Pickleball vs Padel: The Complete UK Comparison Guide (2025)
Confused about the difference between pickleball and padel? You're not alone. These two racket sports are taking the UK by storm, and while they might look similar at first glance, they're actually quite different.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about pickleball vs padel - from court size and equipment to rules, costs, and where to play in the UK. By the end, you'll know exactly which sport is right for you.
Quick Summary: Pickleball is played on a smaller court with a solid paddle and plastic ball, while padel uses a larger court with walls, a perforated racket, and a pressurized ball. Pickleball is easier for beginners, while padel offers more fast-paced action.
The Origins: How Pickleball and Padel Came to Be
Pickleball's Quirky Beginning
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three dads - Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum - couldn't find a full set of badminton equipment. So they improvised with ping pong paddles and a wiffle ball.
The name? There are two stories: either it was named after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles, or after "pickle boat" (a crew term for leftover rowers). Either way, the name stuck, and the sport exploded.
Fast-forward to 2025: Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with over 5 million players in the US alone and rapid growth in the UK, particularly among the 40+ demographic.
Padel's Mexican Roots
Padel was invented in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, by Enrique Corcuera. He created the sport by adapting his small tennis court with walls - and accidentally invented a phenomenon.
The sport took off in Spain in the 1970s (thanks to Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe) and became embedded in Spanish culture. Today, Spain has over 4 million regular padel players.
In the UK: Padel arrived in the early 2000s but exploded in popularity around 2020. With 500+ courts and growing, it's attracting a younger, more cosmopolitan crowd (25-45).
The key difference? Pickleball grew organically in the US through community play, while padel grew through club infrastructure in Spain. This influences how they're played and perceived today.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Now one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, it's beloved for its accessibility and social nature.
Key Features:
- Played on a 20ft x 44ft court (similar to badminton)
- Uses a solid paddle (no strings)
- Plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball)
- Can be played in singles or doubles
- Features a "kitchen" (non-volley zone)
- Lower impact, easier on joints
- Perfect for all ages and fitness levels
The beauty of pickleball? It's incredibly easy to learn but challenging to master. You can pick it up in 30 minutes and be playing games the same day.
Ready to try pickleball? Shop our beginner-friendly paddles →
What is Padel?
Padel (or padel tennis) originated in Mexico in the 1960s and exploded in popularity across Spain and Latin America. It's now rapidly growing in the UK, with new courts opening monthly.
Key Features:
- Played on a 20ft x 65ft court surrounded by glass walls
- Uses a perforated solid racket (smaller than tennis)
- Pressurized tennis-style ball (slightly less bounce)
- Always played in doubles
- Ball can bounce off walls (like squash)
- Fast-paced, strategic gameplay
- More physically demanding than pickleball
Think of padel as tennis meets squash - it's dynamic, social, and seriously addictive once you start playing.
Pickleball vs Padel: Key Differences
Court Size Comparison
| Feature | Pickleball | Padel |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 44 feet (13.4m) | 65 feet (20m) |
| Width | 20 feet (6.1m) | 20 feet (6m) |
| Net Height | 36 inches (91cm) at sidelines | 34 inches (88cm) at center |
| Walls | None | Glass/solid walls on all sides |
| Surface | Various (indoor/outdoor) | Artificial turf or concrete |
Winner for space: Pickleball requires less space, making it easier to set up in existing facilities.
Equipment: Paddles vs Rackets
Pickleball Paddles:
- Solid surface (wood or composite)
- No strings or holes on hitting surface
- Smaller face (typically 8" x 15")
- Lighter weight (6-14oz)
- Price range: £30-£150
- Shop Cortaire pickleball paddles →
Padel Rackets:
- Perforated solid surface (holes throughout)
- No strings
- Teardrop or diamond shape
- Heavier (340-370g)
- Price range: £50-£250
Winner for beginners: Pickleball paddles are cheaper and easier to control.
The Ball: Plastic vs Pressurized
Pickleball Ball:
- Lightweight plastic
- 26-40 holes
- Less bounce
- Different balls for indoor vs outdoor
- Quieter (important for noise regulations!)
- Slower pace
Padel Ball:
- Similar to tennis ball
- Pressurized rubber
- More bounce
- Faster gameplay
- Wears out quicker
Winner for control: Pickleball's slower ball speed makes it easier for beginners to track and return shots.
Rules & Scoring: Pickleball vs Padel
Pickleball Scoring:
- Games to 11 points (win by 2)
- Only serving team can score
- Double bounce rule (ball must bounce once on each side)
- Non-volley zone (the "kitchen") - can't volley near the net
- Underhand serve only
- Learn complete pickleball rules →
Padel Scoring:
- Uses tennis scoring (15, 30, 40, game)
- Best of 3 or 5 sets
- Serve must bounce before hitting
- Ball can hit walls after bouncing
- Underhand serve below waist height
- More complex than pickleball
Winner for simplicity: Pickleball's scoring is much easier to understand, especially for complete beginners.
Physical Demands: Which is More Intense?
Pickleball:
- Fitness Level: Low to moderate
- Impact on Joints: Low (smaller court = less running)
- Cardio Intensity: Moderate
- Skill Curve: Easy to learn, hard to master
- Best for: Beginners, older adults, casual players, those with joint issues
Padel:
- Fitness Level: Moderate to high
- Impact on Joints: Moderate (lateral movements, wall play)
- Cardio Intensity: High
- Skill Curve: Moderate learning curve
- Best for: Active players, competitive athletes, those who love fast-paced games
Winner for accessibility: Pickleball is more inclusive for all ages and fitness levels.
Cost Comparison: Pickleball vs Padel UK
Initial Investment:
| Item | Pickleball | Padel |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle/Racket | £30-£150 | £50-£250 |
| Balls | £8-15 (pack of 6) | £6-12 (can of 3) |
| Shoes | £40-80 (court shoes) | £50-100 (padel shoes) |
| Clothing | Standard sportswear | Standard sportswear |
| Total Startup | £80-250 | £110-350 |
Ongoing Costs:
Pickleball:
- Court hire: £5-15/hour (or free at public courts!)
- Many councils offering free public courts
- Club membership: £20-50/month
Padel:
- Court hire: £6-20/hour
- Club membership: £30-80/month
- Fewer free public options
Winner for budget: Pickleball is slightly more affordable, especially with free public courts available.
Where to Play in the UK
Pickleball Courts UK:
- Growing rapidly across the UK
- Many tennis clubs converting courts
- Free public courts in parks
- LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) supporting growth
- Find pickleball courts near you →
Top UK Cities for Pickleball:
- London (30+ venues)
- Birmingham (15+ venues)
- Manchester (10+ venues)
- Brighton (8+ venues)
Padel Courts UK:
- Established infrastructure (500+ courts)
- Primarily private clubs
- More expensive court hire
- Popular in upscale areas
Winner for accessibility: Pickleball has more free options, but padel has more established facilities.
Social Aspect: Community & Culture
Pickleball Social Scene:
- Very social and inclusive
- Easy to join drop-in sessions
- Welcoming to complete beginners
- Multi-generational appeal
- Strong community vibe
- Less intimidating for newcomers
- Popular with 40+ demographic
Perfect if you: Want to meet new people, prefer a relaxed atmosphere, or are new to racket sports.
Padel Social Scene:
- Competitive but friendly
- Club-based culture
- Regular tournaments and leagues
- Younger demographic (25-45)
- More "serious athlete" vibe
- European/Spanish influence
- Great for networking
Perfect if you: Love competitive sports, enjoy fast-paced games, or want a serious workout.
Which Sport is Easier to Learn?
Pickleball: Easier for Beginners ✅
Why it's easier:
- Slower ball speed
- Smaller court (less running)
- Simple scoring system
- Lower skill barrier to entry
- Can play competitively within weeks
- Less physically demanding
Learning curve: 1-2 sessions to grasp basics, 5-10 hours to play comfortably.
Padel: Moderate Learning Curve
Why it's harder:
- Faster ball speed
- Wall play requires strategy
- More court coverage needed
- Complex scoring (if new to tennis)
- Takes longer to feel confident
Learning curve: 3-5 sessions to grasp basics, 15-20 hours to play comfortably.
Winner for beginners: Pickleball is hands-down easier to pick up quickly.
Pickleball vs Padel: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Pickleball If:
✅ You're a complete beginner to racket sports
✅ You want a social, low-pressure environment
✅ You prefer shorter, less intense games
✅ You're looking for a low-impact sport
✅ You want an affordable option with free courts
✅ You're 40+ or have joint concerns
✅ You want to play casually with friends/family
Shop beginner-friendly pickleball paddles →
Choose Padel If:
✅ You have tennis or squash experience
✅ You love fast-paced, competitive sports
✅ You want a serious cardio workout
✅ You enjoy strategic, tactical gameplay
✅ You're willing to invest more in equipment/court fees
✅ You're 25-45 and physically active
✅ You want to join an established club scene
Can You Play Both?
Absolutely! Many players enjoy both sports for different reasons:
- Pickleball for casual weeknight games and social fun
- Padel for weekend workouts and competitive play
The skills transfer reasonably well between sports:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Court positioning
- Doubles strategy
- Net play
However, the pace and ball behavior are quite different, so you'll need to adjust your game.
Pickleball vs Padel: Growth in the UK
Pickleball Growth:
- Fast-growing sport in the UK
- 45000+ regular players (2025)
- 100+ dedicated facilities
- LTA backing and investment
- Expected to triple participation by 2026
- Strong media coverage
Padel Growth:
- More established with 500+ courts
- 55,000+ regular players
- £50M+ invested in facilities
- Premium positioning
- Celebrity endorsements
- European tour events in UK
Both sports are growing rapidly, but pickleball is earlier in its growth curve, meaning more opportunity to get involved at the ground level.
Tennis Player? Here's What You Need to Know
If you're a tennis player considering pickleball or padel, here's how they compare:
Pickleball for Tennis Players:
- Much smaller court (less running)
- Different serve technique (underhand)
- Slower pace (more time to react)
- Volleys restricted near net
- Easier on shoulders and elbows
- Complete guide for tennis players →
Padel for Tennis Players:
- Similar scoring system
- Walls add new dimension
- Smaller court than tennis
- Underhand serve only
- Strategy is different
- Easier transition from tennis
Winner for tennis players: Padel feels more natural, but pickleball offers a refreshing change of pace.
Final Verdict: Pickleball vs Padel
There's no "wrong" choice here - both sports are brilliant in their own ways!
TL;DR:
Pickleball = Social, Accessible, Affordable, Easy to Learn
Perfect for: Beginners, casual players, all ages, those wanting a fun social sport
Padel = Fast-Paced, Competitive, Strategic, Intense Workout
Perfect for: Active players, competitive types, those with racket sport experience
Ready to Get Started?
Starting with Pickleball?
You'll Need:
- A quality paddle (shop our collections →)
- Court shoes with good grip
- Comfortable athletic clothing
- A few pickleballs
- A local court or club
Find beginner-friendly paddles →
Total cost to start: £90-300
Starting with Padel?
You'll Need:
- A padel racket (£50-150 for beginners)
- Padel shoes (better lateral support)
- Pressurized padel balls
- Club membership or court booking
Total cost to start: £120-450
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pickleball or padel more popular in the UK?
Padel currently has more established infrastructure with 500+ courts, but pickleball is growing faster and gaining rapid popularity with 100+ facilities opening.
Which is better exercise: pickleball or padel?
Padel provides a more intense cardio workout due to its larger court and faster pace. Pickleball is lower impact but still offers good exercise.
Can I use a tennis racket for either sport?
No. Pickleball requires a solid paddle, and padel requires a specific perforated racket. Tennis rackets have strings and won't work for either sport.
Which sport is easier on your joints?
Pickleball is easier on joints due to its smaller court (less running) and lower-impact gameplay. It's popular with older adults for this reason.
Do I need special shoes for pickleball vs padel?
Court shoes work fine for pickleball. Padel benefits from specialized shoes with better lateral support and grip for the artificial turf surface.
Which sport has better social opportunities?
Both are very social! Pickleball tends to be more casual and inclusive, while padel has a more club-based, competitive social scene.
Can kids play pickleball and padel?
Yes! Pickleball is particularly good for kids due to its simpler rules and smaller court. Padel is better suited for kids 10+ due to the faster pace.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the quirky, accessible fun of pickleball or the fast-paced thrill of padel, you're in for a treat. Both sports offer fantastic ways to stay active, meet new people, and have a blast on the court.
Our recommendation? If you're new to racket sports or want something social and affordable, start with pickleball. If you're already athletic and love competitive sports, padel might be your perfect match.
Better yet, try both! Visit your local courts, take a lesson or two, and see which one clicks with you.
And if you see us on the court, we'll be the ones with the boldest, most eye-catching paddles around. 😉
Shop Cortaire's Designer Pickleball Paddles →
Ready to start your pickleball journey? Check out our guides:
- Complete Beginner's Guide to Pickleball
- How to Choose Your First Pickleball Paddle
- Pickleball Courts Near You
Last updated: October 2025