Padel vs Pickleball
Two of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Both use paddles. Both are social and accessible. But they're completely different games. Here's how they compare.
The Quick Take
Padel is tennis with walls - faster-paced, more athletic, always doubles.
Pickleball is ping-pong on a court - more accessible, more strategic, can play singles.
| Padel | Pickleball | |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size | 20m x 10m | 13.4m x 6.1m |
| Walls | Yes (glass + mesh) | No |
| Paddle | Solid, no holes, ~45cm | Solid with holes, ~40cm |
| Ball | Pressurized (like tennis) | Plastic wiffle ball |
| Format | Doubles only | Singles or doubles |
| Serve | Underhand, diagonal | Underhand, diagonal |
| Scoring | Tennis (15-30-40) | Rally scoring to 11 |
| Origin | Mexico (1969) | USA (1965) |
| Global Players | 25+ million | 48+ million |
The Courts
The biggest difference you'll notice immediately: padel has walls, pickleball doesn't.
A padel court is an enclosed glass box. The walls are in play - you can hit the ball off them, creating angles and strategies that don't exist in any other racket sport. The court is about 50% larger than a pickleball court.
A pickleball court is open, like a small tennis court. It's about the size of a badminton court and can be set up almost anywhere - driveways, gyms, parking lots.
The Equipment
Both sports use solid paddles (no strings), but they're quite different:
Padel Racket
- • No holes in the surface
- • Made of carbon fiber or fiberglass
- • Heavier (340-390g)
- • Wrist strap required
- • Price: $50-$300+
Pickleball Paddle
- • Holes in the surface (some models)
- • Composite or graphite
- • Lighter (170-250g)
- • No strap required
- • Price: $30-$200+
The balls are also different: padel uses pressurized rubber balls (similar to tennis), while pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes (like a wiffle ball).
The Gameplay
This is where the sports really diverge:
Padel
- Faster pace: The ball moves quicker and rallies are more athletic
- Wall play: Using the walls adds a whole dimension of strategy
- More running: The court is bigger and you cover more ground
- Longer rallies: The walls keep balls in play, so points last longer
Pickleball
- More accessible: Easier to pick up, less physically demanding
- "Kitchen" zone: The non-volley zone creates unique strategies
- Dinking: Soft, precise shots at the net are a key part of the game
- Singles option: You can play one-on-one (padel is always doubles)
Physical Demands
Padel is the more athletic option. You'll cover more ground, the rallies are longer, and the pace is faster. It's a better workout and closer to tennis in terms of physical intensity.
Pickleball is more accessible. The smaller court and slower ball make it easier on the joints. It's popular with older players and those recovering from injuries.
That said, both sports can be as intense as you make them. Competitive pickleball at the pro level is extremely athletic.
Where to Play
This is pickleball's biggest advantage right now.
Pickleball courts are everywhere. You can find them in parks, rec centers, gyms, and backyards across North America. The sport has exploded in the US and courts are easy to set up.
Padel courts are still rare in North America, though growing fast. Because they require glass walls and specific construction, they're more expensive to build. Most padel courts are at dedicated clubs or high-end facilities.
The good news: padel courts are being built rapidly. Miami, New York, LA, and other major cities are seeing new courts open every month.
Which One Should You Try?
Try Padel If You...
- • Have tennis or squash experience
- • Want a more athletic workout
- • Like the idea of wall play
- • Always play with a group (doubles)
- • Have access to a padel court
Try Pickleball If You...
- • Are new to racket sports
- • Want something easier on the joints
- • Sometimes want to play singles
- • Have easy access to courts
- • Like a more strategic, less running game
The Verdict
There's no wrong choice. Both sports are fun, social, and growing like crazy. If you have access to both, try them both. Many players end up loving each one for different reasons.
The biggest factor might simply be availability. Pickleball courts are easier to find right now, but if you have a padel club nearby, give it a shot. The wall play adds something truly unique that no other racket sport offers.