Confused between pickleball and padel? Though both are fast-growing racket sports, they have distinct rules, courts, and playing styles.

Padel and pickleball differ in court size, equipment, and gameplay. Padel uses walls and a heavier racket, while pickleball has an open court and a perforated plastic ball¹.

Let’s explore the key differences between these two sports.

Are padel and pickleball the same thing?

Many assume padel and pickleball are interchangeable, but they have fundamental differences in rules and playstyle.

Padel is played on an enclosed court with glass walls² and a solid racket, while pickleball is played on an open court with a perforated ball and a paddle.

Key Differences Between Padel and Pickleball

Feature	Padel	Pickleball
Court Size	10m x 20m (with walls)	6.1m x 13.4m (similar to badminton)
Ball	pressurized rubber ball3	Perforated plastic ball
Racket	Solid, no strings	Paddle with perforations
Serving	Underhand, bounce required	Underhand, no bounce required
Gameplay	Uses walls for rebounds	No wall play, only net rallies

Padel involves strategic wall use, making it closer to squash, while pickleball focuses on precision and net play, similar to ping pong.

What is padel called in America?

In the U.S., padel often gets confused with similar sports due to its name.

Padel is simply called “padel” in America, but it is sometimes mistaken for platform tennis⁴, another sport played in cold climates.

Padel vs. Platform Tennis

Feature	Padel	Platform Tennis
Court Surface	artificial grass5	Elevated aluminum deck
Walls	Enclosed glass walls	Open-walled with screens
Ball Type	Pressurized ball	De-pressurized ball
Popularity	Growing	Mostly played in cold regions

Despite similarities, platform tennis is a winter sport played on a raised court, whereas padel is played on a traditional enclosed court.

Why is padel not popular in the USA?

Padel thrives in Europe and Latin America, yet it has struggled to gain widespread popularity in the U.S.

Padel’s slow growth in the USA is due to limited court availability, competition from other racket sports, and lack of widespread awareness.

Reasons for Padel’s Limited Growth in the U.S.

Factor	Explanation
Court Shortage	Few facilities exist compared to tennis/pickleball
Market Dominance	Pickleball and tennis already have strong followings
Awareness	Many Americans are unfamiliar with the sport

Can Padel Grow in the U.S.?

• More Courts: Investments in padel clubs can boost visibility.
• Tournaments & Media Exposure: More U.S.-based tournaments can attract players.
• Celebrity Endorsements: High-profile athletes promoting padel can increase interest.

Can you play padel on a pickleball court?

Many wonder if they can adapt a pickleball court for padel due to space constraints.

Padel cannot be played on a pickleball court due to differences in size, walls, and playing surfaces. However, modified pickleball courts could accommodate casual padel play.

Comparison of Court Dimensions

Court Type	Length x Width	Walls Required?	Net Height
Padel Court	20m x 10m	Yes	88 cm
Pickleball	13.4m x 6.1m	No	86 cm

Why Can’t Padel Be Played on a Pickleball Court?

• No Walls: Padel requires enclosed walls for rebounds.
• Size Difference: Pickleball courts are significantly smaller.
• Surface Compatibility: Padel courts use artificial grass, while pickleball uses hard surfaces.

Conclusion

Padel and pickleball have distinct rules, court structures, and gameplay. While pickleball dominates in the U.S., padel is steadily growing, offering a unique alternative for racket sports enthusiasts.