Court dimensions and layout

The most obvious difference between the two sports lies in their court dimensions and enclosures:

• Padel: played on a 66 ft × 33 ft court enclosed by glass or mesh walls. The walls are part of the game, allowing the ball to rebound off them during rallies. The enclosure creates a more intimate playing area and keeps rallies going.¹
• Pickleball: played on an open 44 ft × 20 ft court, similar in size to a badminton court. There are no side walls, and play is confined to within the court boundaries.¹

Equipment differences

Each sport has its own distinctive gear:

• Padel paddles: solid, perforated paddles made of carbon or fiberglass, often featuring wrist straps to prevent the paddle from slipping. The ball is similar in size to a tennis ball but has slightly less pressure.
• Pickleball paddles: usually made of wood, composite or graphite without perforations. Pickleball balls are plastic with holes and are lighter, creating a slower flight and lower bounce.²

Gameplay and rules

While both sports are relatively easy to learn, their rules shape different playing experiences:

• Padel: always played in doubles. Points begin with an under‑arm serve that must bounce in the opposite service box before hitting the wall. Players can hit the ball off their own walls or out of the court after a rebound. Scoring follows traditional tennis (15, 30, 40, game).³
• Pickleball: can be played singles or doubles. The serve is underhand and must clear the non‑volley zone (the “kitchen”). Only the serving team scores points, and games are played to 11 points, win by two. There are no walls; volleys and dink shots dominate rallies.³

Physical demands and feel

Both sports offer great exercise, but the type of movement and intensity differ:

• Padel: features longer rallies, dynamic footwork and frequent use of the walls. Players need agility to cover the court and endurance to sustain rallies. The game is more physically demanding and is often compared to a mix of tennis and squash.⁴
• Pickleball: has a lower bounce and lighter ball, making it easier for older players or those seeking a less strenuous activity. Rally length depends on placement and strategy rather than power. It’s accessible to all ages and fitness levels.⁴

Which sport should you choose?

If you enjoy fast‑paced games with tactical use of walls and are ready for a workout, padel may be your game. If you prefer a lighter, more accessible sport that emphasises finesse and court positioning, pickleball is a fantastic option. Many players enjoy both sports for variety and cross‑training. Whichever you choose, you’ll join a growing community of racquet‑sport enthusiasts.