Padel and pickleball are both fast-growing, social, and easy to start. But beyond the surface they're very different games — different courts, different balls, and a totally different feel.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20m x 10m, enclosed glass | 6.1m x 13.4m, open |
| Walls | In play (glass + mesh) | None |
| Racket | Solid, perforated, no strings | Solid paddle, no strings |
| Ball | Low-pressure rubber (tennis-like) | Perforated plastic |
| Serve | Underarm, must bounce first | Underarm, diagonal |
| Format | Always doubles | Singles or doubles |
| Scoring | Tennis scoring (15/30/40) | Rally to 11 points |
Which should you play?
If you love long rallies, tactical doubles, and using walls like in squash — padel. If you want the lowest barrier to entry on a tiny court with quick games to 11 — pickleball. Many players enjoy both.
Frequently asked questions
Is padel the same as pickleball?
No. Padel is played on a 20m x 10m enclosed glass court with walls in play, using a low-pressure ball. Pickleball is played on a smaller badminton-sized court with a perforated plastic ball and no walls.
Which is harder, padel or pickleball?
Both are beginner-friendly. Padel has a slightly steeper learning curve because of wall-play and underarm serves, but most players rally within their first session.
Which sport is more popular worldwide?
Padel has more global players (25M+), especially in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
Can I play padel if I already play pickleball?
Yes — the soft hands and net-play skills transfer well. The main adjustments are the underarm serve and using the back glass wall.
Curious about padel? Book a court in Alanya and try it for yourself.