Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads looking to entertain their children during summer. The sport got its quirky name from the family dog, Pickles, who would chase after stray balls. Pickleball is played on a 20x44-foot court with solid paddles and a plastic ball with holes. It has gained immense popularity because it's low-impact and great for making connections. The sport can be played indoors and outdoors and as singles or doubles, making it versatile and accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
Padel, sometimes spelled paddle, is a racquet sport that combines aspects of tennis and squash. It was invented in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, by Enrique Corcuera, who created the sport in his backyard. Padel quickly spread to Spain and Argentina, gaining significant popularity there before expanding globally. Padel is played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court and incorporates the court's walls into gameplay. The sport uses stringless racquets and depressurized tennis balls, creating a dynamic and fast-paced game that's challenging and enjoyable.
While both sports involve hitting a ball over a net, pickleball and padel have unique features. When deciding between pickleball vs. padel, consider these differences.
Court Size and Layout
Pickleball courts measure 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. A distinctive feature of pickleball courts is the non-volley zone, usually called the "kitchen," which extends 7 feet from the net on each side.
Padel courts are larger and enclosed. They're typically measured in meters and are 10 meters (about 33 feet) wide by 20 meters (about 66 feet) long. Walls surround the court and are integral to the game, as players can use them during play. The net height is similar to pickleball, at 0.92 meters (36.2 inches) on the sides and 0.88 meters (34.6 inches) in the center.
Equipment
Pickleball utilizes solid paddles, typically made of wood, composite materials or graphite. These paddles are larger than table tennis paddles but smaller than tennis racquets. The ball used in pickleball, similar to a wiffle ball, is a lightweight plastic ball with holes.
Padel racquets, often called padel bats, are solid and stringless. They're usually made of carbon fiber, glass fiber or other composite materials. Padel balls are similar to tennis balls but with slightly less pressure, allowing for a lower bounce.
Gameplay and Rules
Pickleball is played as either singles or doubles, with serves made diagonally across the court. Only the serving team can score points, and games are typically played to 11 points and won by two.
Padel is primarily played as doubles. Players must bounce the ball before serving and keep the serve below their waist. Both teams can score points regardless of who's serving. Matches are typically best of three sets, with each set played to six games. Teams must win by two points, and points are counted as 15, 30, 40 and game. Additionally, players can use the wall during play. They can let the ball bounce against the wall before hitting it back to the opposing team or hit the ball against the wall so that it lands on the opponent's side of the court.
Physical Demands
Pickleball is generally considered a lower-impact sport that's easier on the joints. Its smaller court size and lighter ball make it less physically demanding, and it is ideal for players of all ages and fitness levels. The sport offers a good balance of aerobic exercise and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strain on the body.
While still accessible to beginners, padel tends to be more physically intense. The larger court and incorporation of wall play can lead to longer rallies and more dynamic movement. Players often find themselves sprinting, changing direction quickly, and making explosive movements to return shots off the walls. This higher intensity can provide a more vigorous workout, appealing to those seeking a more challenging physical activity.
Learning Curve
Pickleball has a gentler learning curve with its simple rules and forgiving equipment. Many players find they can enjoy competitive games within a few sessions. The sport's accessibility makes it easy for beginners to pick up quickly while offering room for skill development and strategy refinement for more advanced players.
Padel can be slightly more challenging to master initially. Including walls in gameplay introduces a unique strategic element that takes time to understand and use effectively. However, this complexity also offers more strategic depth, which can appeal to players looking for a long-term challenge and continuous skill improvement.
Social Aspect
Pickleball has gained immense popularity among older adults and is often played in community centers and retirement communities. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a fun social activity with a diverse age range. The sport's accessibility and low-impact nature make it ideal for multigenerational play, fostering a strong sense of community.
Padel tends to attract a slightly younger demographic, although it is growing in popularity across all age groups. It's often played in dedicated padel groups or as a part of tennis facilities, which can provide a different social atmosphere. The sport's intensity and strategic depth usually appeal to former tennis players or those seeking a more challenging racquet sport experience.
Now that you know the pickleball and padel differences, consider the following factors when considering pickleball vs. padel:
Regardless of which sport you choose, the quality of the playing surface can impact your game. At MONDO, we've been at the forefront of sports surface innovation for over 75 years. Our experience has taught us that the correct surface can enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and improve game enjoyment.
For padel, our synthetic turf systems, like the Premier Supercourt® X3, offer excellent traction, shock absorption, and consistent ball bounce. These features improve gameplay and contribute to player safety and comfort.
While pickleball is often played on hard courts, the principles of surface quality remain the same. A well-designed and maintained court surface, such as our Advance flooring, can make a major difference in your playing experience.
Whether you choose pickleball or padel, you're in for an exciting sports adventure. Both games offer unique challenges, social opportunities, and fitness benefits. The key is to choose one that best suits your physical abilities, learning preferences, and social goals.
As you embark on your sports journey, remember that the quality of the playing surface can significantly enhance your experience. A well-designed surface can make your game safer, more enjoyable, and more competitive. Next time you're at a sports facility, take a moment to appreciate the court beneath your feet.
Contact us today to start your padel or pickleball journey.