Padel Ball vs Pickleball: What’s the Difference and How to Play

They differ significantly than tennis—especially when it comes to the balls used and how the games are played. Let’s break down the key differences between padel balls and pickleballs, and give you a quick guide to playing each.

Padel Ball: What Is It?

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• Looks Like: A padel ball looks almost identical to a tennis ball. It’s the same size and shape.

• Material: Pressurized rubber core with a felt exterior.

• Pressure: Padel balls are slightly less pressurized than tennis balls, which affects bounce and speed.

• Weight: About 56-59.4 grams, similar to tennis balls.

• Bounce: Softer, lower bounce—perfect for enclosed courts with walls.

Used in: Padel, a sport combining elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller enclosed court with glass walls.

Pickleball: What Is It?

image credit: rekonnect

• Looks Like: A perforated plastic ball (like a whiffle ball), with 26–40 holes.

• Material: Lightweight plastic.

• Size: Slightly larger than a tennis ball, but lighter.

• Weight: About 22–26 grams.

• Bounce: Low bounce on hard surfaces, making it easier to control.

Used in: Pickleball, played on a badminton-sized court with a low net—indoors or outdoors—with solid paddles.

Padel vs Pickleball: How They’re Played

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Padel Basics

• Court: Enclosed (20m x 10m), with glass or mesh walls.

• Players: Doubles (2 vs 2) is standard.

• Scoring: Same as tennis (15-30-40-game).

• Serving: Underhand, bounced behind the service line.

• Walls in Play: Yes! Players can use the walls to keep the ball in play, adding a squash-like twist.

• Equipment: Stringed padel racket, pressurized felt ball.

Who’s it for?

• Tennis fans looking for a new challenge.

• Players who enjoy fast-paced, tactical games using the court walls.

image credit: Hiredly

Pickleball Basics

• Court: Open court (13.4m x 6.1m), with a no-volley zone (“kitchen”) near the net.

• Players: Singles or doubles.

• Scoring: Up to 11 points, win by 2.

• Serving: Underhand, diagonally across the court.

• Walls in Play: No.

• Equipment: Solid paddle (composite or wood), plastic ball with holes.

Who’s it for?

• All ages, especially beginners.

• Those looking for a social, easy-to-learn sport with quick rallies and less running.

Which One Should You Try?

Both padel and pickleball are fun, social, and beginner-friendly sports, but they differ in feel and pace due to their equipment—especially the ball. If you love using strategy, walls, and more dynamic court movement, give padel a go. If you prefer a fast, straightforward game with less running and simpler equipment, pickleball might be your match.