Although at first glance they may look like distant cousins, padel and pickleball are two racket sports with very distinct identities. Both are gaining popularity worldwide, can be enjoyed in pairs, and are played on smaller courts than tennis—but that’s where the similarities end.
If you’re a player or just starting to get interested in these sports, here’s a detailed look at the gameplay, facilities, and equipment that make them different.
Differences in play: pace, technique, and rules
Padel is a sport where the walls surrounding the court are an active part of the game. It requires anticipation, quick reflexes, and a good reading of rebounds. It’s always played in doubles, although there is an individual format that’s mainly used for training. Points usually last longer than in other racket sports.
Pickleball, on the other hand, offers a slightly slower and more accessible dynamic, especially for beginners. Although doubles is also common, singles competitions are quite frequent. The rules limit offensive play near the net through a special zone called the “kitchen” (or non-volley zone), which forces players to build the point with patience and strategy.
| Aspect | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 vs 2 (doubles) | 1 vs 1 or 2 vs 2 |
| Use of walls | Yes, they are part of the game | No |
| Game pace | Fast, reactive | Slower and more tactical |
| Restriction zone | No | Non-volley zone (kitchen) |
| Serve | Diagonal, underhand below the waist | Diagonal, without bounce, underhand |
| Point duration | Long, with many rebounds | Shorter, without using walls |
Differences in facilities: space and surface
The padel court is surrounded by glass or wall enclosures and metal mesh. It measures 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. The surface is usually made of synthetic grass. The walls not only mark the boundaries but are also an essential part of the game, similar to squash.
The pickleball court, on the other hand, is open, without walls, and much smaller: 13.41 meters long by 6.10 meters wide—similar to a badminton court. The surface is hard, usually concrete or asphalt, like tennis courts. Pickleball requires less space, which is why it has expanded so rapidly in parks, clubs, and urban centers.
Court comparison:
| Aspect | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20 × 10 meters | 13.41 × 6.10 meters |
| Enclosed or open | Enclosed, with walls | Open, without walls |
| Surface type | Synthetic turf or porous surface | Concrete or hard asphalt |
| Net height | 88 cm at the center | 86.4 cm at the center |
Differences in equipment: racket vs racket, ball vs ball
This is where the difference becomes most noticeable from the very first moment you hold a racket.
The padel racket is larger, weighing between 340 and 380 grams, and has an EVA or FOAM rubber core with a more robust frame. It has no strings, only holes or perforations on the surface.
The pickleball paddle, on the other hand, is lighter (150–250 grams), flatter, and can be made of composite, graphite, or polymer materials. It also has no strings, but the feel is completely different. In addition, its surface is smooth and has no holes. You can find the best pickleball paddles at Pādel Nuestro.
As for the balls:
The padel ball is very similar to a tennis ball, although with less pressure.
The pickleball ball is made of hard plastic, has holes (like a wiffle ball), and bounces very little.