Padel is played on an enclosed court with glass walls (which are in play), using a solid racket and tennis-style balls. It’s usually doubles, with underarm serves and longer rallies thanks to the walls.

Pickleball is played on an open, flat court with a lower net and a plastic perforated ball (like a wiffle ball). The rackets are also solid but lighter and flatter, and the style of play is a bit more stop-start.