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.
-
Learn why paddle tennis is often confused with padel and its key differences. ↩
-
Understand the concept and benefits of an enclosed glass court in padel. ↩
-
Discover the properties of a pressurized felt ball and its impact on tennis gameplay. ↩
-
Learn why depressurized tennis balls are used in paddle tennis and how they alter play. ↩
