Padel vs. Pickleball: Key Differences in Gameplay, Rules & Gear
- Racket Social Club
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 9
Curious how padel and pickleball differ? While both are fast-growing, fun racquet games, their rules, court design, and playing feel set them apart. Below is a practical guide to help you understand which sport suits your style — and how Racket Social Club supports both.
Court Layout & Modalities
Padel
Court size & enclosure: A padel court measures 20 m × 10 m (approx. 66 × 33 ft), fully enclosed by glass walls and wire mesh, which are part of the game.
Walls in play: After the ball bounces, it can hit the walls and still be considered in play, adding tactical complexity.
Players: Padel is almost always played as doubles.
👉 If you’re new to the sport, check out our guide on How to Start Playing Padel →.
Pickleball
Court size & open layout: The standard pickleball court is 20 ft × 44 ft (same as doubles badminton), with no walls.
Non-volley zone (“kitchen”): A 7-foot zone just behind the net where volleys (hitting before bounce) are not allowed.
Players: Can be singles or doubles.
Serve, Sequence & Scoring
Padel
Serve: Underhand, below waist level. The ball must bounce in the service box before hitting a wall (if it does).
Scoring: Uses tennis-style scoring (15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage) over sets. Some formats adopt a “golden point” at deuce.
Rallies: Because of wall play, rallies tend to last longer and involve more tactical shot placement and positioning.
Pickleball
Serve: Underhand, must make contact below waist. The ball may be struck after bounce or “drop serve” in some rules.
Scoring: Games are usually to 11 points, win by 2. Only the serving side scores.
Volleys and “kitchen” rule: You cannot volley from inside the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”).
Style: More emphasis on placement, dinks (soft shots), patience, and finesse over power.
Equipment Differences
Padel
Racket: Solid (no strings), perforated, often made from composite materials (carbon, fiberglass).
Ball: Similar to a tennis ball but generally lower pressure to suit enclosed court dynamics.
Pickleball
Paddle: Flat, solid face, larger than a padel racket, typically made from composite materials (graphite, polymer).
Ball: Hollow plastic with holes (indoor/outdoor variants). Requires precision in hits due to lower bounce.
Playing Feel & Strategy
Padel: Because of wall rebounds, the game rewards anticipation, positioning, and shot placement. You’ll often see extended rallies where players use angles, lobs, and setups to outmaneuver opponents.
Pickleball: The open court and non-volley zone force players to rely more on control, finesse, dinks, and positional patience. Quick reflexes and touch are key, especially near the net.
Pace: Padel tends to feel more continuous and dynamic because balls remain in play even after bouncing off walls. Pickleball is more “stop-start,” with resets after each point and limitations on volleying near the net.
Which Sport Fits You Best & How RSC Helps
If you love a strategic doubles game with dynamic rallies and wall play, padel is your sport. It’s social, engaging, and offers continuous movement. At RSC, our padel clinics and open play sessions will help you master these techniques in a supportive environment.
If your preference is a lighter, more accessible game that you can pick up quickly — with finesse, control, and fun — pickleball might be your entry point. RSC also supports pickleball play, so you can explore both.
Pro tip: many players benefit from starting with pickleball (to get comfortable with paddle sports) then moving into padel to expand their strategy and movement skills.
Ready to Play?
Padel is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle of connection, movement, and fun. Whether you’re in Atlanta, Houston, or Denver, Racket Social Club is your home to learn, play, and grow in the world of padel.