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Padel vs. Pickleball: Understanding the Differences and Similarities
- paloma8801
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 1
A common question among those new to padel is “what’s the difference between padel and pickleball?” Although the two have similar names and are two of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world, they are separate in almost every way. Each of these sports are rising hugely in global popularity and appeal to different types of players. Read on to find out which sport will suit you best.
The History of Padel and Pickleball
Where Did Padel Originate?
Padel dates all the way back to 1969 in Mexico, where businessman Enrique Corcuera built the first court on a small space on his property in Acapulco. His court was 20m long by 10m wide, and he decided to add walls enclosing the court to prevent losing balls in neighbouring gardens. Fast forward 5 years, and padel was introduced to Spain by Corcuera’s friend, Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, who went on to open the first padel club in Spain – the Marbella Club. In the years following, padel was endorsed by many high-profile names, growing its popularity exponentially. Padel quickly became the second most popular sport in Argentina, leading to more international expansion throughout Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, and Brazil.
Nowadays, the World Padel Tour (WPT) is the biggest and most prestigious international padel tour, where the top professional players are competing throughout the year to win their share of prize money and valuable ranking points. New tournaments are being frequently added to the calendar as padel continues to expand throughout the world.
The Story Behind Pickleball
In contrast to padel, pickleball was created in the US in 1965 as a backyard family game. It started as an alternative to badminton, played on the same size court, but with a lower net. It wasn’t until 19 years later in 1984 when the official rule book was published, and the United States Amateur Pickleball Association (U.S.A.P.A) was organised to boost growth and popularity of this new sport. By 1990, pickleball was being played in all 50 US states. It quickly became a top recreational sport in North America, largely popular with retirees and tennis players.
Padel vs. Pickleball Court & Playing Surface
Padel Court Dimensions & Features
A standard padel court measures 20m long by 10m wide and is enclosed by glass walls and metal caging. It is played on a synthetic turf surface, and the walls around the court can be used in gameplay. Padel is commonly referred to as a mix of squash and tennis.
Pickleball Court Dimensions & Features
Pickleball is played on an open, badminton sized court measuring 13.41m long and 6.1m wide. There are no walls so and it is played on hard surfaces such as concrete (like a hard tennis court) and synthetic surfaces.
Equipment Comparison: Padel vs. Pickleball
Padel Rackets and Balls
Padel uses rackets that are solid and perforated, with no strings. Racket frames, faces, and surfaces are often made of carbon fibre, fibreglass, or a mixture of both, and the inside is soft EVA rubber. They come in a range of shapes dependent on game style including round, teardrop and diamond. Padel balls are tennis-like, just slightly smaller and lighter for better control and playability within the padel court walls.
Pickleball Paddles and Balls
Pickleball uses composite paddles made of fibreglass, carbon fibre, and sometimes graphite. They are square shaped and relatively thin in comparison to padel rackets. The ball used is plastic and perforated (wiffle-ball style) and is larger than that of a padel ball.
Key Rules & Scoring System
How Padel is Played
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis, 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage, game. If the score is tied at 40-40 (deuce), a team must win two consecutive points to win the game. Padel is always played in teams of two in a doubles format. A unique factor in padel is that the ball can bounce off the wall before being returned to the opponents’ side – making timing and strategy important in winning points. The serve must be underhand, the ball must bounce first and be hit below waist height.
How Pickleball is Played
In contrast, pickleball uses a unique 11-point scoring system (win by two), and only the serving team scores points. Serving is taken in turns. If the point is won, the same server continues, switching sides with each point won. The serve swaps to the servers partner only when the point is lost. There is a non-volley zone called the “kitchen” in pickleball which limits net play and encourages more skilful shots.
Playing Style & Strategy: Padel vs. Pickleball
Padel’s Fast Paced & Strategic Play
Padel strategy is worlds apart from that used in pickleball. Padel generally sees long rallies where the walls are a major part of the game, heavy use of lobs and sharp angles, and there is a big emphasis on quick net play where fast reactions are needed.
Pickleball’s Soft & Controlled Game
On the other hand, pickleball is played at a slower pace for the average recreational player. There are short, fast paced net exchanges, “dinking” is a key strategy (hitting soft shots near the net), and the ability to drop shot and hit controlled accurate shots is crucial.
Popularity & Growth: Which Sport is Bigger?
Padel’s Rapid Global Expansion
Padel is currently experiencing rapid growth and popularity all over the world. It continues to dominate as one of the most popular sports in Spain, Argentina, and throughout Europe. It is growing exponentially in the UK, US, Middle East, Asia, and now Oceania. We are seeing major investments from high profile athletes, celebrities, and brands which is accelerating the expansion of padel further.
Pickleball’s Explosive Growth in the U.S.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America and is beginning to see traction throughout Oceania and Europe – especially as tennis clubs begin to add pickleball courts. It is popular among retirees, current and former tennis players, also seeing major investment from well-known celebrities and brands all over the world.
Accessibility & Learning Curve
Is Padel Easier to Learn?
Padel is a fantastic sport for those who have experience in tennis and/or squash or other racket sports. Having basic racket skills will make padel easier to pick-up, but it is still a great beginner friendly sport which can be played at any pace for those of all ages.
Is Pickleball More Beginner-Friendly?
Pickleball is an easy sport to pick up for all ages and abilities. The small court size and slower ball speed makes this an ideal recreational game for families, kids, retirees, and athletes alike. The slower ball speed means less reaction time is needed, but pickleball can still be played at high speed at the competitive level!
Final Thoughts: Which Sport is Right for You?
If you enjoy fast-paced rallies, strategic wall play, and dynamic movement, padel is a great choice. If you prefer a smaller court, a slower ball, and a focus on net play, pickleball might be a better fit. Both sports are highly social and beginner-friendly, making them great for newcomers and experienced players alike. No matter which one you choose, both offer fun, exercise, and a strong sense of community.
Try Padel at Pacific Padel!
Think you might be ready to play padel and see what all the fuss is about? Experience the excitement firsthand at Pacific Padel Albany!
Contact us today to get more information about booking a court and joining our awesome community events.
