Padel vs Tennis – What is The Main Difference?

Padel and tennis are both racket sports, but they have key differences that set them apart. While tennis is played on a larger court with a different set of rules, padel offers a more social and accessible experience due to its smaller playing area and enclosed walls.

Key Takeaways:

Court Size & Design: Padel courts are smaller and enclosed, allowing for wall rebounds, whereas tennis courts are larger and open.

Scoring System: Both sports use the same scoring system (15, 30, 40, deuce), but padel serves are underhand.

Equipment: Padel rackets are solid with perforations, whereas tennis rackets have strings.

Gameplay Style: Padel emphasizes strategy and control, while tennis relies more on power and precision.

Accessibility: Padel is generally easier for beginners due to its slower pace and smaller court.

Court & Playing Area

Court Size & Layout

Padel courts measure 10m x 20m and are enclosed by glass and metal mesh walls. These walls are an integral part of the game, as the ball can rebound off them, adding a tactical element. Tennis courts, by contrast, are significantly larger at 23.77m x 8.23m for singles and 23.77m x 10.97m for doubles, with no walls to influence gameplay.

Net Height & Playing Surface

The net in padel is lower than in tennis, making volleys and quick exchanges more common. Additionally, padel courts often use artificial grass with a layer of sand for grip, whereas tennis courts vary between hard, clay, and grass surfaces, each affecting ball bounce and movement.

Feature	Padel	Tennis
Court Size	10m x 20m	23.77m x 8.23m (singles)
Walls	Yes, part of gameplay	No walls
Net Height	Lower than tennis	Higher than padel
Surface	Artificial turf with sand	Hard, clay, or grass

Equipment Differences

Rackets & Balls

Padel rackets are solid, perforated, and typically made of carbon fiber or fiberglass. They are shorter and lighter than tennis rackets, allowing for easier control and maneuverability. Tennis rackets have strings and require greater technique to control ball spin and power.

Padel balls resemble tennis balls but have lower internal pressure, resulting in a softer bounce that is better suited for the smaller, enclosed playing area.

Feature	Padel	Tennis
Racket Type	Solid with holes	Strung racket
Ball	Slightly smaller, less pressure	Standard tennis ball
Serve	Underhand	Overhand allowed

Serving & Shot Techniques

In padel, serves must be hit underhand after bouncing the ball on the ground. Tennis allows for both overhand and underhand serves, with overhand being the dominant style due to the power advantage.

Playing Style & Strategy

Shot Placement & Game Tactics

Padel emphasizes strategy, teamwork, and control over raw power. The presence of walls changes the game dynamic, as players can use them to execute defensive lobs and tricky angles. Tennis relies more on speed, power, and spin, with a focus on baseline rallies and net play.

Speed & Physical Intensity

Tennis is more physically demanding due to the court size and the need for explosive movements. Padel, while requiring agility and quick reflexes, involves shorter distances and is less physically draining, making it accessible to a broader range of players.

Aspect	Padel	Tennis
Playing Style	Control, teamwork, strategy	Power, spin, endurance
Court Coverage	Shorter distances	Large area with more movement
Use of Walls	Integral part of play	Not applicable

Which Sport Should You Choose?

If you enjoy fast-paced rallies, strategic gameplay, and a social, accessible sport, padel is a fantastic choice. If you prefer an intense, endurance-driven game with a focus on power and technical skill, tennis may be better suited for you.

FAQ

1. Is padel easier than tennis?

Yes, padel is generally easier for beginners due to the smaller court, slower gameplay, and underhand serves.

2. Can you use a tennis ball for padel?

Not exactly. Padel balls are similar to tennis balls but have slightly lower pressure, making them better suited for the enclosed court and rebounds.

3. Why is padel mostly played in doubles?

Padel courts are designed for four players, and the enclosed space makes doubles play more strategic and engaging.

4. Which sport is more physically demanding?

Tennis is more physically demanding due to the larger court size and high-speed movement required.

5. Can you play padel with a tennis racket?

No, padel rackets are specifically designed for the sport. Tennis rackets are too large and not suited for the walls and enclosed gameplay of padel.

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Both padel and tennis have their unique appeal. Whether you enjoy the speed and endurance of tennis or the strategic and social nature of padel, both sports offer exciting gameplay for all skill levels.