Padel vs Pickleball vs Tennis: What’s the Difference and Which is Better?
Racket sports have taken the world by storm, and three of the most popular games—padel, pickleball, and tennis—each offer something unique. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, understanding how these sports differ can help you find the perfect match for your interests and fitness goals. Here’s a breakdown of each sport and what sets them apart.
What’s Pickleball?
Pickleball has boomed in popularity in the United States. First invented in the 1960s, it’s played on a small court about the size of a badminton court with a low net. Players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials and a lightweight, perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball. You can play singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two players on each side).
One of the best things about pickleball is how easy it is to learn. The rules are straightforward, making it great for beginners. It’s also a social sport—players chat between games and during matches, thanks to the smaller court size. Plus, it offers a good workout without being too intense, making it ideal for older adults or those looking for a low-impact exercise option.
What’s Padel?
Padel, created in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico, is like a mix of squash and tennis. Played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, it uses glass walls and wire mesh as part of the game. The paddles are solid with perforated holes, and the ball resembles a tennis ball, but with less pressure for lower bounce.
Padel quickly became a sensation in Spain and has since spread across Europe and the Americas. Its appeal lies in its accessibility and social aspect—players often find it easier to pick up than tennis, and the enclosed court makes for exciting, strategic rallies using the walls.
What’s Tennis?
Tennis has a long history, originating as a French handball game called ‘jeu de paume’ played by aristocrats in the 12th century. Today, tennis is a global phenomenon played on rectangular courts with a net in the middle. Players use strung rackets to hit a small yellow ball, aiming to outsmart their opponent by placing the ball where it can’t be returned.
Unlike pickleball or padel, tennis matches can be played on different surfaces—grass, clay, or hard courts—which adds variety. Whether you’re watching singles or doubles, tennis emphasizes technique, speed, endurance, and strategy, making it the most physically demanding of the three.
How to Play Padel, Pickleball, and Tennis
The court dimensions and set-ups are where many of the differences lie:
- Tennis: The largest court at 23.5m by 8m (for singles), with a net height of 0.9m.
- Pickleball: Played on a smaller badminton-sized court—13.5m by 6m—with a slightly lower net than tennis.
- Padel: Played on a 20m by 10m court enclosed by walls, which you can use creatively to bounce the ball.
Each sport requires unique equipment:
- Tennis relies on strung rackets and felt-covered rubber balls.
- Padel uses solid paddles with perforations and a depressurized tennis-style ball.
- Pickleball features solid paddles and a lightweight plastic ball with holes.
Unique Rules in Each Sport
While all three sports share the basic concept of hitting a ball over a net to score points, their rules differ significantly.
- Tennis: Uses traditional scoring with a progression of love (0), 15, 30, and 40 points to win a game. At deuce (40-40), a player must win by two consecutive points. Matches can be long and physically demanding.
- Padel: Follows a similar scoring system to tennis but has unique gameplay elements, like using walls to keep the ball in play.
- Pickleball: Uses its own scoring system where points can only be scored by the serving team. Games are faster-paced with simpler rules, and there’s no “advantage” concept after a tie.
How Do They Differ?
- Court and Boundaries: Tennis courts are large and open, while padel courts are smaller and enclosed. Pickleball courts are even smaller, lending the game a more intimate feel.
- Gameplay Style: Tennis focuses on high-impact serves and baseline rallies, requiring more running. Padel introduces wall use for tricky angles and exciting strategies. Pickleball is fast-paced and centers on quick reactions rather than raw power.
- Ball Type: Tennis uses a pressurized ball, pickleball a perforated plastic ball, and padel a depressurized, lower-bounce version of a tennis ball.
Similarities Between Padel, Pickleball, and Tennis
All three sports are racket-based, court-divided by a net, and require players to score points to win games, sets, and matches. They share elements of hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and agility. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated athlete, each offers something fun and challenging.
Does Athleticism Matter?
Playing any of these sports will improve your cardio fitness, coordination, and agility. However, the physical demands vary. Tennis places the most emphasis on stamina and upper body strength. Padel balances strategy with bursts of energy. Pickleball focuses on lateral movement and quick reflexes, making it less intense but still a solid workout.
Which Sport is Better?
There’s no universal answer—it depends on what you’re looking for. Tennis boasts a rich tradition, challenges individual skill, and showcases physical endurance. Pickleball is approachable, social, and perfect for all ages, with a supportive community vibe. Padel offers a mix of tennis and squash that’s easy to learn but endlessly fun, ideal for those who love teamwork and creative plays.
Whichever sport speaks to you, the joy comes from grabbing your racket, stepping onto the court, and having fun. Whether it’s the grace of tennis, the dynamism of pickleball, or the strategy of padel, there’s something here for everyone.
