Pickleball and padel are both fast-growing paddle sports with plenty of similarities—but also key differences in court dimensions, equipment, gameplay, scoring, and overall experience.

Here's how they compare.

Court size and layout

Pickleball is played on a 44-by-20-foot court with a 7-foot non-volley zone (commonly called “the kitchen”) on either side of the net. The net is 36 inches high at the posts and dips to 34 inches in the center.

Padel courts are larger, measuring about 66 feet long and 33 feet wide (20m x 10m). The net is slightly taller than in pickleball—36 inches at the sides and 35 inches in the center—and the court is enclosed with glass and mesh walls, which are part of play.

Equipment

Pickleball paddles can be wooden or composite (e.g., graphite or carbon fiber). The ball is a perforated plastic sphere, similar to a wiffle ball, but heavier. There are different balls for indoor and outdoor play.

Padel uses solid, perforated paddles made of carbon fiber or fiberglass. They’re heavier and more powerful than pickleball paddles and include wrist straps. The ball resembles a tennis ball, but is slightly depressurized for less bounce.

Gameplay

Pickleball is known for its strategic placement and control, especially near the non-volley zone. While power plays an increasingly prominent role, finesse and precision dominate the sport’s tactics.

Padel is often compared to squash or racquetball due to the use of walls in play. The ball can be hit off the walls to create angles and extend rallies, adding depth and complexity to the game.

Both sports are primarily played as doubles, though singles is also an option on the same-sized courts.

Scoring

Pickleball games are typically played to 11 points, win by two, with best-of-three-game formats. Only the serving team can score under traditional rules. Rally scoring is used in some formats, but is less common.

Padel follows traditional tennis scoring: points go from 15 to 30 to 40, and then game. Games must be won by two points. Sets go to six games (win by two), with tiebreakers at 6–6, and matches are best-of-three sets.

Serving rules

Pickleball requires underhand, diagonal serves, made with an upward motion and contact below the waist. The ball must land past the non-volley zone. Players only get one serve attempt per point.

Padel serves must be underhand and hit diagonally after one bounce, starting from the right side and alternating each point. Players get two chances to serve, similar to tennis. If both attempts fail, it's a double fault.

Level of difficulty

Pickleball is more beginner-friendly. Its smaller court, slower ball, and simpler rules make it easy to pick up—ideal for players of all ages and athletic backgrounds.

Padel has a steeper learning curve. The larger court, faster ball speed, and use of walls demand quick reflexes, solid footwork, and good coordination. Mastering wall play takes time.

Fitness requirements

Pickleball requires quick reactions and good footwork, but it’s easier on the body than padel, tennis, or squash—making it especially appealing for recreational players.

Padel is physically demanding. Speed, agility, endurance, and strength are definite assets, though casual players don’t need to be elite athletes.

Popularity and accessibility

Pickleball has exploded in popularity across the U.S., with more courts, clubs, and professional events emerging every year. It's now one of the most accessible paddle sports available.

Padel is on the rise, particularly in cities like New York, but courts are still relatively scarce compared to other racquet sports.

Final thoughts

Both pickleball and padel offer fun, social, and competitive experiences. Pickleball is easier to learn and more widely available, while padel offers a more dynamic, high-paced challenge. Either way, it’s easy to see why both sports are catching on and hard to stop once you start playing.