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Padel vs pickleball: what is the difference?
Padel and pickleball are two of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world. Both are fun, social, and easy to pick up, but they have distinct differences in rules, equipment, and playing styles. If you’ve ever wondered, are padel and pickleball the same?, you’re not alone. The two sports are similar in some ways, but each offers a completely different experience.
In this article, we’ll go over the main differences between padel and pickleball, like the court size, rackets, and balls. Plus, we’ll explore their popularity worldwide and help you decide which one is the best fit for you!
How is padel different from pickleball?
One of the most common questions new players ask is, is pickleball the same as padel? The short answer is no. While both sports are played on a smaller court than traditional tennis, they differ in several ways.
Court dimensions
One of the biggest differences between courts is the size and structure.
Padel courts are 20m x 10m (66ft x 33ft) and are surrounded by glass walls and metal fencing. The walls are part of the game, allowing players to use them strategically.
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Pickleball courts are smaller, measuring 13.4m x 6.1m (44ft x 20ft), roughly the same size as a badminton court. Unlike padel, pickleball courts don’t have walls, so players have to focus entirely on shot placement and positioning.
To sum up, padel courts are almost twice the size and have a more dynamic style of play with rebounds off the walls.
Rackets
Another major difference is in the padel vs pickleball racket design:
Padel rackets are solid with no strings, typically made of carbon fiber or fiberglass. They’re designed with holes to reduce air drag, giving you more power and spin.
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Pickleball rackets (or “paddles”) are also solid and stringless, but they are flat with no holes. They’re usually made of composite materials or graphite, built more for control and precision than for power.
Ball type
The balls used also have distinct differences:
Padel balls look almost identical to tennis balls but are slightly smaller and less pressurized to suit the padel court’s size and surface.
Pickleball balls are made of hard plastic with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. They bounce lower and move slower than padel balls.
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Popularity around the world
Both sports are growing fast but in different regions, depending on things like access, local culture and facilities.
Padel is booming in Europe and Latin America, with Spain, Argentina, and Sweden leading the charge. The sport is also gaining traction in the U.S. and the Middle East.
Pickleball is very popular in North America, especially in the United States and Canada.
Padel dominates in Europe, while pickleball is king in North America.
Which one is better for you?
Now that we’ve compared the 2 sports, which one should you play? Here’s a quick guide:
Play padel if:
You enjoy fast-paced, strategic play with wall rebounds.
You like tennis but want a more social and accessible version.
You want to develop power, spin, and quick reflexes.
Play pickleball if:
You prefer a slower, tactical game with more emphasis on placement.
You want a sport that’s easy on the joints and great for all ages.
You like a game that’s simple to learn with a shorter court.
So, are padel and pickleball the same thing? Definitely not! While they share some similarities, each has its own unique appeal. Padel offers a dynamic, high-energy experience with wall play, while pickleball provides a slower, more strategic game focused on placement. In the end, both sports offer fantastic fun, social interaction, and a great workout. No matter which one you pick, both are incredible ways to stay active and be part of a community. Try them both and see which one you love more!
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