Padel and tennis are usually not the identical sport. Padel is performed on a smaller enclosed courtroom with partitions, whereas tennis is performed on a bigger open courtroom. Completely different courts, totally different serves, totally different really feel—easy as that.
Right here’s a snapshot of how the 2 sports activities differ aspect by aspect.
Variations at a Look
| What | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Courtroom dimension | 10 × 20 m, enclosed by glass and/or mesh partitions | 23.77 × 8.23 m (singles) / 10.97 m (doubles), no partitions |
| Ball stress | Identical dimension/weight, decrease stress → softer bounce | Commonplace stress → livelier bounce |
| Racket | Strong foam bat, no strings | Strung body |
| Sneakers | Deep herringbone or hybrid/omni tread for sand-turf | Soles fluctuate for exhausting, clay, grass |
| Studying curve | Simpler for newcomers (small courtroom, under-arm serve, doubles) | Steeper (larger courtroom, over-arm serve, energy photographs) |
Wait—How Did Padel Pop Up, Anyway?
It began in 1969 when a Mexican businessman, Enrique Corcuera, squeezed a mini-tennis courtroom into his yard in Acapulco and boxed it in with partitions so stray balls wouldn’t hassle the neighbours.
A Spanish pal tried it, liked it, and shipped the thought house to Marbella. From there, the sport unfold by means of Spain, leapt to Argentina, and is now popping up in all places—from well being golf equipment to rooftop bars.
These glass partitions are the true twist. They preserve the ball in play and double as large backboards, so a shot that may be “out” in tennis can bounce proper again into the rally.
Questioning how that adjustments the enjoying subject? Let’s stack the padel courtroom subsequent to a tennis courtroom and see what the numbers say.
Courts: Glass Field vs Open Courtroom
A padel courtroom is a neat 10 × 20 m rectangle wrapped in glass or mesh partitions; a full tennis courtroom stretches to 23.77 m lengthy and eight.23 m broad for singles (10.97 m for doubles) with nothing however painted traces to carry the ball in.
The nets sit low in each sports activities, however padel’s drops a little bit farther—0.88 m on the centre versus tennis’s 0.914 m.
Why it issues:
- Motion: With about half the ground area, padel rallies depend on sharp side-steps and quick reflexes.
- Techniques: The partitions act like large backboards, so a ball that’s “out” in tennis can rebound straight again into play.
- Really feel: Tennis rewards longer runs and heavier floor strokes; padel rewards anticipation and good use of the glass.
Padel vs Tennis Balls: Stress and Bounce
A padel ball is the identical dimension and weight as a tennis ball (6.54–6.86 cm, 56–59 g), nevertheless it holds much less air. That decrease stress adjustments the bounce you are feeling on courtroom.
| Spec | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Inner stress | 4.6–5.2 kg per 2.54 cm² (about 8 psi) | Typical pressurised ball ≈ 14 psi (matches the stress within the sealed can) |
| Bounce take a look at (drop from 2.54 m) |
135–145 cm | 135–147 cm |
What it means on courtroom
- Decrease stress makes the padel ball lose velocity quicker—gamers say it “dies” sooner after the bounce.
- Slower bounce + smaller courtroom = longer rallies for newcomers and fewer chasing stray balls.
- In tennis, the livelier ball rewards energy and topspin however can sail lengthy extra simply.
So, identical fuzzy really feel in your hand, however a softer core in padel adjustments the rally rhythm immediately.
Rackets: Padel Bat vs Tennis Racquet
A tennis racquet has a hole body strung with nylon or polyester. A padel bat is a stable, foam-filled paddle drilled with holes—no strings in any respect. That single swap adjustments the texture, swing, and even the grip you want.
| Function | Padel Bat | Tennis Racquet |
|---|---|---|
| Construct | 38 mm-thick, perforated face, foam core | Graphite/aluminium body with a string mattress |
| Typical weight | 355 – 375 g | 260 – 340 g (unstrung) |
| Grip size | Shorter deal with—made for one-hand photographs | Longer deal with—room for two-hand backhands |
| Overgrips | Identical tape you employ on a tennis deal with | Commonplace tennis overgrips |
| Starter worth | From ≈ £30 for a Kuikma PR Open bat at Decathlon | From ≈ £30–£40 for a reduced Wilson Extremely Energy XL at Decathlon |
What which means on courtroom
- Really feel: A strung racquet “pockets” the ball and snaps it ahead, whereas a padel bat offers a flatter pop.
- Swing weight: Despite the fact that padel bats weigh barely extra on the dimensions, the shorter size makes them straightforward to whip in tight areas.
- Grip tweaks: If the bat feels skinny, wrap the identical overgrip you’d use for tennis—no particular tape wanted.
- Price: Newbie gear is analogous, however pro-level frames and bats in each sports activities can climb previous £200.
Sneakers & Clothes: Padel vs Tennis Fundamentals
Padel occurs on artificial grass dusted with sand; tennis may be clay, exhausting, or (much less typically) grass. Every floor asks the only real to do a barely totally different job—chew, slide, or shrug off particles.
The fast desk under traces up one padel mannequin in opposition to two variations of the identical tennis shoe so you possibly can see, at a look, how manufacturers tweak the tread to match the courtroom.
| Instance shoe | Sport & courtroom | Typical outsole | Why it issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS Gel-Padel Professional 5 | Padel (sand-turf) | Deep herringbone | Zig-zag grooves chew into the sand however nonetheless allow you to slide a little bit; sidewalls are bolstered for fast pushes off the glass. |
| ASICS Gel-Decision 9 Clay | Tennis – clay | Full herringbone | Identical zig-zag concept, simply tighter. Lets clay escape so the only real doesn’t clog and you’ll slide safely into photographs. |
| ASICS Gel-Decision 9 Laborious | Tennis – exhausting courtroom | Hybrid sample (shallower herringbone + flat zones) | Grips gritty paint with out grabbing too exhausting; harder rubber for concrete put on. |
Key phrases, plain and easy
- Herringbone: V-shaped zig-zag that grips free sand or clay but nonetheless allows you to slide.
- Omni / dot: Numerous small rubber dots—nice on low-sand indoor turf; wears quick outdoor.
- Hybrid: Mixture of patterns (zig-zag plus flatter areas) for all-court use.
- Lateral help: Stiff panels on the shoe’s sides that preserve your ankle from rolling throughout sharp stops.
Are you able to swap sneakers?
- Clay-court tennis sneakers (deep herringbone) double as stable padel sneakers for informal play.
- Laborious-court tennis sneakers typically stick an excessive amount of on sand-turf—superb in a pinch, however you‘ll really feel the drag.
- If you happen to play padel weekly, a padel-labelled pair (herringbone or hybrid sole) will slide and cease the way in which the game expects.
Clothes
No worries right here—each video games run on the identical package: mild, breathable prime and shorts/skirt or leggings. Simply decide moisture-wicking cloth and pockets large enough for a spare ball. No strict gown codes.
Serve & Rally
How the purpose begins
| Sport | Serve rule | Energy really feel |
|---|---|---|
| Padel | One under-arm serve, struck under the waist after a bounce | Softer launch, straightforward to return |
| Tennis | As much as two over-arm serves, hit out of the air | Quick first hit, typically wins the purpose outright |
What retains the ball alive
- Padel: after the primary bounce the ball can hit any glass or mesh wall and nonetheless be performed, so angles and rebounds matter.
- Tennis: no partitions; as soon as the ball lands outdoors the traces the rally ends.
Singles or doubles?
- Padel is doubles-only, so 4 gamers share a smaller area and teamwork guidelines.
- Tennis affords each singles and doubles, however membership play is generally singles.
How lengthy the rally lasts
Backside line: Padel’s softer serve, reside partitions, and doubles format create longer, extra forgiving rallies, so newcomers get extra touches instantly. Tennis factors finish quicker and reward the primary large strike, particularly on quicker surfaces.
How Do You Hold Rating?
| Padel | Tennis | |
|---|---|---|
| Factors | 0 – 15 – 30 – 40 – sport (identical as tennis) | 0 – 15 – 30 – 40 – sport |
| Deuce rule | Golden level (first group to win the subsequent rally takes the sport) – utilized in most professional and membership matches | Should win by two clear factors (benefit–deuce loop) |
| Units | Better of 3 units. First to six video games wins a set; 6-all = 7-point tie-break | Better of 3 (ladies) or 5 (males’s professional). First to six video games wins a set; 6-all = tie-break (7-point or 10-point in a deciding set, will depend on occasion) |
| Match format | Doubles solely | Singles or doubles |
Fast tip: At deuce, the receiving pair in padel chooses which aspect will return the golden-point serve—provides a little bit technique!
Studying Curve: Which Sport Is Simpler?
Padel often feels simpler instantly. The courtroom is smaller, the serve is light, and the partitions preserve the ball from rolling away. Tennis takes extra apply however allows you to hit tougher and use extra sorts of photographs when you get the hold of it.
Why Padel Feels Simpler on Day One
| What | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Courtroom dimension | 10 × 20 m – much less floor to cowl | 23.77 × 8.23 m (singles) – extra working |
| Serve | One under-arm serve after a bounce | As much as two over-arm serves within the air |
| Partitions | Ball can hit the glass and keep in play | Level ends outdoors the traces |
| First-day rally | Usually 5–10 photographs | Usually 1–3 photographs |
The place Tennis Pushes You Additional
- Extra energy & spin: Strings sling the ball quicker and add heavy topspin—one thing a stable padel bat can’t match.
- Greater courtroom exercise: Operating down photographs in singles builds additional velocity and stamina.
- Wider shot menu: Drop-shots, kick serves, slices—the record of tips is longer when you grasp the fundamentals.
If you happen to’re a tennis participant attempting padel
- Shorten your swing—there’s much less room to wind up.
- Study to make use of the again wall: generally it’s higher to attend for the rebound.
- Get used to the low, under-arm serve rhythm.
Backside line: Padel offers you fast rallies and straightforward enjoyable on day one. Tennis asks for extra apply however pays you again with larger energy and a wider vary of photographs. Decide the game that matches how briskly you need to enhance and what sort of problem you take pleasure in.
Accidents & Health: What Does Every Sport Do to Your Physique?
Padel and tennis each rely as stable train, however they stress your joints in several methods. Right here’s a fast desk displaying the spots that often really feel it most, adopted by calorie ranges and easy methods to remain ache-free.
| Physique half | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow & wrist | Can ache from mist-timed hits with the stable bat | “Tennis elbow” is widespread |
| Knees & ankles | Fast side-steps in a small courtroom can pressure joints | Laborious stops on tough courts add influence |
| Shoulder & again | Low threat (serve is under-arm) | Massive over-arm serves and heavy topspin load the shoulder and decrease again |
Backside line: padel tends to hassle elbows and knees, whereas tennis provides additional pressure on the shoulders and decrease again.
Calorie burn (30-min, average play)
| Sport | kcal estimate* |
|---|---|
| Padel (doubles) | 240 – 320 |
| Tennis (singles) | 300 – 420 |
*Ranges from sports-science research on club-level gamers.
Keep ache-free
- Heat up 5 min: mild jog + arm and hip circles.
- Energy snack: planks for core, resistance-band pulls for elbows and shoulders.
- Contemporary sneakers: swap or rotate pairs each 6–9 months.
- Hearken to ache: ice sore spots and relaxation a day if one thing nags.
Price & Entry: Courts & Gear
Padel is newer, so courts are tougher to search out and often price extra to guide than tennis. Right here’s what you possibly can anticipate within the UK, plus a fast look at Spain—Europe’s padel hot-spot.
Courtroom rent at a look
| Hourly courtroom rent (2025) | UK public/membership Padel | UK public/membership Tennis | Spain Padel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-peak (weekday day) | ~£28 – £40 per courtroom (≈ £7 pp in doubles) | £0 – £12 per courtroom* | €6 – €12 per courtroom |
| Peak (eve / weekend) | £40 – £80; London privates can prime £100 | £0 – £24 per courtroom* | €12 – €20 (nonetheless cheaper than UK) |
*Many UK park courts are free or £2–£5 to guide because of LTA “Barclays Free Park Tennis” and council packages; some allow you to simply flip up and play
Most padel venues are pay-as-you-go, however many provide annual or month-to-month memberships that drop the hourly charge.
Starter-kit snapshot
| Merchandise | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Entry bat / racquet | Kuikma PR Open – £29.99 | Artengo TR160 – £34.99 |
| Balls (tube of three) | £6–£8 | £6–£8 |
| Sneakers & package | Identical breathable package; match outsole to courtroom | Identical breathable package; match outsole to courtroom |
A padel bat has no strings, so frequent gamers typically substitute it each 12–18 months; a tennis racquet can final for years with the odd re-string.
The place are you able to play?
- UK padel: ~ 900 courts at 300 venues and climbing; large chains like David Lloyd are including dozens extra.
- UK tennis: hundreds of public courts—many in parks you possibly can guide without spending a dime or a number of kilos.
- Spain padel: 22 000+ courts nationwide; excessive provide retains costs low.
Backside line: Gear prices are comparable, however padel courtroom charges run greater within the UK—no less than till extra courts open. Looking off-peak slots, sharing the price 4 methods, or becoming a member of a membership membership can slim the hole. Tennis nonetheless wins on sheer availability (and loads of free park courts) if funds and comfort are prime priorities.
Which Recreation Matches You? 5 Fast Questions
Ask your self the sure/no questions under. Rely what number of occasions you reply “Sure” in every column, then verify the fast verdict that follows.
| Query | Sure = Padel | Sure = Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Do you will have easy accessibility to padel courts close by? | ✔︎ | |
| 2. Do you like enjoying doubles and a social vibe? | ✔︎ | |
| 3. Are you getting back from a shoulder or again harm? | ✔︎ (softer serve, no overheads) | |
| 4. Do you take pleasure in solo apply or one-on-one matches? | ✔︎ | |
| 5. Is an even bigger shot selection and energy sport what excites you? | ✔︎ |
Find out how to learn it
- Largely left-side “Sure” solutions: Begin with padel. You’ll rally sooner, play in pairs, and save your shoulders.
- Largely right-side “Sure” solutions: Go for tennis. You’ll get the complete singles expertise, larger energy, and extra courtroom decisions.
- Cut up down the center? Attempt each. Your native membership might even provide a taster session for every sport on the identical day.
Your Transfer
Padel means fast rallies and straightforward doubles; tennis means larger courts and extra energy photographs. Attempt the one which feels proper—or take a look at each and see which one makes you grin.
Sources:
Worldwide Padel Federation: Padel Balls FIP Accepted
ITF APPROVED TENNIS BALLS, CLASSIFIED SURFACES & RECOGNISED COURTS
https://www.wilson.com/en-us/product/pro-staff-97-v14-frm-wr12570
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/adult-tennis-racket-tr500-lite-green/_/R-p-300412
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/adult-padel-racket-blue-pr-open-racket/_/R-p-327586
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sports activities/tennis/tennis-rackets
https://www.squashfacilities.com/publish/lta-unveils-latest-figures-on-growth-of-padel-in-britain
https://www.padel-magazine.co.uk/
https://ukpadel.org/