Padel vs. Tennis: Understanding the Differences

As two of the most popular racquet sports, padel and tennis might seem similar at first glance, but they offer distinct experiences for players of all levels. While both sports require skill, quick reflexes, and strategy, they differ in terms of court layout, equipment, rules, and gameplay. 

Whether you’re looking to try something new or just curious about the hype around padel, this guide will break down the key differences between the two.

Court

One of the most noticeable differences between padel and tennis lies in the court setup. Tennis courts are larger, measuring 23.77m long and 8.23m wide for singles, expanding to 10.97m for doubles. Padel courts, on the other hand, are significantly smaller at 20m by 10m and are enclosed with glass walls, which are integral to the gameplay.

The enclosed nature of padel courts adds a unique twist, as players can use the walls to bounce the ball, similar to squash. This not only affects strategy but also makes the game fast-paced and dynamic. Meanwhile, tennis courts have open spaces around the baseline and sidelines, allowing for longer shots and higher ball trajectories.

Racket

Racket choice is another major distinction between these sports. Tennis players use a traditional strung racket, generally around 68.5cm in length, with a round head that generates significant power. Padel rackets, on the other hand, are solid and perforated, resembling a paddle more than a racket. They’re shorter and thicker, and because of their design, they prioritize control and precision over power.

Padel rackets are also constructed to withstand wall rebounds and high-intensity rallies typical of the sport. This results in a different feel and weight, often making padel more accessible to beginners who may find the learning curve of tennis challenging.

Ball

When comparing the padel ball to a tennis ball, it’s easy to see why the differences matter. Both balls look almost identical at a glance, but a padel ball has slightly less internal pressure, making it bounce lower. The lower bounce adapts well to the padel court’s dimensions and enclosed setting, providing a more controlled pace ideal for rallies close to the net.

A tennis ball, on the other hand, has higher pressure and bounces higher and faster, complementing the larger tennis court. The ball’s pressure and bounce play a significant role in the style and speed of each game, making padel feel more controlled and tennis more power-driven.

Net

Both padel and tennis use nets, but there are key differences in their height and function. In tennis, the net stands at 1.07m at the posts and 0.91m in the middle. The net in padel is slightly lower at about 0.88 meters, which influences the way players approach shots.

The lower height of the padel net encourages quick volleys and strategic drops, making the game more dynamic and fast-paced near the net. Tennis players, however, often employ more baseline play due to the higher net, focusing on powerful, deep shots.

Number of players

Padel is almost always played in doubles format, meaning two players per side, whereas tennis can be played in both singles and doubles formats. The doubles nature of padel makes it a highly social sport, and its smaller court size lends itself well to teamwork and close interactions between players.

In tennis, singles matches require players to cover a large area alone, which demands more endurance and power. Doubles in tennis is also common, but the gameplay remains different from padel due to the larger court and open space around the baseline.

Scoring and rules

The scoring system in padel is nearly identical to tennis, following the 15-30-40-game structure and requiring a minimum of six games to win a set. However, padel matches are generally shorter due to the smaller court and the dynamic, close-range rallies that characterize the game.

One distinctive rule in padel is the service. Unlike tennis, where the ball must be served overhand, padel serves are done underhand, and the ball must bounce before reaching the opponent’s side. This keeps the serve relatively controlled and prevents powerful aces that can often dominate tennis. Additionally, the presence of walls in padel allows for ball rebounds, adding an extra layer to strategy and rallies.

Strategy

Strategy in padel is highly dynamic, involving a mix of positioning, teamwork, and smart use of wall rebounds. The enclosed court allows players to use the walls to set up clever angles, making defense as important as offense. It’s common for players to stay close to the net, where they can volley and intercept shots while setting up points with their partner.

In tennis, strategy often revolves around baseline shots and powerful serves. Players need to cover a larger area, often leading to a “back-and-forth” rhythm from the baseline, with occasional advances to the net for volleys. While doubles play in tennis does involve teamwork, it generally lacks the continuous close-range interplay seen in padel.

Technique

The techniques required in padel are more accessible for beginners. Due to the smaller court size, players don’t need to generate as much power and can rely on precision, angle shots, and teamwork to score. The underhand serve also lowers the skill barrier, making padel more beginner-friendly.

In tennis, mastering a powerful serve, forehand, and backhand requires significant training. The open court also demands greater speed and endurance. Tennis techniques tend to emphasize power and control from longer distances, while padel is more about finesse and positioning within a compact space.

Final thoughts: Padel vs. Tennis

While padel and tennis share some similarities, each sport offers its own unique charm and demands different skills. Padel, with its social nature and accessible learning curve, has gained popularity as an inclusive sport that’s easy for beginners to pick up but still challenging for seasoned players. Tennis, with its high-paced, powerful rallies and wider courts, remains a global favorite, especially for those who enjoy the physical demands and technical skill the sport requires.

So whether you’re a fan of tennis looking for a fresh experience, or new to racquet sports entirely, trying padel could offer an exciting alternative that combines strategy, teamwork, and fun.