Confused about padel tennis and how it fits into the world of racket sports? You're not alone—many players are unsure where to start.

Padel tennis is a fast-paced racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court¹, using walls like squash and rules like tennis.

Stick around as I break down how padel fits into the global sports scene and what makes it so unique.

What is padel called in America?

As padel gains traction in the U.S., it often gets confused with other paddle sports—but it has a name of its own.

In America, the sport is simply called "Padel," though it's sometimes referred to as "padel tennis" to distinguish it from similar games.

Padel’s Identity in the U.S.

When I talk with American clients or partners at NEX Padel, they often ask if padel is just another term for pickleball or paddle tennis. It's not. Padel is its own sport, and in most of the U.S., it’s marketed directly under the name “Padel.” However, because it’s still emerging, people may add “tennis” at the end to give it context.

Terminology Confusion

Term Used	Meaning	Common in U.S.?
Padel	Correct name of the sport	Increasingly
Padel Tennis	Informal term for padel	Yes
Paddle Tennis	A different sport altogether	Yes
Pickleball	Entirely different sport	Yes

Clarifying the Brand

To avoid confusion, I always recommend using "Padel" in branding and product lines, especially for retailers and distributors entering the U.S. market. Clear labeling helps build awareness and proper market positioning.

What's the difference between tennis and padel?

If you’re thinking about switching from tennis to padel, you need to know how these two sports compare beyond the racket and the court.

Padel is played in doubles on a smaller court with walls, using solid rackets and a slower ball, unlike traditional tennis.

Game Structure

Padel and tennis may share scoring systems, but the way the game unfolds is very different. At NEX Padel, we design paddles specifically for the dynamic of wall play and tighter spaces—something traditional tennis gear doesn’t support.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Tennis	Padel
Court Size	Larger, open court	Smaller, enclosed court
Number of Players	Singles or doubles	Doubles only
Racket Type	Strung racket	Solid, perforated paddle2
Ball	Higher pressure, more bounce	Lower pressure, controlled bounce
Use of Walls	No	Integral to gameplay

Strategic Differences

In tennis, power and endurance dominate. In padel, strategy, teamwork, and positioning matter more. That’s why even older players can compete at high levels. It’s not just about force—it’s about control.

What is padel sport vs pickleball?

They both use paddles and have similar names, but padel and pickleball are entirely different in their rules, design, and playing style.

Padel is a wall-based sport played with pressurized balls³, while pickleball is played with plastic balls on a badminton-sized court.

Equipment & Court Layout

At first glance, people confuse the two. When clients visit our facility, they often ask why we don’t produce for pickleball. The reason is simple: different materials, different markets.

Comparative Overview

Feature	Padel	Pickleball
Ball Type	Felt-covered, pressurized rubber4	Hard plastic with holes
Court Surface	Artificial turf or concrete	Hard court or gym floor
Court Dimensions	10x20 meters (with walls)	6.1x13.4 meters (no walls)
Game Speed	Medium, with rebounds	Fast, flatter shots
Racket Type	Solid foam core paddle	Hard paddle (composite/plastic)

Target Demographics

Pickleball is more popular among older recreational players in the U.S. Padel appeals to competitive players looking for a blend of strategy, speed, and social gameplay. I always tell new business partners: they may both use paddles, but they’re not interchangeable.

What is harder tennis or padel?

Choosing between padel and tennis isn’t just about preference—it’s about the type of physical and mental challenge you want.

Tennis is physically more demanding, while padel requires quicker reflexes and strategic thinking within a confined space.

Physical vs Tactical

Tennis demands speed, endurance, and strong serves. Padel, on the other hand, demands fast reactions and precision due to the confined court and wall involvement.

Difficulty Breakdown

Skill Category	Tennis	Padel
Endurance	Higher	Lower
Reflexes	Medium	High
Learning Curve	Steeper	Smoother for beginners
Strategy Complexity	High (singles and doubles tactics)	High (wall usage, double play)
Solo Play	Possible	Not possible (doubles only)

Personal Insight

From my experience at NEX Padel, tennis players often underestimate how demanding padel can be. It’s less about brute strength and more about anticipation. Many find padel easier to learn, but harder to master when walls come into play.

Conclusion

Padel is a distinct, fast-growing racket sport that blends strategy and reflexes—differing greatly from tennis, pickleball, and paddle tennis.