If you’re new to padel, you may have noticed that it bears a strong resemblance to tennis. Both sports are fast-paced, played with a racket and ball, and share a similar scoring system. However, once you dig deeper, you’ll find that the two sports differ significantly in their rules, equipment, and playing style. Whether you’re a tennis player curious about trying padel or completely new to racket sports, this article will help you understand the key differences and similarities between padel and tennis.
1. Court Size and Layout
Tennis is typically played on a large rectangular court, measuring 23.77 meters long and 8.23 meters wide for singles matches. The court is open, with no walls or enclosures, and features a net across the middle.
Padel, on the other hand, is played on a much smaller court—roughly a third of the size of a tennis court. A padel court measures 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, and the court is enclosed by glass or solid walls that are integral to the game. In padel, players can use the walls, much like in squash, adding a strategic element that’s absent in tennis.
2. The Racket
Another striking difference is the racket.
Tennis rackets are larger, strung with synthetic or natural gut strings, and designed to create tension for powerful shots. Tennis rackets can vary in size and weight, but all have a relatively large head for striking the ball.
Padel rackets are solid with perforations instead of strings. They are smaller and lighter, making them easier to maneuver. The solid surface means the ball doesn’t come off the racket with the same force as a tennis racket, resulting in a game that’s less about power and more about technique and strategy.
3. The Ball
At first glance, the balls used in padel and tennis look almost identical, but there are slight differences.
Tennis balls are slightly larger and have a higher pressure, which allows them to bounce more. This suits the larger court size and the powerful shots typically seen in tennis.
Padel balls, while similar in appearance, have a lower pressure, which makes them bounce less. This lower bounce is crucial, as it keeps the ball more in play on the smaller padel court and matches the strategic nature of the game.
4. Serve
In tennis, the serve is often a deciding factor in the game, with powerful serves reaching speeds over 130 mph in professional matches. The ball is served overhand and can be a major weapon for players, giving them an immediate advantage if executed well.
In padel, the serve is much more controlled and tactical. The ball is served underhand, and it must bounce once before hitting the wall behind the receiving player. This makes serves less aggressive and more of a way to start a rally rather than gaining an immediate advantage.
5. Scoring System
Both padel and tennis use the same scoring system: points go from 15, 30, 40, and then game, with matches typically played best out of three or five sets. However, there is a subtle difference in how games are played out.
In tennis, you have two chances to serve per point, and the serve itself can be a significant factor in winning points quickly.
In padel, while the scoring is the same, the serve is less dominant, and players are more likely to win points through extended rallies and clever use of the walls.
6. Playing Style
Tennis tends to be more focused on power, speed, and individual prowess. Players often rely on baseline rallies, strong forehands and backhands, and the ability to dictate points with powerful groundstrokes.
Padel, on the other hand, emphasizes strategy, teamwork (since padel is predominantly played in doubles), and clever use of the walls. Rallies in padel can be much longer than in tennis, requiring players to be patient and think tactically rather than relying solely on raw power.
7. Singles vs Doubles
While tennis is played in both singles and doubles formats at all levels, padel is overwhelmingly a doubles game. Singles padel does exist, but the sport is designed to be played in pairs, with doubles being the dominant format. This means teamwork and communication are crucial skills in padel, while tennis often places more emphasis on individual skill in singles play.
8. Accessibility
Tennis, due to its steeper learning curve, can be more challenging for beginners. It requires good footwork, strong technical skills, and endurance, which can make it difficult for newcomers to pick up.
Padel, on the other hand, is considered to be more accessible for beginners. The smaller court, slower ball, and forgiving serve make it easier to learn, and rallies tend to last longer, providing more opportunities for new players to engage with the game. Because it’s played in doubles, padel also has a social component that makes it particularly enjoyable for group play.
9. Popularity and Growth
While tennis has a long-established global following, especially with Grand Slam tournaments and legendary players like Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal, padel is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in Europe and Latin America. Padel is becoming a favorite among tennis players looking for a more social and accessible alternative, and it’s also drawing in a new audience entirely.
Conclusion
Both padel and tennis are fantastic racket sports, but they offer distinct experiences. Tennis is all about power, individual prowess, and fast-paced action, while padel emphasizes strategy, teamwork, and tactical play. The good news is, you don’t have to choose just one—both sports complement each other well, and mastering both can make you a more versatile and skilled athlete overall.
If you’re a tennis player curious about padel, or a newcomer to racket sports, give padel a try. You might find it to be a refreshing and engaging alternative!
