Pickleball and padel: a comparison of up-and-coming trend sports

The world of sport is becoming more and more diverse, and two disciplines are currently attracting particular attention: pickleball and padel. Both sports are enjoying growing popularity worldwide and are also gaining more and more followers in Europe and Germany. From recreational athletes to professional tournaments, these trend sports are inspiring people of all ages. This was also clearly evident at this year's ISPO Munich. But what makes pickleball and padel so attractive and why are they considered the rising stars of the racket sports world?

Pickleball and padel: What are the differences?

Pickleball and padel share some similarities - both are fast racket sports - but they differ in many ways. Pickleball is played on a smaller court, similar to a badminton court, and uses special rackets and a perforated plastic ball. Padel, on the other hand, is played on a court surrounded by walls, which is about 25% smaller than a tennis court. Here, felt-covered balls and perforated rackets made of composite materials are used. While pickleball is known for its simple rules and quick learning curve, padel is considered dynamic and tactically demanding.

How does Pickleball work?

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The game is played on a rectangular court with a low-tensioned net. The players use short rackets made of wood or plastic and a ball with holes, which enables particularly controlled shots thanks to its slow trajectory. The aim is to hit the ball over the net without the opponent being able to return it according to the rules. Pickleball can be played in both singles and doubles. One of the basic rules is that the ball may only be played after it has bounced once. Points are only scored by the serving team, and the game is usually played to 11 points with a lead of at least two points. The equipment is minimal: a racket, the plastic ball and sports shoes with a non-slip sole are all you need to get started. This makes pickleball perfect for beginners and occasional players.

How does padel work?

Padel is played in a fenced court that resembles a mixture of a tennis court and a squash court. Players use special rackets made of composite materials and characterized by a perforated hitting surface. The ball resembles a tennis ball, but is slightly softer to reduce the speed of play. The game is played over a net, whereby the walls can also be included in the game - similar to squash. A match is played in doubles, which emphasizes the social nature of the sport. The rules are very similar to tennis: a set goes to six games won, and points are awarded according to the classic scoring system (15, 30, 40, game). The unique combination of speed, tactics and use of the walls makes padel a fascinating challenge. All you need is the right racket, a set of balls and sporty footwear.

Bottom line

Pickleball and padel are more than just trend sports - they offer exciting alternatives to classic disciplines such as tennis or squash. With their different playing principles, they appeal to a wide audience and guarantee fitness, fun and social interaction. Try it out and be inspired by the dynamics of these sports!

Current articles on pickleball and padel from ISPO 2024