If you’ve played tennis for years and are now looking for something new—whether for fun, fitness, or fewer aches and pains—you’ve probably heard about two fast-growing racket sports: padel and pickleball.
But what’s the difference?
And which one is the better fit for a tennis player?
Let’s break it down.
Padel or Pickleball: Similar Vibes, Different Games
Both padel and pickleball are easier on the body than tennis, super social, and seriously addictive.
They both involve fast rallies, quick reflexes, and loads of strategy — making them ideal for ex-tennis players who still love to compete but want something fresh.
But beyond the hype, there are some big differences.
Padel or Pickleball: Courts & Equipment
Here are the main differences between Padel and Pickleball equipment and court features:
| Feature | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size | Smaller than a tennis court, enclosed with walls/glass (like squash). A padel court is 20m x 10m, | Similar to a badminton court, open with a low net. A pickleball court is 13.41m x 6.09m |
| Court Surface | Concrete, cement, wood, synthetic material or artificial turf. | Most indoor pickleball courts use a polyurethane sport surface, whilst most home and backyard courts are marked out on coloured concrete |
| Use of Walls | Yes – like squash, you can play off the glass | No – play stops when the ball goes out |
| Paddle | Solid, slightly shorter than a tennis racquet, stringless, thicker head in different shapes depending on playing style | Thin plastic racket with a rectangular shaped head. Available in different sizes – length and width are equal to or less than 24in and no longer than 17in. |
| Ball | Pressurized ball, similar to a tennis ball | Lightweight plastic ball with holes (like a wiffle ball). These balls don’t bounce as high so are perfect for smaller courts |
| Net Height | In Padel the net is 34.6 inches high at the center and 36.2 inches at the ends | Similar to Padel a pickleball net is 34 inches high in the center and 36 inches at the sidelines. |
Padel or Pickleball: Movement & Pace
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Padel is more like tennis meets squash—it’s quick, dynamic, and uses a lot of spin and rebounds off the walls. Footwork is important and rallies can get fast and furious.
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Pickleball is more about positioning, finesse, and reaction speed, especially at the net (the “kitchen”). It’s more accessible physically but still offers intense competitive play.
If you still enjoy running and moving around the court a lot, you may prefer padel.
If your knees, shoulders, or joints are calling it quits, pickleball might be the winner.
Padel or Pickleball: Social & Competitive Scenes
Pickleball is booming in the U.S. and has a massive recreational play community with thousands of clubs, meetups, and tournaments.
It’s very easy to jump in as a beginner.
Padel is bigger in Europe and Latin America, though it’s growing fast in the U.S., especially in urban areas and private clubs.
It’s very social but often found in more exclusive or pay-to-play environments.
OUR VIEW:
- Want a more casual drop-in game? Pickleball has you covered.
- Prefer doubles strategy and glass-wall trick shots? You’ll love padel.
Padel or Pickleball: Transferable Tennis Skills
Apart from the obvious connection between raquets and tennis balls different skills and shots needed on the tennis court transfer better to either Padel or Pickleball – let’s take a look…
| Tennis Skill | Works Best In |
|---|---|
| Groundstrokes | Both |
| Volleys & Doubles Play | Pickleball – especially in the kitchen area |
| Spin, Slice, Angles | Padel – lots of trick shots and rebounds |
| Serve Power | Padel – you can use a tennis-like serve |
| Net Play & Reflexes | Both – but more intense in pickleball |
Padel or Pickleball: So… As a Tennis Player Should You Pick One Over the Other?
Every individual is different so it’s difficult to make an overall recommendation either way.
Our best advice is to try both and see which you prefer, if in fact you do have a preference – what’s to stop you playing both?
If you really want an answer from us here’s our best shot…
Tennis Players Should Play Pickleball if:
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If you love a strategic net game, quick points, and social play, pickleball is probably your jam.
Tennis Players Should Play Padel if:
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If you enjoy longer rallies, chasing balls off glass, and a mix of tennis and squash, give padel a go.
The key as always is to see which one you enjoy the most and focus on that one.
As a tennis player your background in footwork, hand-eye coordination, and doubles will help you thrive in either sport.
Are you a Tennis Player Ready to Try Pickle?!
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