Padel vs Pickleball: What's the Difference?

Padel and Pickleball Are Not the Same Sport

If you've heard people talking about padel and pickleball interchangeably, you're not alone. Both racquet sports are growing fast in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, but they're quite different in how they play, what equipment you need, and what the courts look like.

Here's a clear side-by-side comparison to help you figure out which sport is right for you.

Court Size and Design

Padel is played on an enclosed court roughly 20m x 10m (about 65 x 33 feet). The court is surrounded by glass walls and metal fencing, and the walls are part of the game — you can play the ball off them, similar to squash.

Pickleball is played on a smaller, open court that's 20 x 44 feet (about the size of a badminton doubles court). There are no walls, and the net is lower than a tennis net.

Equipment

Padel rackets (also called "palas") are solid, with no strings. They have a perforated face and are made from carbon fiber or composite materials. The ball is similar to a tennis ball but slightly less pressurized.

Pickleball paddles are also solid (no strings) but are typically smaller and lighter. The ball is a lightweight plastic wiffle-style ball with holes.

Gameplay

Padel is always played as doubles (2v2). The serve is underhand, and players can volley the ball off the glass walls. Points are scored the same way as tennis (15, 30, 40, deuce). Rallies tend to be long and strategic.

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. The serve is underhand, and there's a "kitchen" (non-volley zone) near the net. Scoring uses a rally-point or side-out system depending on the format.

Which One Should You Try?

If you enjoy strategic, social gameplay with long rallies and like the idea of using walls, padel is a great choice. It's especially popular in the DMV's growing indoor facility scene.

If you prefer a sport that's easy to pick up quickly with minimal equipment and lots of public outdoor courts, pickleball might be your starting point.

Either way, both sports are excellent ways to stay active and meet people in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.

Ready to Try Padel in the DMV?

Check out our courts directory to find padel courts near you, or read our Start Here guide if you're brand new to the sport.