Pickleball vs. Padel: Key Differences Between the Two Hottest Racquet Sports

What’s the Difference Between Pickleball and Padel Ball?

Two Rapidly Growing Sports, One Question of Identity

As racquet sports experience a global resurgence, two games in particular are gaining extraordinary traction: pickleball, a fast-paced paddle sport thriving in North America, and padel, a highly popular court sport with deep roots in Latin America and Europe. Both games are often compared due to their small court sizes, paddle-based play, and strong social appeal. Yet for all their surface similarities, pickleball and padel offer dramatically different experiences—technically, culturally, and physically.

For curious athletes or seasoned players considering a crossover, understanding the differences between pickleball and padel is about more than just equipment and scoring. It’s a deeper look into how these two sports reflect diverging styles of play and community.

A Quick Overview: Origins and Popularity

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, as a backyard game to entertain children. It’s since exploded in popularity, especially in the United States and Canada, and is now the fastest-growing sport in America. With millions of players, dedicated courts in nearly every major city, and an emerging professional tour, pickleball has moved from parks to prime time.

Padel, meanwhile, traces its roots to Mexico in the 1960s and took off in Spain and Argentina before spreading across Europe and the Middle East. It has become a cultural fixture in Spain, rivaling tennis in popularity, and is now expanding into new markets—particularly the UK, Sweden, the UAE, and, increasingly, the U.S.

Though both sports are paddle-based and easy to learn, their play styles, court design, and tactical demands differ dramatically.

Court and Environment: Open vs. Enclosed

Pickleball courts measure 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, the same size for both singles and doubles. They are flat, open, and often resemble smaller tennis courts with a lower net. The court surface is typically hard (concrete or asphalt), and games can be played both indoors and outdoors.

Padel courts are 32 feet wide by 66 feet long (slightly smaller than tennis courts) and are fully enclosed by glass or mesh walls. These walls are in play—the ball can bounce off them during rallies, adding a dynamic layer of strategy reminiscent of squash. Padel is always played as doubles (though singles courts do exist), and the net is lower than in tennis but higher than in pickleball.

The enclosure of padel courts dramatically changes both the pace and rhythm of play, rewarding spatial awareness and defensive skill as much as shot-making.

Equipment: Paddle and Ball Design

In pickleball, players use a solid paddle made of composite or graphite materials. The paddle is rectangular, with a flat, perforated face and no strings. The ball is lightweight, plastic, and perforated with holes—more akin to a wiffle ball than a tennis ball. Because of this design, the ball bounces low and moves slower through the air, especially outdoors.

In padel, players use a solid, stringless paddle as well, but it’s rounder and thicker than a pickleball paddle, with small holes to reduce wind resistance. The ball is pressurized and looks almost identical to a tennis ball, but with slightly less bounce.

The weight and bounce characteristics of the balls create two very different experiences. Pickleball favors soft hands and sharp reflexes, while padel involves heavier hits, top-spin, and extended point construction.

Rules and Scoring

Pickleball scoring is unique: only the serving team can score points, and games are typically played to 11 points (win by 2). Players switch service sides only when their team wins a point while serving. The game features a non-volley zone, known as the “kitchen,” that adds a layer of strategy near the net.

Padel, on the other hand, uses traditional tennis scoring: 15-30-40-game, with sets usually played to six games. Points can be won by either team, regardless of who’s serving. The serve in padel must be underhand and bounce once before hitting diagonally into the opposite service box—similar to pickleball, though the stance and pace are different.

One key strategic feature in padel is the use of the walls. The ball can bounce off them once and still be in play, allowing for extended rallies and more creative point construction.

Pace and Play Style

Pickleball rallies are fast and tight, especially near the net. Reflexes and soft-touch control—particularly in the non-volley zone—are essential. The game rewards patience, precision, and the ability to transition quickly from defense to offense.

Padel emphasizes movement and shot variety. Points are often longer, with players alternating between aggressive net play and deep lobs. The use of walls allows defensive players to reset the point multiple times, leading to extended exchanges with tactical nuance.

While both sports are accessible to beginners, padel tends to favor those with a background in racquet sports like tennis, due to the swing mechanics and footwork. Pickleball is often easier to start, especially for players of all ages and mobility levels, which has contributed to its rapid adoption in retirement communities and recreation leagues.

Community and Culture

Pickleball’s growth in North America has been fueled by its inclusive, community-driven culture. Courts are open, games are quick, and doubles partners change frequently in recreational settings. It’s common to see players aged 18 and 80 sharing the same court.

Padel has developed a more structured, club-based culture, especially in Europe. It’s often played in enclosed courts operated by private clubs, with a strong social element before and after matches. Tournaments and leagues are central to the sport, and it has drawn a younger, athletic crowd in many countries.

Both communities value fun and sportsmanship, but their environments differ: one leans casual and drop-in friendly; the other skews organized and competitive.

Which Sport is Right for You?

Choosing between pickleball and padel depends on your goals, preferences, and access to facilities.

Pickleball might be the better fit if you:

Prefer open-court play and quicker access to games.

Enjoy strategic net play and short points.

Are new to paddle sports and want a faster learning curve.

Appreciate a more casual, drop-in environment.

Padel might be ideal if you:

Have a tennis or racquetball background.

Enjoy longer rallies and a more physical workout.

Like the tactical depth of wall-based play.

Are drawn to club competition and league play.

Conclusion: Two Paddles, Two Worlds

While both pickleball and padel share the foundational joy of paddle-based competition, their gameplay, culture, and appeal are distinct. Pickleball thrives on accessibility and quick engagement. Padel rewards strategy, movement, and wall mastery. As both sports expand across continents, they aren’t competing for the same players—they’re creating new pathways for lifelong play.

In the end, the best way to understand the difference is not just to read about it—but to grab a paddle, step on both courts, and let your instincts decide.