Two paddle sports. Two wildly different experiences. One question every new player in India is asking right now: which one do I start with? Whether you have spotted courts popping up at your local sports club or heard colleagues talking about it at the office, padel and pickleball have officially arrived in India - and they are growing fast.
At Rackonnect, we have seen thousands of players step onto both courts for the first time. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can make the right decision based on your fitness level, budget, and schedule.
What Is Padel?
Padel originated in Mexico in the late 1960s and has since become the second most popular sport in Spain, with over 25 million players worldwide. It is played on an enclosed glass-and-mesh court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, always in doubles - meaning you always play 4 players at a time.
The racket used in padel is solid and perforated with no strings, resembling a large paddle. The ball is similar to a tennis ball but with slightly lower pressure. One of padel's defining features is that the glass walls are live during play, meaning the ball can bounce off the walls just like in squash - which adds a fascinating tactical dimension.
The scoring system mirrors tennis (15, 30, 40, game), making it easy to follow for anyone with a tennis background. However, serves in padel are underarm only, which removes one of the most technically demanding elements of tennis and makes it immediately accessible.
In India, padel has gained significant momentum in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, thanks to world-class venues that have launched over the past couple of years.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball was invented in the USA in 1965 and has since become America's fastest-growing sport. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into a single compact game played on a court roughly the size of a badminton doubles court, using a solid paddle and a plastic wiffle-like ball.
Unlike padel, pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. The court has a unique zone called the "kitchen" - the non-volley zone near the net - where players cannot volley the ball. This rule adds a layer of strategy that keeps rallies longer and makes the sport extremely beginner-friendly.
Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, and while it is globally popular among older adults, in India it is attracting a much younger, fitness-conscious crowd. Its low barrier to entry, short learning curve, and high social energy make it ideal for corporate events, weekend groups, and casual weekend play.
If you are already a badminton player, pickleball will feel intuitively familiar. Read our guide on getting started with badminton at Rackonnect if you want to use badminton as a foundation before exploring these newer sports.
Fitness Benefits Compared
Padel: Explosive, High-Intensity Cardio
A typical padel match lasts 60 to 90 minutes and involves short explosive sprints, lateral movement, and overhead shots. Research has shown that padel players maintain a heart rate above 80% of their maximum for significant portions of a match, making it an excellent cardiovascular workout. It also develops core strength, shoulder stability, and leg power significantly.
If you want a full-body workout comparable to an intense gym session, padel delivers that while being genuinely enjoyable at the same time.
Pickleball: Joint-Friendly and Highly Social
Pickleball is lower-impact than padel. The smaller court means less sprinting, and the underarm serve reduces shoulder strain considerably. It is ideal for players recovering from injuries, older adults, or anyone who wants a moderate but consistent workout. A 45-minute pickleball session can burn between 300 and 500 calories depending on the pace of play.
Both sports significantly improve hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and mental focus. To understand the full picture, read about the science-backed health benefits of playing racket sports regularly.
Which Is Better for Beginners?
Pickleball wins for absolute beginners. Within 20 minutes on a pickleball court, most first-timers are rallying comfortably. The ball moves slower, the court is small enough that positioning feels manageable, and the kitchen rule naturally prevents the game from being dominated by powerful smashes.
Padel has a slightly steeper learning curve because the glass walls introduce a dimension most players have never encountered before. Understanding when and how to use wall rebounds takes a few sessions. That said, padel is still far easier to start than tennis or squash, and most beginners genuinely enjoy it from their second session onward.
Our recommendation: If you have never played any racket sport before, start with pickleball. If you have a background in tennis, badminton, or squash, go straight to padel - your existing skills transfer well.
Cost of Playing in India
Court booking costs vary by city and venue. Here is a general picture of what to expect at premium facilities in Delhi NCR:
Padel court booking: Rs. 1,200–2,500 per hour (split among 4 players = Rs. 300–625 per person)
Pickleball court booking: Rs. 600–1,500 per hour (split among 2–4 players)
Equipment rental: Most venues offer paddle rental for Rs. 100–200 per session
Coaching sessions: Rs. 500–1,500 per session depending on group size
When broken down per person, both sports are extremely cost-effective compared to a gym membership or golf. Rackonnect members get access to exclusive discounts on court bookings through the app.
Where to Play Padel and Pickleball in India
Access to quality courts is no longer a barrier. Rackonnect operates REPPP - India's largest Padel and Pickleball Park - with venues in Mehrauli and South Extension, New Delhi. REPPP offers world-class courts, certified coaches, and a vibrant playing community for both beginners and competitive players.
Beyond Delhi, padel and pickleball courts are also available at select clubs in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. However, the density and quality of courts in the NCR region remains unmatched, with Rackonnect leading the development of this category in India.
You can book courts, find playing partners at your skill level, and manage your match history through the Rackonnect app, available on both Android and iOS.
Planning a group outing or office event? Rackonnect offers fully managed event packages for padel and pickleball. Discover why corporate teams across India are choosing racket sports for team building activities.
The Verdict: Which Should You Pick?
There is no single correct answer - both sports are genuinely worth playing and most regular players end up loving both. But if you have to start with one, here is a simple framework:
Choose Pickleball if: You are a complete beginner, prefer a social game with a gentle learning curve, want a lower-impact workout, or plan to play with a mixed-age group.
Choose Padel if: You have some racket sport experience, enjoy high-intensity play, love tactical wall-play strategy, and want a sport that is both athletic and social.
The best advice we can offer? Book a trial session for both. At REPPP by Rackonnect, you can experience both on the same day - and many players who come in thinking they will only try one end up hooked on both before lunchtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is padel harder to learn than pickleball?
Padel has a slightly steeper learning curve because of the enclosed walls and court positioning. Pickleball is generally easier for complete beginners to pick up within a single session.
Can I play padel or pickleball alone?
Both sports are primarily doubles games. You need at least 2 players for pickleball and ideally 4 for padel. The Rackonnect app helps you find players at your level nearby, so you are never stuck without a partner.
Where can I play padel and pickleball in Delhi?
REPPP by Rackonnect is India's largest Padel and Pickleball Park, with venues in Mehrauli and South Extension, New Delhi. Book courts directly through the Rackonnect website or app.
Do I need to buy expensive equipment to start?
No. Most Rackonnect venues provide rental paddles and rackets for a nominal fee. Comfortable sports shoes and appropriate clothing are all you need to get started.
Is pickleball popular in India?
Yes, pickleball is growing rapidly in Indian metros, particularly among the 25–45 age group. Urban sports facilities are adding courts at a significant pace and national-level tournaments are beginning to take shape across the country.
About Rackonnect: Rackonnect is India's premier racket sports platform with 50+ venues across North India, including badminton academies, padel courts, pickleball parks, and multi-sport facilities. Book courts, find coaches, and connect with players at your level through the Rackonnect app.
