Padel vs. Pickleball vs. Paddle Tennis: What’s the Difference?
- Fred & Ellis
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Racket sports have surged in popularity, with padel, paddle tennis, and pickleball leading the charge. At first glance, they may seem similar, but each sport has its own unique gameplay, equipment, and appeal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to try something new, Fred & Ellis are here to break down the key differences and answer common questions.
Common Padel Questions
Q1. When and Where Was Padel Invented, and by Whom?
Padel was created in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico. Limited by space, he built a smaller enclosed court next to his home. Over time, the game evolved, incorporating elements from squash and tennis, eventually becoming the sport we know today.
Q2. How Is Padel Played?
Padel is usually played in doubles on a court surrounded by glass and metal walls, which can be used to keep the ball in play. The court measures 20m x 10m, smaller than a tennis court but still large enough to allow for exciting rallies. The game starts with an underhand serve, and scoring follows traditional tennis rules, with matches typically played as best of three sets.
Q3. Why Choose Padel Tennis?
Padel is an engaging sport that blends strategic play with social interaction. Its enclosed court and use of walls create longer rallies, making matches more dynamic. Since padel is usually played in doubles, teamwork and coordination are key, adding to the sport’s accessibility and enjoyment.
Q4. Padel Tennis vs. Pickleball – What’s the Difference?
Both sports use paddles and require agility, but they differ significantly:
Court Size: Padel courts are enclosed and measure 20m x 10m, while pickleball courts are 13.41m x 6.09m and do not have walls.
Equipment: Padel rackets are perforated, made from composite materials, and use a depressurised ball, while pickleball paddles are solid and played with a plastic ball with holes.
Gameplay: Padel includes wall rebounds, similar to squash, while pickleball focuses on quick exchanges and has a non-volley zone near the net.
These differences make padel more reliant on strategy, while pickleball is centred on precision and reaction time.
Q5. Can Padel Tennis Be Played as Singles?
Although padel is designed for doubles, it can be played as singles on a modified court that is narrower than the standard doubles court.
Q6. What Are Padel Tennis Balls Like?
Padel balls resemble tennis balls but have slightly less pressure, making them bounce lower. This design ensures they are well-suited for the enclosed court and the nature of padel gameplay.
Q7. Which Padel Racket Should I Buy?
The best padel racket depends on your skill level and playing style:
Beginners: Round rackets offer better control and a forgiving sweet spot.
Intermediate Players: Teardrop-shaped rackets provide a balance between power and accuracy.
Advanced Players: Diamond-shaped rackets deliver maximum power but require greater precision.
Common Paddle (Platform Tennis) Questions
Q1. When and Where Was Paddle Invented, and by Whom?
Paddle tennis, also known as platform tennis, was developed in 1915 in New York City by Frank Peer Beal. His goal was to create a smaller, more accessible version of tennis that could be played in urban spaces.
Q2. How Is Paddle Played?
Paddle tennis is played on a raised, enclosed court measuring 50 feet by 20 feet. Players use solid paddles and a depressurised tennis ball, hitting shots within the surrounding wire fencing to keep the ball in play.
Q3. What Are Paddle Balls Like?
Paddle tennis balls are softer and slightly less pressurised than standard tennis balls. This results in slower gameplay that rewards strategy over sheer power.
Q4. What Is a Paddle Tennis Court Like?
A paddle tennis court is smaller than a standard tennis court and is enclosed with wire screens that players can use strategically to keep the ball in play. The surface is textured to provide traction, and in colder climates, heating elements may be installed underneath to allow year-round play.
Q5. Which Paddle Racket Should I Buy?
The right paddle tennis racket depends on weight, balance, and material. Beginners should opt for lightweight, easy-to-control models, while advanced players may prefer heavier rackets for added power.
Common Pickleball Questions
Q1. When and Where Was Pickleball Invented, and by Whom?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They improvised the game using a badminton court, table tennis paddles, and a perforated plastic ball.
Q2. How Is Pickleball Played?
Pickleball is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court. Players hit a plastic ball over a net using solid paddles, aiming to score points through precise shot placement. The game includes a no-volley zone near the net to encourage strategic play.
Q3. How Did Pickleball Get Its Name?
The sport is believed to be named after the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles, who would chase stray balls. However, another theory suggests that the name comes from the term “pickle boat,” which refers to a mixed crew in rowing.
Q4. Will Pickleball Be in the Olympics?
Pickleball is growing in global popularity, but it has not yet been included in the Olympics. Efforts are underway to meet the Olympic requirements for international competition.
Q5. Can Pickleball Be Played on a Badminton Court?
Yes, a badminton court can be used for pickleball, as the dimensions are similar. However, the net needs to be lowered to accommodate pickleball’s unique style of play.
Q6. What Are Pickleballs Like?
Pickleballs are lightweight, plastic balls with holes, designed for controlled play and consistent bounce.
Q7. Is It a Pickleball Racquet, Paddle, or Racket?
In pickleball, the correct term is “paddle,” not racquet or racket.
Q8. Which Pickleball Paddle Should I Buy?
The best pickleball paddle depends on weight, grip size, and material.
F&E Verdict
Padel, paddle tennis, and pickleball each offer a unique playing experience. If you enjoy strategic rallies with walls in play, padel might be for you. If you like fast-paced action in all weather conditions, paddle tennis is a great option. And if you want a social, accessible game with a growing global community, pickleball is a fantastic choice. No matter which you pick, Fred & Ellis are here to help you get started!
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