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If you've ever heard of both pickleball and padel, you might be wondering—are they the same sport? While they share some similarities, they are actually quite different in terms of gameplay, court design, and equipment. Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast looking to try padel or simply curious about how they compare, this guide will break it all down for you.
1. Court & Playing Environment
Pickleball Court
Played on a small court (6.1m x 13.4m), similar to a badminton court.
Has a low net (86 cm at the center, 91.4 cm at the posts).
Courts can be indoor or outdoor, usually with a hard surface.
No walls—once the ball is out of bounds, play stops.
Padel Court
Larger than a pickleball court, measuring 10m x 20m.
Fully enclosed with glass walls and mesh fencing, similar to a squash court.
The walls are part of the game—players can bounce the ball off them.
Mostly played outdoors with artificial turf or concrete floors.
2. Equipment Differences
Pickleball
Uses a plastic perforated ball (similar to a wiffle ball), which travels slower than a tennis ball.
Paddles are solid and flat, made from wood, composite, or carbon fiber.
Paddles are shorter and wider than padel rackets.
Padel
Uses a pressurized rubber ball similar to a tennis ball, but with lower bounce.
Rackets are solid with holes drilled through (for aerodynamics).
Padel rackets are longer than pickleball paddles, offering more power for shots.
3. Rules & Scoring System
Pickleball Rules
Games are played to 11 points, with a 2-point lead needed to win.
Only the serving team can score points.
There’s a special “kitchen” (non-volley zone) where players can’t hit volleys.
Fast-paced, with a focus on dinking, volleys, and quick reactions.
Padel Rules
Uses traditional tennis scoring (15-30-40-Game).
Players serve underhand, just like in pickleball.
Games are mostly played in doubles format.
The walls come into play, making for longer rallies and unique strategies.
4. Playing Style & Strategy
Pickleball Focuses On:
Dinking (soft shots just over the net).
Volleys and quick hand exchanges.
Strategic placement over power.
Less running compared to padel.
Padel Focuses On:
Powerful smashes and spin shots.
Wall rebounds, requiring adaptability.
Lob shots to reset points.
More dynamic movement around the court.
Which One is Right for You?
If you enjoy fast-paced, strategic net play with minimal running, pickleball might be for you. On the other hand, if you like the action of tennis but with wall bounces and more court coverage, you might love padel.
Both sports are rapidly growing worldwide and are incredibly fun to play. Why not try both and see which one suits your style best?
Do you play pickleball, padel, or both? Let us know in the comments!