© 2022 - 2024 We Are Padel - All rights reserved
EN
With globalisation of sports, more and more spin offs of internationally popular sports have been introduced to the public and hit it off! Padel and Pickleball are two such sports attracting players of all ages and skill levels. But with both sports using “paddles” and nets, you might wonder: what sets them apart? This guide dives deep into the key differences between padel tennis and pickleball, covering their unique rules, equipment, and playing styles.
By the end, you'll be able to decide which sport is the best fit for you!
We know quite a bit about padel but what do we know about pickleball? A fusion between badminton and ping pong, pickleball was born out of the necessity to keep kids entertained with only what was at hand; badminton racquets, wiffle ball and a net. And the rest as they say is history!
While Padel took over Europe, Pickleball picked up fame across the USA and today both sports are reaching shores far across the globe.
Let's even the playing field out; starting with the pickleball court that imitates a badminton court, at 13.4 by 6.1 metres, it is compact and smaller than a 10 by 20 metres padel court.
Both have a net that divides the court and dips slightly at the centermost point. The net stands at 34 inches at its lowest points on both courts and 36 inches high at the sidelines.
The padel court is covered by glass on the back and the sides have a mix of wire mesh and glass, while the pickleball court is an open court with no coverings. Both can be played indoors or outdoors!
As for equipment used to play the sport, padel uses a solid-faced, perforated racquet that is close to 45 cm long from the top to the end of the handle and a tennis ball that is 30% lighter than one used in tennis games. Pickleball racquets or paddles, on the other hand, resemble an actual paddle with an elongated face and a short handle. The main star would be the perforated balls used during gameplay! (pictured above!)
Padel is a game played favouring power and strategy supported by the structure of the court while pickleball is all about finesse and quick shots! This makes the entire gameplay for both sports a contrast to one another.
Another factor that sets apart these two games is how scores are tallied! Padel adopts the scoring system from tennis, with points awarded at 15, 30, and 40. Games are won by reaching six points with a two-point lead. Unlike tennis, serves must bounce once in the opponent's service box before being returned. Players can also play the ball off the walls, adding a strategic layer to rallies.
Pickleball modifies the tennis scoring system, with games typically going to 11 points. The serve must underhand and diagonally crosscourt, but unlike padel, the ball cannot bounce before being returned (a "double bounce" fault). Additionally, a non-volley zone, or "kitchen," restricts players close to the net, encouraging rallies from the baseline.
Both sports do require a two point lead for a side to win the game!
Padel tennis demands a blend of power and finesse. Players utilise two-handed backhands for strong groundstrokes and overhead smashes taking advantage of the larger court. Volleys are also crucial, requiring agility and reflexes to react to balls bouncing off the walls. Strategy involves controlling the point with powerful shots while also incorporating delicate drop shots and lobs to outmanoeuvre opponents.
Pickleball leans towards a more controlled and reactive style. Players rely on quick volleys and dinking (soft, controlled shots) near the net due to the smaller court size and non-volley zone. Footwork and anticipation are key for reacting to volleys and drop shots. The strategy focuses on placement, deception, and exploiting weaknesses in the opposing team's positioning.
In essence, padel tennis emphasises power and court awareness, while pickleball prioritises finesse, reflexes, and tactical positioning. Both require hand-eye coordination, but the emphasis on different strengths creates distinct playing styles and challenges.
Padel tennis enjoys explosive growth in Europe and Latin America, with countries like Spain and Argentina boasting millions of players. It's slowly catching on in North America, where pickleball reigns supreme.
In the US, pickleball participation has skyrocketed, attracting a wider range of ages, particularly demographics over 50. Padel tends to skew slightly younger, attracting a mix of former tennis players and newcomers seeking a social and dynamic sport.
Padel tennis and pickleball offer distinct playing styles and cater to different preferences.
Padel requires more space and thinking strategically about your shots while Pickleball is all about making the best out of the space available and finessing your quick reflexes!
Both sports deliver fantastic workouts and social fun as both are games best played in doubles! Don't limit yourself to one; explore both padel tennis and pickleball to find the racquet that feels most comfortable in your grip!
