Padel and pickleball may look alike, but they play very differently. Both use a net and fast rallies, yet the court size, equipment, rules, and scoring set them apart. This guide breaks down the main differences so you can quickly understand how each sport works.
Padel vs Pickleball: quick overview and origins
Padel and pickleball are both social racket sports with fast rallies, but they grew in different places. Padel began in Mexico in 1969 and is now huge in Spain and across Europe. Pickleball started in the US in 1965 and has exploded in popularity, especially in North America.
| Feature | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20 m x 10 m enclosed court | 13.41 m x 6.09 m (same as badminton) |
| Typical players | Doubles-focused, social teams | Singles or doubles, very social |
| Racket / paddle | Solid perforated racket | Flat paddle (composite, graphite, or wood) |
| Ball type | Depressurised tennis-style ball | Perforated plastic ball (wiffle-style) |
| Use of walls | Walls are in play, shaping tactics | No walls; kitchen zone controls net play |
| Origins | Mexico, 1969 | USA, 1965 |
| Growth | ~25 million players, strong in Europe | 36.5 million players, rapid US growth |
| Best for | Tactical doubles and wall play | Easy-to-learn, low-impact starter sport |
| Where it thrives | Areas with enclosed courts and clubs | Spaces where cheap courts can be added |
Court differences between padel and pickleball
The biggest difference between padel and pickleball is the court setup. Padel is played on a larger, enclosed space, while pickleball uses a smaller open court.
| Feature | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20 m x 10 m | 13.41 m x 6.09 m (same as badminton) |
| Net height | ~0.88–0.92 m | Lower than tennis, ~0.86 m at centre |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed with glass and mesh walls | Open court, no walls |
| Volley rules | Standard volleys, walls keep rallies alive | No volleys in the 2.13 m “kitchen” zone |
| Typical installation | Higher cost, needs glass structure | Low cost, can use existing courts |
How walls change play
In padel, walls are part of the game. Shots can rebound after landing, creating longer rallies and tactical angles. In pickleball, rallies are shaped by the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”) and the two-bounce rule, making soft shots and placement key.
Indoor and outdoor play
Padel is often played outdoors but also thrives indoors, where walls give a more consistent bounce. Pickleball is common both indoors in gyms and outdoors on hard courts, with slightly different balls used depending on conditions. For another head-to-head, here’s how padel compares with tennis.
Equipment differences between padel and pickleball
The racket or paddle and ball design shape how each sport feels.
| Feature | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Racket / Paddle | Solid, perforated racket. Up to 45.5 cm long. Often made from carbon fibre or fibreglass with foam cores. Head shapes (round, teardrop, diamond) balance control and power. | Flat paddle with no holes. Max 17 in long. Usually 13–16 mm thick with polymer honeycomb cores and fibreglass or carbon faces. |
| Ball | Pressurised tennis-style ball, slightly smaller and lower bounce than tennis. | Hollow plastic ball with 26–40 holes. Indoor balls are softer with larger holes. Outdoor versions are firmer with smaller holes. |
| Feel in play | Softer impact. Good for rebounds off walls and longer rallies. | Faster off the paddle. Bounce and feel vary by indoor vs outdoor balls. |
Rules, scoring, and gameplay differences
Serving
- Padel: Serves are underarm, below waist height, and must bounce once before being hit. The ball must land in the opponent’s service box and can then use the walls.
- Pickleball: Serves are underarm with an upward motion, hit directly into the opposite service box. No bounce before serving.
Rally style
- Padel: Rallies use walls to keep points going. Angles, lobs, and volleys make teamwork essential.
- Pickleball: Rallies are shaped by the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”) and the two-bounce rule. This encourages softer “dink” shots and patient positioning.
Scoring
- Padel: Uses tennis scoring (15, 30, 40, game). Matches are usually best of three sets to six games.
- Pickleball: Games are played to 11 points, win by two. Only the serving team can score.
Formats
Pickleball: Popular in both singles and doubles.
Padel: Almost always doubles.
If you want the full breakdown of padel’s scoring system, check our guide on the official padel rules.
FAQ
What’s the main difference between padel and pickleball?
Padel is played on a larger enclosed court with glass walls and a pressurised ball. Pickleball is played on a smaller open court with a paddle and a hollow plastic ball.
Where did padel and pickleball start?
Padel began in Mexico in 1969 and is most popular in Spain and Europe. Pickleball started in the US in 1965 and is most popular there.
How big are the courts?
Padel courts are 20 m x 10 m and enclosed. Pickleball courts are 13.41 m x 6.09 m, with a lower net and a non-volley zone.
Why does padel use walls?
The walls keep rallies going and create extra angles.
Can both sports be played indoors?
Yes. Padel is often built indoors for consistent play. Pickleball works both indoors and outdoors.
How do the rackets and paddles differ?
Padel rackets are solid and perforated. Pickleball paddles are flat and unperforated.
What balls do they use?
Padel uses a pressurised ball similar to tennis. Pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes, with indoor and outdoor versions.
How do serves work?
Padel serves are underarm after one bounce. Pickleball serves are underarm without a bounce.
What’s the kitchen in pickleball?
It’s a non-volley zone near the net where volleys are not allowed.
How is scoring different?
Padel uses tennis scoring. Pickleball is played to 11 points, win by two, and only the serving side scores.
Is padel always doubles?
Yes, mainly. Pickleball is played in both singles and doubles.
Which is cheaper to set up?
Pickleball is cheaper, as it can use existing courts. Padel requires enclosed glass courts.
