Is Padel Closer to Tennis or Pickleball? Full Comparison

Sports
June 27, 2025

Introduction

In recent years, padel has rapidly grown from a niche sport into a global phenomenon, captivating players of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re watching doubles rallies in Spain or joining a club league in the U.S., chances are you’ve heard the buzz. But one question keeps popping up among curious athletes and recreational players alike: Is padel closer to tennis or pickleball?

At first glance, padel might look like a hybrid of the two—played with a stringless racket, on an enclosed court, often in doubles format. But the answer is more nuanced. The rules, equipment, and even the social culture around padel reflect both similarities and clear distinctions from its racket-sport cousins.

As someone who has coached beginner padel players and spent years playing both tennis and recreational pickleball, I’ve often had to break this down for new players. And honestly? It’s a fascinating comparison.

This blog will unpack the question—is padel closer to tennis or pickleball?—from all angles. We’ll look at court dimensions, scoring systems, gameplay mechanics, and player experience to help you understand where padel truly fits in the world of racket sports.

By the end, you’ll have a well-informed answer, and maybe even feel ready to grab a racket and step onto the court yourself.

What Is Padel? A Brief Overview

Padel is a dynamic racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, played mostly in doubles format on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. Born in Mexico in the late 1960s and perfected in Spain and Argentina, padel is now one of the fastest-growing sports globally—with millions of players across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and increasingly, North America.

A typical padel match involves underhand serving, continuous volleys off glass walls, and strategic teamwork. The scoring is borrowed from tennis (15-30-40-game), but the serve must bounce before hitting the returner’s side, and the ball can rebound off walls—adding layers of tactical play not seen in tennis or pickleball.

Unlike traditional tennis rackets, padel rackets are solid and perforated, with no strings. They’re closer in size and shape to pickleball paddles but made from composite materials to suit the sport’s fast-paced rallies. The ball is also pressurized, similar to a tennis ball but slightly less bouncy to control speed within the smaller court.

As the sport grows, people often ask: Is padel closer to tennis or pickleball? This question makes sense when you realize padel borrows traits from both while forming a completely unique identity. It’s less intense than tennis in terms of running distance, yet more complex than pickleball in court dynamics and wall interactions.

In short, padel is a sport where power meets finesse, tradition meets innovation, and tennis and pickleball fans alike find something familiar—yet refreshingly different.

What Makes Tennis and Pickleball Different?

To understand whether padel is closer to tennis or pickleball, it helps to know what sets tennis and pickleball apart from each other in the first place. Though both are racket sports that involve serving and volleying, their rules, court setups, equipment, and pace of play vary dramatically.

Tennis: The Classic Racket Sport

Tennis has long been considered the gold standard of competitive racket sports. Played either in singles or doubles, it uses a large, open court (78 feet by 27 feet for singles), a net stretched across the center, and stringed rackets. Players strike a felt-covered rubber ball that must land within strict boundaries—no wall bounces allowed.

The game is fast, physically demanding, and requires powerful serves, groundstrokes, and quick footwork. Matches can be long, often testing a player’s endurance as much as their technique.

Tennis is also global, with a professional circuit that includes Grand Slam tournaments, making it a high-profile sport watched and played by millions.

Pickleball: The New American Favorite

Pickleball, on the other hand, is known for being approachable and community-focused. Originating in the U.S. in the 1960s, it’s now a favorite among all age groups, especially seniors. The court is much smaller (20 feet by 44 feet), and the paddle is solid and stringless—more similar to a padel racket in appearance.

The plastic ball, perforated like a wiffle ball, results in slower gameplay compared to tennis. Points are typically shorter, and there’s a unique “kitchen zone” (non-volley area) near the net that encourages thoughtful placement rather than brute force.

Pickleball scoring is also different, with games usually played to 11 points and only the serving team scoring. It’s less intimidating for newcomers but offers a surprising level of strategy at higher levels.

So, Where Does Padel Fit In?

If you’re wondering, is padel closer to tennis or pickleball?, both sports offer clues—but neither tells the full story. From tennis, padel inherits its scoring and rally-driven format. From pickleball, it takes accessibility and a social, low-impact experience. The answer lies in how padel merges traits from each into a style all its own.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Padel vs Tennis vs Pickleball

To accurately answer the question—is padel closer to tennis or pickleball?—we need to break it down by the fundamental components of each sport. Below is a detailed comparison of court layout, equipment, scoring, gameplay, and overall feel.

Aspect	Padel	Tennis	Pickleball
Court Size	~66 ft x 33 ft (enclosed with glass walls)	78 ft x 27 ft (singles) / 36 ft (doubles)	44 ft x 20 ft (open, no walls)
Surface	Turf, concrete, or synthetic with rebound glass	Grass, clay, or hard court	Hard court, often outdoors
Racket Type	Solid, no strings, perforated	Strung racket with tension	Solid paddle, similar in size to padel
Ball	Pressurized, similar to a tennis ball but with less bounce	Felt-covered rubber ball	Lightweight plastic ball with holes
Scoring System	Same as tennis: 15-30-40-game	15-30-40-game	Rally points to 11 (win by 2); only server scores
Serve	Underhand, must bounce then hit diagonally	Overhand, powerful, direct	Underhand, must clear kitchen zone
Walls in Play?	Yes – rebounding off glass is part of strategy	No – out of bounds if ball hits anything but ground	No – open court with fixed boundaries
Singles/Doubles	Primarily doubles only	Singles and doubles	Both singles and doubles
Game Speed	Moderate – relies on positioning and anticipation	Fast – high-speed rallies and long-range movement	Moderate to slow – emphasis on control and placement
Skill Transition	Easy for tennis and pickleball players to adapt	Tennis players adapt easily to padel	Pickleball players find wall play challenging initially

What This Tells Us

From this comparison, it becomes clear why so many ask, is padel closer to tennis or pickleball? Structurally and in scoring, padel is more aligned with tennis. However, its court size, underhand serve, and social gameplay echo traits found in pickleball. It borrows enough from both to be familiar, but introduces distinct elements like wall rebounds and unique rackets that give it its own character.

Whether you’re coming from a tennis or pickleball background, padel feels familiar—but only to a point. That’s what makes it so intriguing.

Is Padel Closer to Tennis or Pickleball? (Answer Explained)

So, when we cut through all the comparisons, rules, and court sizes, the burning question remains: is padel closer to tennis or pickleball? The answer depends on which aspects you’re focusing on—but from a holistic point of view, padel leans more toward tennis, while borrowing just enough from pickleball to feel uniquely balanced.

Rules and Scoring: Tennis Influence Runs Deep

One of the strongest arguments in favor of padel being closer to tennis lies in the scoring system. Just like tennis, padel follows the 15-30-40-game structure, complete with deuce, advantage, and set-based play. Matches often run longer than typical pickleball games and require similar mental focus and endurance. Even the serve, though underhand, must land diagonally—another tennis-like trait.

In terms of strategy, padel also mimics tennis rallies, emphasizing topspin, lobs, and net play. The use of walls adds a new layer of tactics, but these strategies still feel more tennis-like in their execution.

Gameplay and Accessibility: Where Pickleball Comes In

However, padel isn’t as physically intense as traditional tennis. The smaller court, slower ball bounce, and enclosed space reduce the need for sprinting and high-impact movements. This is where padel begins to resemble pickleball, especially in its accessibility for older players, newcomers, or those recovering from injuries.

Much like pickleball, padel games are typically doubles, which adds a social dynamic and shared court coverage. The result is a fast-moving yet forgiving sport—just like pickleball.

Equipment and Feel: A Unique Middle Ground

Equipment is where padel clearly stands on its own. The racket is solid like a pickleball paddle but more advanced in construction and performance. The ball is closer to tennis but slightly less pressurized, which impacts the rally speed.

The glass walls are a complete game-changer—allowing defensive rebounds, creative angles, and longer points. This wall-based mechanic doesn’t exist in either tennis or pickleball, making padel feel like a hybrid with an edge.

Final Analysis: So, Is Padel Closer to Tennis or Pickleball?

From a technical, scoring, and strategic standpoint, padel is closer to tennis. However, in spirit—fun, accessibility, and learning curve—it shares a lot with pickleball.

If you’re a tennis player, padel will feel like a compact, tactical version of your game. If you play pickleball, padel might seem like an exciting step up in complexity and pace.

Ultimately, padel is not a copy of either. It’s a thoughtfully evolved sport that captures the best of both worlds while offering something distinct and fresh.

What Players Say: Real-Life Perspectives

To better understand is padel closer to tennis or pickleball, it helps to hear from people who’ve made the transition. Players who come from either sport often have strong initial impressions—and their experiences reveal how padel bridges the gap while forging its own path.

From Tennis to Padel: “Tactical but less brutal”

Carlos M., a former collegiate tennis player in Madrid, shared his view:

“At first, I thought padel would be a simplified version of tennis. But it’s actually more tactical. You don’t rely on power. You have to think more because of the walls. The movement is lighter, but the strategy is deeper. It still feels like tennis—just in a cage.”

Many tennis players say that transitioning to padel feels smooth in terms of technique—serving, volleys, and footwork all translate well. However, the introduction of wall play and enclosed space requires new muscle memory and smarter positioning.

From Pickleball to Padel: “It’s a challenge—and I love it”

Emma R., a pickleball enthusiast from Austin, Texas, first tried padel during a vacation in Spain:

“I was comfortable with the underhand serve and compact swings. But once the ball hit the wall, I was lost! It took a while to figure out the rebounds. Still, it had the same social vibe as pickleball. It’s competitive but fun. I’d say padel is like pickleball, but with a PhD.”

Pickleball players often appreciate padel’s emphasis on control and teamwork. The serve and paddle-like racket provide familiarity, but the wall dynamics and court coverage introduce a steeper learning curve.

Neutral Beginners: “Easy to learn, hard to master”

Interestingly, those who’ve never played tennis or pickleball often adapt quickly. Padel’s learning curve is friendly, but mastering the angles and rebounds takes dedication.

Several beginners we interviewed at a local padel club said the sport “felt natural” and “fun right from the start,” with minimal entry barriers—reinforcing padel’s growing popularity worldwide.

So What Do Players Think?

Across the board, players agree: padel feels like a unique blend. For tennis players, it’s familiar but refreshing. For pickleball fans, it’s a more challenging next step. And for new players, it’s a perfect entry point into the world of racket sports.

So, is padel closer to tennis or pickleball? Real-world experience suggests it lands somewhere in between—with enough of both to feel familiar, but enough uniqueness to keep you coming back.

Who Should Try Padel?

One of padel’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a casual weekend player, or someone looking for a fun new activity, padel has something to offer. But depending on your background, your experience with the game may feel closer to either tennis or pickleball.

So let’s break it down: who is padel really for—and why?

If You’re a Tennis Player

If you’ve played tennis, padel will likely feel like home. The scoring system is the same, many of the techniques—like volleys, drop shots, and lobs—are directly transferable, and the game encourages net play and coordinated movement, just like doubles tennis.

The main adjustment? Walls. While tennis players are used to baseline rallies, padel rewards close-net strategy and smart use of rebounds. You’ll also notice less physical strain—shorter sprints, lower-impact movements, and shorter matches make it easier on the joints.

If you’re asking, is padel closer to tennis or pickleball, and you’ve spent time on a tennis court, padel may feel like tennis with a creative twist.

If You’re a Pickleball Player

Pickleball players will also feel a connection. The smaller court, underhand serve, and social dynamic of doubles play all feel familiar. The rackets, while heavier and more technical than pickleball paddles, have a similar feel.

However, expect a bit of a challenge. The use of walls introduces new tactics, and the pace can be slightly quicker due to the pressurized ball. Still, if you enjoy pickleball for its fun, accessible nature, you’ll likely love padel for its slightly more advanced version of that vibe.

For those coming from pickleball and asking, is padel closer to tennis or pickleball, the transition may take a few games—but the payoff is worth it.

If You’re Completely New to Racket Sports

Here’s the best part: you don’t need prior racket experience to enjoy padel. Beginners often find it easier to learn than tennis and more dynamic than pickleball. The enclosed court keeps the ball in play longer, which means more time for rallies, improvement, and fun.

You’ll learn basic swings quickly, and since the sport is played mostly in doubles, there’s less pressure and more opportunity to communicate and strategize with your partner.

Padel is an ideal sport for first-timers looking for something social, engaging, and easy on the body.

Age Groups and Fitness Levels

Padel is truly an all-ages game. It’s played by kids, seniors, recreational athletes, and professionals alike. The moderate physical demands make it accessible without being boring, and the learning curve keeps it exciting without being overwhelming.

Whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s, padel offers a satisfying middle ground between intense athleticism and casual fun.

In short: Whether you come from tennis, pickleball, or neither, padel offers something tailored to your strengths. If you’re still wondering, is padel closer to tennis or pickleball, the answer might just depend on where you’re coming from—but either way, it’s well worth trying.

Final Verdict: The True Nature of Padel

After comparing equipment, rules, court dynamics, and player feedback, we can now confidently circle back to the core question: Is padel closer to tennis or pickleball?

The honest answer is: padel is closer to tennis in structure and scoring—but closer to pickleball in accessibility and enjoyment. It lives in the sweet spot between the two, borrowing strengths from each while introducing its own exciting features.

Why It’s Closer to Tennis

From a technical standpoint, padel borrows heavily from tennis:

The scoring system is identical (15-30-40-game).
Shot techniques like volleys, smashes, and lobs are central to the game.
Court positioning and teamwork in doubles feel familiar to tennis players.
The ball is nearly identical in construction, with just a slightly lower pressure.

For those with a tennis background, the transition into padel feels natural, albeit more compact and strategic due to the walls and smaller court.

Why It’s Also Like Pickleball

Yet padel also embraces key qualities that make pickleball so popular:

It’s easy to learn, even for complete beginners.
The paddle-style racket feels similar in your hand.
The game is almost exclusively played in doubles, making it social and cooperative.
Shorter rallies and less movement mean lower injury risk and wider appeal—especially to seniors and casual athletes.

Pickleball players will find comfort in padel’s pacing and teamwork, though it offers a slightly steeper learning curve due to the walls and more complex shot angles.

But Ultimately… Padel Stands Alone

Here’s the truth: Padel is not just a blend of tennis and pickleball. It’s a sport with its own identity.

The enclosed court, the use of walls for rebounds, and the unique physics of the game make padel unlike anything else. It’s neither a simplified tennis nor a souped-up pickleball. It’s its own experience—a hybrid born from smart design and competitive fun.

So, is padel closer to tennis or pickleball? In many ways, both. But once you step onto the glass-walled court, feel the rebound off the back wall, and place a drop shot just out of reach, you’ll understand: padel is 100% its own game.

Is padel closer to tennis or pickleball?