Padel vs Pickleball: What’s the Difference?
Racket sports are growing rapidly in Singapore, and two of the biggest names attracting attention today are padel and pickleball. While both sports are social, beginner-friendly, and easy to pick up, they each offer a very different playing experience. From court design and gameplay style to equipment and pace, there are several key differences that set them apart.
If you’re deciding which sport to try, understanding the differences between padel vs pickleball can help you choose the game that best suits your fitness level, playing style, and preferences. Some players enjoy the fast reflexes and wall play of padel, while others prefer the accessible, strategic, and community-driven nature of pickleball.
In this guide, we will break down the main differences between pickleball vs padel, explore what the two sports have in common, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you better understand both games.
Table of Contents
What Are the Differences Between Padel vs Pickleball?
Although padel and pickleball are often grouped together as social racket sports, they differ significantly in terms of gameplay, court setup, equipment, and movement style.
| Pickleball | Padel | |
|---|---|---|
| Court dimensions | ||
| Gameplay and scoring system | ||
| Scoring system | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Popularity | 1,500 – 2,000 active players in Singapore | Not as popular as pickleball in Singapore, but over 25 million players worldwide |
| Accessibility | Easier for beginners | Slightly steeper learning curve |
Court Dimensions
Pickleball
Pickleball is traditionally played on an open court, with dimensions similar to those of a standard badminton court. It measures approximately 6.1 metres by 13.4 metres, making it relatively compact and easier for beginners to cover.
Each side of the court is divided by a net and includes its own kitchen area and service zones. The smaller court size fosters a more intimate playing environment, allowing players to engage closely with the game and adjust their strategies effectively.
Padel
Padel courts are significantly larger than pickleball courts and are enclosed with glass and mesh walls. These walls are part of the game and allow the ball to rebound during rallies, similar to squash. This creates a faster, more dynamic playing environment that often involves quick reactions and constant movement. Players are required to use precise ball placement, astute shot selection and skilful execution to overcome their opponents.
Gameplay
Pickleball
In pickleball, the game begins with one side serving while the other side receives. The serving player must hit the ball underhand and diagonally across the court, ensuring it passes over the non-volley zone (kitchen). The receiving player must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
Pickleball is often described as strategic and placement-oriented. Since the court is smaller and the ball moves differently, players rely heavily on positioning, control, and shot accuracy rather than pure power. It is commonly played in both singles and doubles formats.
⇨ Read more about how to play pickleball here
Padel
In padel, the game starts with an underhand serve from one side of the court to the diagonal service box on the opposite side. The served ball must bounce on the serving side, and players must let it bounce once before hitting it back.
Padel, which is predominantly played as doubles, is generally faster-paced and reaction-based due to the enclosed walls and quicker ball speed. Players use the glass/mesh walls as part of their gameplay, and often need to react quickly to rebounds and changing angles throughout rallies.
Scoring System
Pickleball
Pickleball can be played using either traditional scoring or rally scoring, depending on the format of the game or tournament. Rally scoring is becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, especially for recreational games, social events, and some tournament formats.
In rally scoring:
- A point is awarded after every rally, regardless of which team served
- Games are commonly played to 15 or 21 points
- Teams still usually need to win by 2 points
Many beginners find rally scoring easier to follow because the score changes after every rally, making gameplay feel more straightforward and faster-paced. It can also help matches move along more quickly, which is useful for larger events or casual play sessions with multiple players waiting for courts.
Padel
In padel, points are scored when the ball bounces twice on the opposite side, hits an opponent, or the opposing team hits the fencing or another fixture before returning the ball. Games or sets have a similar scoring system to tennis: 15, 30, 40, Game, Deuce, and must be won by a 2-point margin.
Equipment
Pickleball
Pickleball uses a solid paddle without strings, usually made from materials such as composite, fibreglass, graphite, or carbon fibre. Compared to traditional tennis or padel rackets, pickleball paddles or rackets are generally lighter and have a flat hitting surface, which gives players more direct control over the ball.
They can come in varying thicknesses, which can affect gameplay. Thicker paddles often provide better control, while thinner paddles offer greater power.
Pickleball is also played using a lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a floorball or wiffle ball. The ball travels slower than a tennis or padel ball, which gives players more reaction time and contributes to the sport’s strategic and beginner-friendly nature.
There are two types of pickleball balls: indoor and outdoor balls. Indoor balls typically have larger holes and a softer feel, while outdoor balls are designed with smaller holes for better durability and wind resistance.
Because of the slower ball speed and controlled paddle response, pickleball often focuses more on placement, consistency, and touch rather than raw power.
Padel
Padel uses a stringless racket with perforated holes throughout the hitting surface. These rackets are thicker than pickleball paddles and are designed to generate more rebound and power during fast-paced rallies.
Most padel rackets are made using materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass, and EVA foam cores. Padel rackets also come in different shapes depending on playing style:
- Round rackets for greater control
- Diamond-shaped rackets for increased power
- Teardrop-shaped rackets for a balance of both
Unlike pickleball, padel uses a pressurised ball that resembles a tennis ball, although it is slightly less pressurised. This creates a faster and more dynamic style of play, especially when combined with the use of enclosed court walls.
Compared to pickleball balls, padel balls move faster through the air, bounce more dynamically, and allow for greater spin and power generation. This contributes to the more reactive and energetic pace often associated with padel gameplay.
Popularity
Pickleball
Pickleball has experienced a major surge in popularity across Singapore due to its accessibility, social nature, and relatively low setup cost. Courts can often be adapted from badminton courts, allowing community centres, sports halls, schools, and public spaces to adopt the sport more easily.
In 2023, it was estimated that there were between 1,500 and 2,000 active players in Singapore. Today, Singapore has dozens of places to play pickleball, including indoor halls, dedicated pickleball venues, and free community courts. The sport has become so popular that the government recently announced plans to build 50 additional multi-purpose badminton and pickleball courts over the next five years to meet increasing demand.
Padel
Padel is also growing quickly in Singapore, particularly among young working adults and players looking for a fast-paced and social racket sport experience. However, because padel requires specialised enclosed courts with glass walls, the infrastructure cost is significantly higher compared to pickleball.
Singapore currently has over 70 padel courts, and over 25 million people play the sport worldwide. In Europe, padel has become particularly popular in countries such as Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
Learning Curve
Pickleball
Many new players find pickleball easier to learn because the rules and court setup are relatively straightforward. The slower ball speed and smaller court also make it easier to sustain rallies early on.
Padel
Padel may take slightly longer to get used to, especially because players need to learn how to use the walls strategically during gameplay.
What Are the Similarities Between Padel and Pickleball?
Despite their differences, padel and pickleball do share several similarities.
Both sports:
- Are highly social and community-driven
- Are beginner-friendly compared to traditional racket sports
- Can be played recreationally or competitively
- Offer good cardiovascular exercise
- Require strategy, coordination, and quick reflexes
- Have rapidly growing communities in Singapore
Both sports also appeal to players looking for a fun and engaging activity that combines fitness with social interaction.
FAQs About Pickleball and Padel
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court using solid paddles and a lightweight, perforated plastic ball, making the game easier to pick up for beginners while still offering plenty of strategy and competitiveness for experienced players.
The sport was first created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington, United States. It was invented by three fathers, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, who wanted to create a fun backyard game for their families using whatever equipment they had available.
Over time, the game evolved with its own rules, paddles, and court setup, eventually growing into one of the fastest-growing sports in the world today.
⇨ Read more about the history of pickleball here
What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by glass and mesh walls. Players can use the walls during rallies, adding a unique strategic element that combines fast reactions, positioning, and teamwork.
The sport originated in Mexico in 1969 when businessman Enrique Corcuera created a smaller version of tennis at his home due to limited space. To prevent the ball from going into neighbouring properties, walls were added around the court, which eventually became a defining feature of the sport.
Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, offering energetic rallies and dynamic gameplay. Because it is almost always played in doubles, the sport is highly social and teamwork-oriented. In Singapore, padel has grown quickly in recent years, with more dedicated clubs, social leagues, and premium courts opening across the island.
Is pickleball or padel growing faster in Singapore?
Both sports are growing quickly in Singapore, but pickleball has experienced especially rapid growth in recent years due to its accessibility and lower barrier to entry. In 2023, it was estimated that there were a total of 1,500 – 2,000 active pickleball players in Singapore.
Is pickleball or padel better?
Choosing between pickleball and padel depends on your personal preference and playing style. Pickleball may appeal more to players who enjoy strategic gameplay, easier accessibility, and a gentler learning curve. On the other hand, padel may be more suitable for those who enjoy faster-paced rallies, wall play, and higher physical intensity.
Both sports have their unique appeals, so the "better" choice ultimately depends on what aspects of the game you enjoy most. The best way to decide is often to try both sports and see which one you enjoy more!
Does athleticism matter in padel or pickleball?
Athleticism can be helpful in both sports, but it is not the only factor that determines success. In pickleball, positioning, patience, and shot placement are often more important than speed or power. In padel, agility and quick reactions can play a bigger role because of the larger court and wall rebounds.
Both sports can be enjoyed recreationally regardless of fitness level or athletic background.
Why do padel courts have sand?
Padel courts often use artificial turf with sand infill to improve traction and ball bounce consistency. The sand helps stabilise the turf surface, reduces slipping, and supports smoother player movement during matches. It also helps maintain the court surface over time by preventing moisture build-up and contributes to more predictable gameplay conditions.