Fitness
The paddle sports seem practically identical, but there are some key factors that set them apart.
Leagues popped up across the land so everyone could get in on the action.
At first glance, pickleball and padel look really similar.
Theyre both paddle sports that involve hitting a ball over a net while scrambling around a tennis-like court.
Both can be played two versus two.
And both have a cult-like following.
For a quick hint, one big difference is the speed of the game.
While a pickleball game can also heat up, its more beloved for its chill vibe and accessibility.
Below, a full breakdown of pickleball and padel, including what sets the two games apart.
What Is Pickleball?
Its accessible to all skill levels and age groups, and has truly taken off as a result.
However, the court size is smaller, resembling that of a badminton court.
Pickleball gamescan be played one-on-one or two versus two.
You get acardio workout and strengthen your musclesas you serve, swing, and shuffle around the court.
That said, there is a focus on the laidback, social vibe.
This area, located on both sides of the net, extends seven feet from the net.
Other rules include an underhand, diagonal serve that has to reset the non-volley zone.
This is called the double bounce rule.
Players must let the ball bounce before entering this zone.
What Is Padel?
The setup is also unique.
This adds an unpredictable element since the ball is flying and bouncing at all angles.
The paddle, or padel, is a mostly-solid racquet with small holes instead of strings.
The ball is pressurized, so it has less bounce than a tennis ball.
According to Sabat, padel is a big hit because its so fast and fun.
Its played in doubles, so theres also a social aspect to it, just like pickleball.
Padel tournaments are major events and require a lot of athleticism.
The ball has to bounce once in the box before it can be returned, Billy says.
Also like tennis, padel uses a 12, 30, and 40 game scoring system.
However, instead of advantage and game point, padel uses ventaja or advantage and punto or point.
The walls surrounding the court are also important.
A ball can be hit off the walls, allowing for creative shots and strategic angles, he says.
The ball must still bounce within the court boundaries before being returned by the opposing team.
Like pickleball, theres a double bounce rule.
Both teams must let the ball bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed, Billy says.
Theres also a non-volley zone to keep in mind.
They have smaller court sizes than their respective parent sports tennis and squash.
And they are both often played as doubles, although singles can be played as well.
The main factors that set them apart are the rules, the ball, and the court.
Pickleball uses a perforated plastic ball while padel uses a pressurized ball, similar to a tennis ball.
Theyre both a lot of fun.
Sources:
Adam Billy, pickleball pro atTodayPickleball
Mary Sabat MS, RDN, LD, ACE-certified trainer
