No—padel and pickleball are different sports with unique courts, gear, and rules.
If you keep asking is padel the same as pickleball, you’re not alone. I coach beginners in both, and I’ve seen the confusion up close. In this guide, I break down the key differences, share what it feels like to play each one, and help you pick the right game for your body, budget, and goals. Stick with me, and you’ll finish with a clear, confident answer to is padel the same as pickleball.
)
Padel vs. pickleball in one fast snapshot
Both sports are fun, social, and easy to start. They use short-handled rackets, underhand serves, and fast rallies. That is where the overlap ends.
Here is the short version that answers is padel the same as pickleball with real details:
- Padel is always doubles, played on a walled court like mini-tennis with glass.
- Pickleball is on a small open court with a kitchen line and a plastic ball.
- Padel uses tennis-style scoring. Pickleball uses side-out scoring to 11.
- Padel gear is a perforated foam racket and a depressurized tennis ball. Pickleball uses a flat paddle and a wiffle-style ball.
If you like walls, lobs, and long cat-and-mouse points, try padel. If you enjoy soft touch at the net, sharp angles, and poppy drives, try pickleball.
What is padel?
Padel began in Mexico in 1969 and exploded in Spain and Argentina. The court is 20 by 10 meters, with glass and mesh walls in play. You serve underhand after a bounce and hit below the waist. Scoring follows tennis: 15, 30, 40, and deuce.
You always play doubles. The walls keep points alive, so rallies can feel like chess with sprints. A typical padel racket is solid with drilled holes, no strings. The ball looks like a tennis ball but has lower pressure.
From my experience, new tennis players adapt fast to padel. They love the walls after a week, once they learn the soft lob and the bandeja.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball started in 1965 near Seattle and is booming in the United States. The court is 44 by 20 feet with a 7-foot non-volley zone called the kitchen. You serve underhand, there is a two-bounce rule, and only the serving team scores.
You can play singles or doubles. The paddle is flat and rigid. The ball is plastic with holes, and outdoor balls are a bit harder and faster than indoor ones.
In my classes, first-time players get into a real rally in minutes. The third-shot drop and dinking at the kitchen make it feel tactical but friendly.
Court, net, and gear differences that matter
When someone asks is padel the same as pickleball, the court and gear answer for you right away.
Courts
- Padel: 20×10 meters, enclosed by glass and mesh walls. Walls are part of play.
- Pickleball: 44×20 feet, open court with clear lines. No walls in play.
Net height
- Padel: About 34.6 inches at the center and slightly higher at the sides.
- Pickleball: 34 inches at the center and 36 inches at the posts.
Gear
- Padel racket: Solid face with holes, foam core, no strings.
- Pickleball paddle: Flat composite face, honeycomb core, no strings.
- Padel ball: Like a tennis ball, lower pressure.
- Pickleball ball: Hard plastic with holes, indoor and outdoor types.
Footwork and shoes
- Padel: Tennis-style shoes with lateral support for wall play and quick stops.
- Pickleball: Court shoes with grip for hard courts or gym floors.
Rules and scoring compared
Scoring
- Padel: Tennis scoring and best of three or five sets. Tiebreaks at 6-6.
- Pickleball: Games to 11, win by 2. Tournament games can go to 15 or 21.
Serve
- Padel: Underhand serve, ball must bounce before you strike, two serves allowed.
- Pickleball: Underhand serve without a pre-bounce, one serve attempt except for lets.
Play flow
- Padel: Walls are legal after the ball bounces. Lots of lobs, screens, and resets.
- Pickleball: The two-bounce rule starts the point. The kitchen limits net smashes.
If you compare these side by side, it is clear that is padel the same as pickleball is a myth. They share a friendly vibe, but the rules create very different rallies.
Style, pace, and strategy
Padel rewards patience and smart use of height. You see lobs, chiquitas, bandejas, and smart wall rebounds. Power helps, but control wins more points.
Pickleball rewards soft hands and quick choices. Think dinks, third-shot drops, speed-ups, and counters at the kitchen. Angles and footwork are key.
I switch between the two each week. In padel, I plan the point like a puzzle. In pickleball, I live at the kitchen line and react fast. So, is padel the same as pickleball in play style? Not at all, but skills do carry over.
Learning curve and who each sport fits best
Beginners
- Padel: Great for tennis converts and couples. Walls help keep points alive.
- Pickleball: Great for all ages. Easy to set up and learn in a day.
Space and community
- Padel: Needs a built court with glass. Social doubles makes it a club vibe.
- Pickleball: Portable nets and taped lines work in many spaces. Huge community pickup games.
Goals
- Want long rallies and teamwork? Try padel.
- Want fast games and quick wins at lunch? Try pickleball.
I often tell students asking is padel the same as pickleball to try both in one weekend. Your favorite will be clear by Monday.
Health, fitness, and injury notes
Both sports offer great cardio without the long baseline grind of tennis. You will work legs, core, and forearms. Doubles play lowers impact and keeps things social.
Common issues I see
- Padel: Shoulder and elbow soreness from overheads and off-center hits. Ankle sprains near walls if you plant late.
- Pickleball: Calf strains, wrist sprains, and falls for new players who rush the kitchen. Good shoes and warm-ups help.
Governing bodies and sports medicine groups note fast growth in participation. With growth comes more first-time injuries. Smart progressions, rest days, and technique lessons reduce risk in both sports.
Cost, access, and growth
If you wonder is padel the same as pickleball, look at access and cost trends.
Courts and clubs
- Padel: Huge in Spain, Italy, Argentina, Sweden, UAE, and growing in the US. Courts need glass walls and pro builds.
- Pickleball: Thousands of US courts, plus easy conversions on tennis courts and gyms.
Gear prices
- Padel rackets: About 100 to 400 dollars. Balls are like tennis ball prices.
- Pickleball paddles: About 50 to 250 dollars. Balls are cheap by the pack.
Community and events
- Padel: Club leagues and coaching programs are expanding fast.
- Pickleball: Rec ladders, open play boards, and national events are everywhere.
Which should you try first?
Use this quick guide to decide.
Pick padel if
- You like doubles teamwork and long rallies.
- You want walls, lobs, and creative angles.
- You have a local club or plan to join one.
Pick pickleball if
- You want easy access and lots of open play times.
- You enjoy soft touch at the net and sharp speed-ups.
- You want a sport you can play in many parks and gyms.
Balanced take
- Try both if your schedule allows.
- Bring a friend to each intro clinic.
- Let your body and smile decide.
After you play, you will not ask is padel the same as pickleball again. You will know which one feels like home.
Frequently Asked Questions of is padel the same as pickleball
Is padel the same as pickleball?
No. They differ in courts, gear, rules, and play style. Padel uses walls and tennis scoring, while pickleball uses the kitchen and side-out scoring.
Can I use a pickleball paddle for padel?
No. Padel rackets are thicker and built for wall play. A pickleball paddle will not perform or meet padel rules.
Which is easier to learn?
Pickleball is usually faster to learn in a single session. Padel is simple too, but using the walls well takes a few extra sessions.
Which is better for tennis players?
Many tennis players pick up padel fast due to similar scoring and net play. That said, tennis volleys and touch also help in pickleball.
Are the balls the same?
No. Padel uses a felt ball like a tennis ball with lower pressure. Pickleball uses a hard plastic ball with holes.
Can I play singles in both sports?
Padel is mainly doubles and designed for it. Pickleball supports both singles and doubles.
Which burns more calories?
Both can be solid workouts. Longer padel rallies can edge higher for some players, but pace and intensity matter most.
Conclusion
Padel and pickleball share an inviting spirit, but they are built on different rules, spaces, and skills. Padel brings walls, longer rallies, and tennis-style rhythm. Pickleball brings the kitchen, fast exchanges, and huge community access.
Try a beginner session in each this month. Notice how your body feels and which game makes time fly. If this helped answer is padel the same as pickleball, share it with a friend, subscribe for more guides, and drop your questions in the comments.