Padel vs Pickleball: What's the Difference?
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.
Quick Breakdown
| Feature | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size | 20m x 10m (enclosed) | 13.4m x 6.1m (open) |
| Walls | Glass walls in play | No walls |
| Ball | Low-pressure tennis ball | Plastic wiffle ball |
| Racket | Solid with holes | Solid paddle |
| Format | Doubles only | Singles or doubles |
| Scoring | Tennis style (15-30-40) | Rally scoring to 11 |
| Pace | Fast, dynamic | Moderate, strategic |
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. The glass walls create opportunities for creative angles and extended rallies that simply don't exist in pickleball.
Doubles Only
More social, more movement, and yes, more yelling. Padel is designed from the ground up as a social sport, making it perfect for building friendships and community.
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). You'll get a better workout while having more fun.
Big International Energy
Popular across Europe and Latin America, padel brings a cosmopolitan vibe that says "I have a passport and I use it." The sport has a global following with professional tours and celebrity players.
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. The slower pace and smaller court make it perfect for players of all ages and fitness levels.
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. The faster pace, wall play, and mandatory doubles format create a more intense and social experience.
The Bottom Line
Both sports have their place. Pickleball is great for casual play and all ages. Padel offers more intensity, strategy, and international flair. Many players enjoy both sports for different reasons and occasions.
Where to Try Padel Near You
Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Padel courts are popping up across the United States, from Miami to Los Angeles, Houston to New York City.
With indoor glass courts, great music, friendly coaches, and an awesome community, padel facilities offer 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.
Padel offers a unique combination of tennis technique, squash strategy, and social doubles play that creates an experience unlike any other racket sport. The enclosed court with glass walls transforms every point into a dynamic rally where creativity and positioning matter as much as power.
Whether you're a tennis player looking for a new challenge, a pickleball enthusiast seeking more intensity, or a complete beginner wanting to try something fun and social, padel welcomes you with open arms (and glass walls).
Ready to try padel?
Use our court finder to locate padel facilities near you and experience the fastest-growing racket sport in America. Most facilities offer equipment rentals and beginner lessons to get you started.