I had to explain the differences between padel vs pickleball multiple times to family over the holidays. They were oblivious to the unique scoring system, equipment, rules and terminology of each sport. So, I figured others might be confused about the difference between these racket sports and have put together a guide to give you a clearer idea about padel vs Pickleball.
Here are the key differences between padel and pickleball:
- Padel originated in Acapulco, Mexico
- Pickleball was born on Bainbridge Island, Washington
- A padel court is larger than a pickleball court
- A padel court has walls
- A pickleball court is laid out like a doubles badminton court
- Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles
- Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis
Table of Contents
History
Padel: Is derived from a game called platform tennis, which was played aboard cruise ships in the early 20th century. Mexican businessman, Enrique Corcuera, reinvented the sport in Acapulco, Mexico, and called it padel.
Pickleball: Is the brainchild of Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell who came up with the racquet sport in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Court Size
A padel court is 21 feet longer than a pickleball surface and 12 feet wider. The increased areas means I am typically more mobile on a padel court compared to pickleball. However, the added mobility has led to me copping more injuries playing padel.
| Sport | Padel | Picklleball |
| Court Dimensions (Ft) | 65’6″ x 32’8″ | 44′ x 20′ |
Court Layout
A padel court combines elements of tennis and squash. The courts feature two serve boxes and a net like tennis, and each side has a wall that you can play the ball off once its bounced, similiar to squash.
Pickleball courts follow the structure of a badminton layout, with 2 service boxes, a net and a no volley zone.
Paddles And Rackets
I have only ever seen and played with perforated padel rackets, but holes are prohibited by USAPA and USA Pickleball. Pickleball paddles, from a distance, they look the same, with wide bodies and a short handle. However, through playing both sports, I’ve learnt that a pickleball paddle is generally longer and wider than a padel racket.
Padel rackets are typically crafted using carbon fiber or fiberglass, which are also the materials for medium range and high-end pickleball paddles. Entry-level pickleball paddles are also crafted from wood, but these are used for friendly games in the garden or on the beach with family and friends.
| Padel | Pickleball | |
| Length | 17.9″ | 24″ |
| Width | 10.2″ | 17″ |
Balls
A padel ball resembles a tennis ball design, while a pickleball ball is constructed from plastic and has 26 to 40 holes in it. Padel balls consist of 11 PSI, which is less pressure than a tennis ball, resulting in a smaller product that bounces less.
Pickleball balls contain a combination of polymer and soft plastic, which make them durable against an asphalt, concrete or wooden court surface. The plastic design of pickleballs makes them excruciatingly loud when bouncing off a solid surface court or paddle surface.
Players
I find that padel is better suited to young and middle aged players, whereas pickleball is perfect for seniors. Pickleball offers elederly individuals a thorough workout without the risk of severe injuries, compared to padel.
My friends mother is 68 and incredibly active. In her first three months on a padel court, she sprained her ankle and pulled a calf muscle. This prompted my buddy to encourage his mother to play pickleball, and she hasn’t looked back.
I’m not discouraging anyone from playing padel, I just find pickleball a lower risk sport that caters to a broader audience of players.
Rules
Serve: Both pickleball and padel require an underarm serve to start the game. The rules of padel dictate that the ball must bounce before the server hits it, which is a drop serve, also used in pickleball. Pickleball also allows a volley serve, where you hit the ball without it bouncing.
Out Of Bounds: The out of bounds lines are clearly marked on a pickleball court. If your ball lands to the outside of the sidelines or baselines, it is out of bounds and your opponents are awarded the point. In padel, the ball is out of bounds when it hits the cage or any object before dropping over the net.
Scoring
Padel: Largely the same scoring system as tennis 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage, game. The first pair to win 6 games wins the set.
Pickleball: The first team to reach 11 points wins the game in pickleball. Only the serving team can win a point, and a single point is awarded for each play. The score is called out in the order of the server, receiver and in doubles, the server number, For example, 5-5-2, means the teams are tied at 5 all and the 2nd server is serving.
Terminology
The terminology of padel and pickleball is completely different, highlighting the contrast between these racquet sports. A great example is the dink versus chiquita. They both describe a type of drop shots that creeps over the net and drops into your opponents half, but have different names.
Padel terms are largerly Spanish compared to pickleball lingo which stems from American English. Several pickleball terms like baseline, drop shot and fault have their origins in tennis.
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FAQs
1. What is the difference between padel vs pickleball?
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Padel, on the other hand, is a racquet sport that originated in Mexico and is played on a larger court enclosed by glass walls. Padel uses a stringed racquet and a depressurized tennis ball, and it allows players to hit the ball against the walls.
2. Can you play padel on a tennis court?
No, padel cannot be played on a traditional tennis court. Padel courts are specifically designed for the sport, featuring walls that are integral to the game. While both sports involve racquets and a ball, the court dimensions and rules are unique.
3. Why is padel so popular?
Padel has gained popularity for several reasons. It is considered a social and inclusive sport suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. The enclosed court design fosters a sense of community and makes it spectator-friendly.
Final Thoughts On Padel vs Pickleball
As an avid fan of padel and pickleball, it’s hard for me to choose one over the other, but I have to. I love the fast paced nature of padel and the skill required to outclass your opponent, but it’s a risky sport for seniors and non-active adults. I have seen first hand more injuries on a padel court than a pickleball court.
Overall, I find pickleball is an easier game to grasp, and carries a lower injury risk compared to padel. Despite the misconception, padel and pickleball are completely different sports from their history, court sizes, equipment and terminology.
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