What are the differences between padel and pickleball?

Padel and pickleball are experiencing spectacular growth in France.

These two racket sports appeal to a wide audience thanks to their accessibility, friendly atmosphere, and spectacular nature. However, despite their apparent similarities, they have many differences, whether in equipment, rules, playing surfaces, or style of play.

In this article, The Pickleballer helps you better understand what distinguishes these two disciplines and why pickleball is attracting more and more players.

Padel vs Pickleball: two related but distinct sports

At first glance, padel and pickleball seem similar: two rackets without strings, fast rallies and a friendly atmosphere.

But they have very different origins, playing fields and dynamics .

Padel originated in Mexico in the 1970s before conquering Spain. It is played in a court enclosed by glass and wire mesh , exclusively in doubles , with a ball similar to that used in tennis.

Pickleball , on the other hand, originated in the United States in the 1960s. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong , and is played on a flat court, without walls , with a perforated plastic ball .

The differences in terrain

The padel court measures 20 meters long by 10 meters wide, surrounded by glass and grids which are an integral part of the game.

Bouncing off the walls is allowed, a bit like in squash, which requires good tactical sense and quick reflexes.

The pickleball court , on the other hand, is much smaller: only 13.4 meters by 6.1 meters . It looks more like a badminton court, without walls.

The net is lower (approximately 86 cm in the centre), which makes the game more dynamic and accessible to beginners.

👉 In summary:

• Padel is played in an enclosed space , with bounces off the walls.
• Pickleball is open , without walls, therefore more readable and fluid.

Rackets: power vs. precision

Padel racket

The padel racket is thick, solid and slightly perforated .

It is made of composite materials (carbon, fiberglass, EVA foam) and weighs between 350 and 380 grams .

It allows you to generate power, but offers less precision on small shots.

Pickleball paddle

The pickleball paddle is thinner and lighter (200 to 250 grams).

It is made of carbon, fiberglass or graphite , with a honeycomb core .

Its larger surface area and lightness promote control, spin and maneuverability , making the game more technical in short rallies.

The balls: foam versus perforated plastic

This is one of the major visual differences.

• In padel , the ball looks very similar to a tennis ball, slightly deflated to limit the speed.
• In pickleball , the ball is made of hard plastic, perforated with holes (26 to 40 depending on whether it is indoor or outdoor).

This difference completely changes the speed and the rebound :

• The padel ball is livelier, bounces more and allows for powerful smashes.
• The pickleball bounces less, making the game more precise, strategic and based on placement .

Playing style: spectacle vs. tactics

Padel is a sport of power and spectacle , where the walls extend the rallies.

Points can last a long time and the game relies on reflexes, volleys and spectacular defensive shots.

Pickleball , on the other hand , is a more tactical and cerebral sport .

The famous no-volley zone (or “kitchen”) in front of the net imposes a game of waiting and positioning.

Players seek to force their opponent into making a mistake through precise shots rather than brute force.

💡 Summary:

• Padel : fast pace, power, rebounds off walls, team play.
• Pickleball : strategy, precision, placement, technical and intelligent play.

The number of players

Padel is played almost exclusively in doubles , which promotes conviviality but limits the flexibility to train alone.

Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles , making it more adaptable. The rules of pickleball are very simple.

Many players practice pickleball in pairs for its social aspect, but singles remains very popular for working on accuracy and mobility.

Accessibility and learning

One of the great strengths of pickleball is its accessibility .

The exchanges are quick to master, the rules are simple to understand, and the light ball reduces the risk of injury.

It's a sport that's suitable for all ages , including seniors.

Padel , although very fun, requires a little more technical adaptation, especially to manage the rebounds off the walls and the power of the shots.

👉 In summary:

• Pickleball is ideal for starting a racket sport without experience.
• Padel requires a bit more technique and coordination at the start.

Infrastructure and cost

Padel

Padel courts require specific construction with glass, wire mesh and foundations.

This represents a significant investment for clubs (often more than €30,000 per pitch).

That is why the practice remains concentrated in specialized clubs.

Pickleball

Pickleball, on the other hand, can be played almost anywhere : gymnasium, tennis court, or flat surface.

A simple removable net and a few marking lines are all that's needed to create a pitch.

The installation cost is therefore 10 to 20 times lower than that of a padel court, which facilitates its rapid deployment in clubs and schools.

The public and the trend in France

Padel is already well established, particularly in tennis clubs affiliated with the FFT.

Pickleball , meanwhile, is booming: its growth is the fastest among racket sports in the United States and it is following the same trajectory in Europe.

Many French clubs are starting to convert tennis courts into pickleball courts to diversify their offerings and attract new members. The number of pickleball clubs is growing rapidly, making it increasingly easy to find one near you.

In summary: the main differences

Criteria	Padel	Pickleball
Ground	20×10 m, with walls	13.4 x 6.1 m, without walls
Racket	Heavy, thick, perforated	Lightweight, flat, carbon/fiber
Ball	Tennis type	Perforated plastic
Number of players	2 against 2	1 vs 1 or 2 vs 2
Playing style	Power and rebounds	Precision and placement
Accessibility	Average	Very easy
Facility	Complex and expensive	Simple and mobile
Physical level	Demanding	Suitable for all ages

Conclusion: Two sports, two philosophies

Padel and pickleball are not opposed, they complement each other.

The first appeals with its energy and spectacular nature, the second with its user-friendliness, accessibility and strategic dimension.

Pickleball is emerging as the ideal sport for families, schools and clubs looking to expand their offerings .

And if you want to get started, discover our rackets, balls and nets now on The Pickleballer Shop .