Padel and pickleball are often mentioned in the same breath. They’re both fast-growing racket sports, accessible to beginners, easy to pick up, and incredibly social. But while they share some appeal, the two sports differ in key ways: from court setup and equipment to how they feel to play. Here’s a closer look at how they compare.
One of the biggest differences is the environment you play in. Padel is played on an enclosed court, about a third the size of a tennis court. Glass and mesh walls surround the court and those walls are part of the game. The ball can bounce off them, which creates longer rallies, more strategic angles, and a unique challenge that sets padel apart from any other sport. Pickleball, by contrast, is played on an open court, similar in size to a badminton court. There are no walls, and the net is lower than in tennis or padel. A distinctive feature of the game is the “kitchen” a no-volley zone near the net that changes the way points are constructed.
Though both sports use solid rackets and balls, the kit is quite different. In padel, players use stringless rackets made from composite materials with a perforated face, offering control and comfort. The ball looks like a tennis ball but is slightly less pressurised, which slows it down a little and keeps rallies alive longer. Pickleball paddles are lighter and flatter, usually made from materials like carbon fibre or polymer. The ball is a plastic wiffle-style one with holes, designed for slower flight and less bounce. The lighter paddle and slower ball make pickleball feel very different to play, especially in terms of reaction time and spin.
Padel is dynamic. You’re constantly moving, recovering off the glass, and using the walls to your advantage, positioning and teamwork are crucial. Because of the enclosed space, rallies last longer, and players get into more of a rhythm. Pickleball, on the other hand, is often more stop-start. The court is smaller, the ball moves slower, and there’s less running but there’s still plenty of skill involved. Players focus on quick reactions, soft hands, and precision shots like dinks. It’s about finesse and fast thinking rather than big power plays.
Both sports are brilliantly beginner-friendly and attract a wide mix of players. They’re easy to learn, inclusive by design, and bring people together on court. Padel feels more physically active with more footwork, more court coverage and longer points. It’s a great choice if you love movement and strategy and want a full-body workout disguised as fun. Pickleball is slightly lower impact, making it ideal for players who want a gentler introduction to racket sports or prefer a quick, reaction-based game with less court to cover.
At Padel Shift, we love introducing new players to the game. Whether you're a seasoned tennis player or picking up a racket for the first time, our Intro to Padel sessions are designed to get you moving, hitting, and loving the game from day one.
