Padel vs. pickleball vs. tennis
If you’re deciding which court to build, it helps to know how the three most popular racquet sports really compare.
Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed 20 by 10 meter court where balls can be played off the walls, with solid stringless rackets and an underhand serve. Pickleball uses a smaller open court and paddles with a plastic ball. Tennis needs the most space. Padel courts cost more to build than pickleball courts because of the glass and steel enclosure.
The quick comparison
| Padel | Pickleball | Tennis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20 x 10 m (about 66 x 33 ft) | 44 x 20 ft | 78 x 36 ft (doubles) |
| Enclosure | Glass and mesh walls, in play | Open, usually fenced | Open, usually fenced |
| Usual format | Doubles | Singles or doubles | Singles or doubles |
| Equipment | Solid perforated racket, pressurized ball | Paddle, plastic ball with holes | Strung racket, pressurized ball |
| Serve | Underhand | Underhand | Overhand |
| Build cost | Higher than pickleball | Lowest | Varies widely |
Court sizes above are playing areas. All three need extra space around them.
How padel plays
The walls are what make padel different. After the ball bounces, players can let it come off the glass and play it back. Rallies tend to be long, points are tactical and the scoring is the same as tennis. Most beginners can rally in their first session.
Why people choose padel
- Very social: always four players, close together
- Easy to start, with plenty of room to improve
- Less demanding on the shoulder than tennis serves
- Strong following in Europe and Latin America, and growing quickly in the US
Which one should you build?
If you want a low-cost, compact court that many people already play, pickleball is hard to beat. If you want a distinctive, premium feature with a social, fast-growing game, padel stands out, especially for homes, hotels and private clubs looking to offer something new. Some properties build both.
Common questions
Is padel the same as platform tennis or paddle tennis?
No. They’re related but different sports with different courts, equipment and rules.
Is padel easier than tennis?
Most people find padel easier to start because the court is smaller, the serve is underhand and the walls keep balls in play.
Can one space hold padel and pickleball?
Not on the same surface at the same time. The padel enclosure and turf don’t suit pickleball.
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