PadelScout
Is Padel the Same as Pickleball? Not Even Close (But We Get Why You're Confused)
By PadelScout•

Is Padel the Same as Pickleball? Not Even Close (But We Get Why You're Confused)

Let’s be real—if you’ve seen a small court, a weird paddle, and four adults yelling “LET’S GOOO!” you probably assumed it was pickleball. But wait... was that glass walls? And a ball that actually bounces? Welcome to the spicy European cousin in the racquet sport family: padel.

Let’s be real—if you’ve seen a small court, a weird paddle, and four adults yelling “LET’S GOOO!” you probably assumed it was pickleball.

But wait... was that glass walls? And a ball that actually bounces? Welcome to the spicy European cousin in the racquet sport family: padel.

While padel and pickleball might look like siblings at your first glance, they’re more like second cousins at a family reunion—related, but very different personalities.

🎾 Padel vs. Pickleball: Quick Breakdown Padel vs. Pickleball: Quick Breakdown

🔥 So… Is Padel Better Than Pickleball?

Not saying that (okay, maybe a little). Here’s what sets padel apart:

Wall play = chaos & fun – You can use the walls like racquetball, which adds a whole new dimension of strategy—and accidental trick shots.

Doubles only – More social, more movement, and yes, more yelling.

More bounce, more cardio – With a pressurized ball and livelier surface, padel’s pace is faster and more dynamic. It's like tennis with ADHD (in the best way).

Big international energy – Popular across Europe and Latin America, padel brings a cosmopolitan vibe that says “I have a passport and I use it.”

🧓 But Isn’t Pickleball for… Boomers?

Let’s be clear—we love pickleball. It’s accessible, fun, and an amazing entry point to racquet sports. But if you’re looking for something with a little more edge, a little more sweat, and a lot more LET’S GOOO!, padel might be your jam.

📍Where to Try Padel Near You

If you’re in Metro Detroit, come check out Zmash Padel in Sterling Heights. With 8 indoor glass courts, great music, friendly coaches, and an awesome community, it’s the perfect place to see why padel is blowing up—and why it’s not pickleball.

💬 Final Verdict: Is Padel the Same as Pickleball?

Nope. Different courts. Different rules. Different vibe. Both are fun—but only one lets you hit the ball off a glass wall and feel like an action movie star.