleball | |
|---|---|---|
| Court | 20x10 m, enclosed with walls | 13x6 m, open court |
| Equipment | Solid paddle with holes, low-compression tennis ball | Solid paddle (no holes), plastic ball with holes |
| Play Style | Doubles, strategic, long rallies using walls | Singles or doubles, quick points, focus on net play |
| Movement | 360° angles, extended rallies | Straight lines, rapid exchanges |
The Feel of the Game
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Padel: Longer rallies, more planning, and creative use of angles and walls. A good fit if you enjoy strategy and continuous movement.
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Pickleball: Shorter, faster points with an emphasis on reaction time at the net. Ideal if you prefer a quicker pace and smaller court.
Both sports are social, easy to learn, and less physically demanding than tennis making them perfect for casual competition and fun.
