Is Padel The Same As Pickleball?

September 26, 2021

If you’ve never played any of these sports before, confusion between the two is bound to happen. But if you’re a sports lover, you know exactly how these games differ and how they’re played. The main reason for the confusion is that these two games are played in similar styles by hitting a ball to and from over a net to score points. Is Padel the same as pickleball?

No, Padel and Pickleball may look similar, but they are two entirely different sports. Padel is one rapidly growing sport globally, while Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport, especially in the USA. The two sports have many aspects that sets them apart which we will explore in this article

You first have to know how they are played, their scoring, and the rules to be able to compare them. These two sports are played on courts with different settings and come with a unique set of rules. Each of these games uses different types of equipment. But the good thing is, they’re easy to learn and can be very addicting.

What is Padel?

Padel is a fun and social sport that people of all age groups can play and is a globally growing sport loved by famous sports figures. This racquet sport is similar to tennis, badminton, and squash, using the same scoring system as tennis. Padel is played only in doubles, either outdoor or indoors.

Enrique Corcuera introduced this game and built the first padel court in Spain, Marbella, in 1974. Over the years, Padel has gained popularity and is now played by more than 10 million people across the globe.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is another exciting game that has simple rules and is easy to catch up with. This game is enjoyed by all age groups and can be played in singles or doubles. Pickleball has similarities to other paddle sports like ping-pong, badminton, and tennis. It is played outdoors or indoors on a badminton-sized court.

This game was invented in 1965 by three dads Bill Bell, Joel Pritchard, and Barney McCallum, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Through the years, Pickleball has increased in popularity and is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, with over 2.8 million players.

What is Pickleball?

The different courts

Though these games are played on different courts that vary in size and structure, they allow players to play on the same court, whether in singles or doubles. Most of the time, especially similar games like Paddle Tennis, Pickleball, and Padel can create confusion. But they differ in many aspects like court layout and game patterns.

Padel court

The dimension of a padel court is 10m wide x 20m long, enclosed by a solid glass wall and wire mesh.
A net divides the rectangular court. It is 88 cm high at the center and 92 cm at the sides.
A service line parallels the net on each side of the court with a distance of 6.95m.
A padel court can either be concrete, cement, or artificial grass. You will probably find most courts made out of artificial grass.

Pickleball court

The dimension of a pickleball is 6m wide x 13,5m long, the same size as a doubles badminton court.
The net’s height is 86 cm high at the center and 91 inches at the sides.
There’s a 2m-foot non-volley zone around the net, similar to a tennis court.
The service line measures 4,5m long and 3m wide.
Pickleball is usually played on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete.

The Rules

Now it all comes down to the rules, and this is where it all makes a difference.

The rules of Padel

To start, you should serve the ball by hitting it from below your waist and must bounce straight to the opponent’s court. On the square diagonally opposed to the serving player
During service, both feet should be behind the baseline.
During a serve, before hitting the ball. The server should bounce the ball once on the ground before hitting it.
In Padel, two service attempts are allowed.
It is a let if the ball hits the net before going to the opponent’s court
The rules of scoring are the same as tennis which is15, 30, and 40.
The game is divided into three segments consisting of six games. Whichever team wins two sets is the winner.

The rules of Pickleball

In Pickleball, the start is the same as Padel, in which you serve the ball from below your waist level.
But the difference is in Pickleball, the ball shouldn’t bounce first but go straight to the opponent’s court.
If the ball bounces twice or touches the no-volley zone, your service is over.
In Pickleball, only one service is allowed. However, if the ball touches the net and bounces over, you can repeat the service.
One primary rule is that the ball shouldn’t fall out of bounds (the lines on the court sides tell where you can or can’t hit the ball).
It is considered a fault if you hit the ball under or into the net.
During service, both feet should be behind the baseline.
The game is played by 11, 15, or 21 points. Whichever team leads by two points is the winner.

Equipment

Both these games use a racket but have their differences.

Rackets

In Padel, the racket is thick and perforated, covered by plastic or carbon. It is small and easy to handle. The ball is similar to a tennis ball but has less pressure.
In Pickleball, the racket has a solid face, smaller than a tennis racket but larger than a ping-pong paddle. A plastic ball with holes is used for playing Pickleball.

Shoes

For Padel, players can use a tennis shoe or dedicated padel shoes for more movability and comfort.
Whereas for Pickleball, players can use a court shoe or tennis shoe.

Conclusion

These two similar games have a lot of differences but are equally easy to learn. However, certain skills might be required to master their difficulties.

Pickleball can be your ideal choice if you prefer to play single since Padel is only played in doubles. Padel is simple and quick to understand.

On the other hand, Pickleball is also simple but more complex when it comes to rules. These fun games are beneficial in keeping you physically active. Socially active and healthy.