A smiling man and woman on a blue padel court hold different padel racket shapes, a green teardrop and a red diamond, while the man bounces a yellow ball.

Different padel racket shapes. Which one is the best?

Written by
Lenny Grabisch
Published
April 8, 2025
Edited
May 8, 2025

Choosing the right padel racket shape can significantly impact your game, whether you're a beginner or an advanced player. With all the different racket shapes out there, it’s important to know the pros and cons of each so you can find the one that fits your style. The three main shapes are round, diamond, and teardrop. Let’s explore each one.

Round shape

Round padel rackets are ideal for players who prioritize control over power. They have a larger sweet spot (the racket’s optimal hitting zone) at the center, making them forgiving on off-center hits. The even weight distribution enhances agility, making them perfect for beginners and defensive players who rely on precision and consistency.

  • Large sweet spot for better control

  • Balanced weight for easy handling

Three views of round padel rackets are shown against a white background, highlighting the front, angled front, and side profile of the same racket.

Diamond shape

The diamond shape padel racket is designed for power hitters. With the sweet spot positioned higher on the racket, it generates explosive smashes and aggressive shots. However, this design requires good technique, as it is harder to control if you hit off-center. Typically, professional and advanced players opt for this shape.

  • Maximized power for smashes.

  • Ideal for offensive players.

  • High-risk, high-reward gameplay.

Three views of a Babolat Technical Vertuo 2.5 diamond shape padel racket are presented against a white background, showing the front, angled front, and side profile.

Teardrop shape

A teardrop shape padel racket offers the perfect balance between power and control. The sweet spot is located slightly higher than in round rackets but lower than in diamond ones. This makes teardrop rackets a popular choice for mid-level and advanced players who want an all-around performance.

Some extra advantages:

  • Balanced mix of power and control.

  • Medium-sized sweet spot for versatility.

  • Suitable for both intermediate and advanced players.

Three views of a Babolat Air padel racket with a teardrop shape padel racket design are shown against a white background, displaying the front, angled front, and side profile.

Teardrop vs round padel rackets

When you compare the two, the main difference is in the balance between power and control. Round padel rackets give you more control and are great for beginners. On the other hand, teardrop rackets offer a mix of power and precision, making them a better choice for more experienced players.

Here's a quick table to compare both at a glance:

Feature

Teardrop

Round

Power

More power, better for attacking

Less power, focused on control

Control

Good control, but slightly less than round

Excellent control, great for precision

Sweet spot

Medium-sized

Large-sized

Weight

Medium: balanced feel

Light: easy to handle

Playing style

Versatile, works for various styles

Ideal for defensive and controlled play


What is the best padel racket shape for you?

The best shape really depends on your playing style and skill level.

  • Beginner players Round shape for better control.

  • Advanced playersDiamond shape for aggressive play.

  • Intermediate playersTeardrop shape for a balanced performance.

You can take a look at the comparison between the three types and see which one suits you best:

Shape

Round

Diamond

Teardrop

Power

Less power, more control

More power, less control

Balanced power and control

Control

High control, great for beginners

Less control, more challenging

Good control, better for intermediate players

Sweet spot

Large

Small

Medium

Weight

Light, easy to maneuver

Heavy, less agile

Medium, balanced

Playing style

Defensive, controlled play

Aggressive, attacking play

Versatile, suits for a variety of plays


Before buying a racket, you can try a rental one and see how your game changes. But, in the end, it really depends on your level and how comfortable you feel with each kind. Our last advice is to book a court and start playing!