Padel and pickleball are both fast, social racket sports played on a smaller court than tennis, and both are growing quickly in South Africa. The short version: padel is played on an enclosed court with glass walls you can play off, using a solid stringless racket and a ball like a tennis ball. Pickleball is played on an open court about the size of a badminton court, using a solid paddle and a hard perforated plastic ball over a net.
What is padel
Padel is usually played in doubles, on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and mesh. The walls are in play, so rallies last longer and angles matter. The racket is solid with a perforated face and no strings, and the ball is close to a tennis ball with slightly less pressure. Serves are underarm. It rewards teamwork, touch and reading the bounce.
What is pickleball
Pickleball is played on an open court roughly the size of a badminton court, in singles or doubles, with a net across the middle. The paddle is solid, and the ball is a hard perforated plastic ball. A non-volley zone near the net, known as the kitchen, keeps players honest, and the serve is underhand. It is quick to pick up, which is a big reason it is growing so fast.
Comparison
| Padel | Pickleball | |
|---|---|---|
| Court | Enclosed, with glass walls | Open, about a badminton court |
| Walls in play | Yes | No |
| Equipment | Solid stringless racket | Solid paddle |
| Ball | Like a tennis ball | Hard perforated plastic |
| Serve | Underarm | Underhand |
| Format | Mostly doubles | Singles or doubles |
| Easiest to start | Takes a little practice | Very quick to learn |
Which should you play
Play padel if you like longer rallies, the walls, and a doubles game with a social feel. Play pickleball if you want something you can pick up in an afternoon with lighter kit. Plenty of players do both, and Courtside stocks the gear for either. The equipment does not cross over, though, so a padel racket will not work for pickleball and the other way around.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
- Is padel the same as pickleball?
- No. Padel uses walls and a stringless racket on an enclosed court, pickleball uses a solid paddle and a plastic ball on an open court.
- Which is easier to learn?
- Pickleball is quicker to pick up, while padel takes a little more practice to use the walls.
- Can I use a padel racket for pickleball?
- No. The equipment is different and does not cross over between the two sports.
- Which is more popular in South Africa?
- Both are growing fast. Padel has the bigger head start locally, and pickleball is climbing quickly.