With three fast-growing racket sports competing for attention, it’s time to understand how tennis, pickleball, and padel fit together.

Tennis, pickleball, and padel are distinct racket sports that differ in court size, equipment, rules, and playing style.

Let’s explore how these sports relate—and why padel might be the rising star.

What is padel called in America?

In the U.S., sports trends evolve quickly. As padel enters the spotlight, many wonder if it’s being renamed or rebranded.

Padel is still called “padel” in America, although some mistakenly refer to it as paddle tennis¹ or confuse it with pickleball.

H3: Naming Confusion

The confusion often arises because “paddle” is a common word in other racket sports, such as pickleball and paddle tennis. However, padel is its own distinct game, with unique courts, rules, and rackets.

Sport Name	Common Misunderstanding	Actual Meaning
Padel	Sometimes called "paddle"	Enclosed glass court2 sport
Paddle Tennis	U.S. sport played outdoors	Not the same as padel
Pickleball	Uses paddles, not rackets	Distinct from padel

H3: Why the Name Matters

Retaining the name “padel” helps the sport grow internationally with consistent branding and community identity, especially as global tournaments and clubs expand.

What is the difference between tennis padel and pickleball?

They all involve rackets and balls, but their gameplay, strategy, and feel are completely different.

Tennis, padel, and pickleball differ in court structure, equipment type, and gameplay speed, each offering a unique experience.

H3: Comparing Court and Equipment

Feature	Tennis	Padel	Pickleball
Court	Large open court	Enclosed glass court	Small open court
Racket	Strung racket	Solid racket with no strings	Solid paddle with holes
Ball	Pressurized felt ball3	Slightly less pressure than tennis	Lightweight plastic ball

H3: Comparing Gameplay and Strategy

Tennis is power-focused and singles-friendly. Padel is tactical, with wall usage and team play. Pickleball is fast and reactive, with minimal running.

Each offers a different kind of fun—and a different physical demand.

What is the American version of padel?

Before padel’s arrival, America had its own spin on paddle-based sports. But how close are they to padel itself?

The American version closest to padel is paddle tennis, though it differs in court design, rules, and popularity.

H3: Paddle Tennis vs. Padel

Paddle tennis is played on a smaller court without walls and uses depressurized tennis balls⁴. It lacks the iconic rebound mechanics that define padel.

Feature	Paddle Tennis	Padel
Wall Play	No	Yes (integral to game)
Court Surface	Solid with low net	Enclosed with glass walls
Racket Type	Solid with holes	Solid with no strings

H3: Popularity and Growth

While paddle tennis had a niche following, padel is seeing major investment from sports clubs, brands, and even celebrities—especially in urban U.S. markets like Miami, LA, and New York.

Is padel easier than tennis?

This question comes up often among beginners or those considering a new sport. It’s not just about difficulty—it’s about accessibility.

Padel is generally easier to learn than tennis because it requires less strength, has slower ball speed, and simpler court movement.

H3: Learning Curve Comparison

Element	Tennis	Padel
Serve Difficulty	Overhand, complex motion	Underhand, simple and controlled
Ball Speed	Fast and powerful	Moderate, with wall rebounds
Movement Demand	Covers larger distance	Smaller court, less running

H3: Accessibility for All Ages

Padel’s court size, soft ball, and team format make it approachable for children, older adults, and casual players. This inclusivity is one reason why it’s exploding in popularity globally.

Conclusion

Tennis, pickleball, and padel each bring something unique—but padel stands out for its accessibility, fun, and fast growth worldwide.