How to Play Padel
Complete beginner's guide
Padel vs Pickleball: Key Differences
Both padel and pickleball are fast-growing racquet sports that combine elements of tennis with simpler gameplay. If you're new to either sport or wondering which to try, this guide compares court size, equipment, rules, scoring, and gameplay to help you choose.
Court Comparison
The most obvious difference is the court. Padel courts are larger and enclosed by walls; pickleball courts are smaller and open.
| Aspect | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size | 20m x 10m (66 x 33 ft) | 13.41m x 6.09m (44 x 20 ft) |
| Court Type | Enclosed with walls (glass/mesh) | Open court, no walls |
| Walls | Walls are part of play | No walls |
| Special Zones | Service boxes only | Non-volley zone (kitchen) 7ft |
Why Walls Matter
In padel, the walls are part of the game. The ball can bounce off the back or side walls and remain in play, leading to longer rallies and more strategic shots. Pickleball has no walls—the ball must stay within the court lines. Learn more about playing the walls in padel.
Equipment Comparison
Padel uses solid, perforated rackets and depressurized tennis balls. Pickleball uses flat paddles and a lightweight plastic ball with holes.
| Aspect | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Racket/Paddle | Solid, perforated racket (carbon/fiberglass) | Flat, solid paddle (graphite/polymer/wood) |
| Ball | Depressurized tennis balls | Lightweight plastic ball with 26-40 holes |
| Wrist Strap | Required | Optional |
Why Equipment Matters
Padel rackets are heavier and designed for power and control with a tennis-like ball. Pickleball paddles are lighter and designed for a slower, softer ball. The padel ball travels faster and bounces higher than a pickleball. See our guide to choosing a padel racket.
Rules and Scoring
Both sports use underhand serves, but scoring and rules differ significantly.
| Aspect | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Serve | Underhand, bounce in service box, 2 attempts | Underhand, one attempt per point |
| Scoring | Tennis-style (15, 30, 40, deuce) | Games to 11, win by 2 |
| Who Scores | Either team can score | Only serving team scores |
| Format | Almost always doubles | Singles or doubles |
Padel Scoring
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage. Games are played to 6 (win by 2), and matches are typically best of 3 sets. See our basic padel rules guide for full details.
Pickleball Scoring
Pickleball games are played to 11 points (win by 2). Only the serving team can score traditionally. The non-volley zone (the "kitchen") is a 7-foot area on each side of the net where volleys are not allowed, adding a strategic layer.
Gameplay Style
Padel emphasizes wall play, longer rallies, and doubles coordination. Pickleball emphasizes dinks (soft shots), precision, and kitchen zone strategy.
| Aspect | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Off Walls | Yes, walls are integral to play | No walls |
| Style | Long rallies, wall play, complex angles | Dinks, precision, kitchen strategy |
| Learning Curve | Steeper, requires wall mastery | Easier for beginners |
| Physical Demand | More physically demanding | Less demanding, accessible |
Which Should You Try?
Both sports are excellent for fitness, social play, and all ages. Pickleball is often easier to learn for complete beginners—the smaller court and softer ball make it accessible. Padel has a steeper learning curve due to wall play and quicker reflexes, but offers deeper strategic depth once you master it.
Choose Padel If You
- Enjoy tennis and want a similar but more accessible format
- Like the idea of using walls for creative shots
- Prefer doubles play and want longer rallies
- Enjoy a more physically demanding game
Choose Pickleball If You
- Are new to racquet sports and want something easy to learn
- Prefer a smaller court and less running
- Enjoy precision and strategy over power
- Want a lower-impact option for all ages
Many players enjoy both sports. If you're ready to try padel, start with our Introduction to Padel and find padel courts near you.