Padel vs. Pickleball: Understanding the Differences and Growth Trends in the US
In recent years, both padel and pickleball have exploded in popularity across the United States, quickly becoming two of the most talked-about sports in the country. While each sport is unique in its own right, the rapid rise of both has sparked debates and comparisons among players and sports enthusiasts alike. Despite their similarities—both played on smaller courts with similar equipment—padel and pickleball offer distinct experiences, appeal to different audiences, and are growing at their own pace.
In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between padel and pickleball, explore why they’re both gaining so much traction in the US, and examine how these two sports are shaping the future of recreational sports in the country.
Padel vs. Pickleball: A Quick Overview
Before diving deeper into their growth trends and popularity, let’s take a moment to define what sets these two sports apart at a fundamental level.
1. Court Size and Design
One of the most obvious differences between padel and pickleball is the court layout.
Padel: A padel court is approximately 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, surrounded by walls made of glass or solid material. These walls play a crucial role in the game, as players are allowed to hit the ball off them (similar to squash). Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts but larger than pickleball courts.
Pickleball: A pickleball court, on the other hand, is smaller at 13.4 meters long and 6.1 meters wide, about the size of a badminton court. There are no walls in pickleball, and the court is marked with non-volley zones, known as "the kitchen," near the net, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.
2. Equipment: Rackets and Balls
The equipment used in both sports also differs significantly.
Padel: Players use padel rackets, which are solid, perforated paddles made of composite materials like carbon fiber. These rackets have no strings and are designed for greater control over the ball, which is similar in size to a tennis ball but with less pressure.
Pickleball: Pickleball uses paddles made from composite or graphite materials, typically larger than table tennis paddles but smaller than padel rackets. The ball used in pickleball is a plastic, perforated ball similar to a wiffle ball, which makes it less bouncy and slower than a padel ball.
3. Gameplay and Scoring
The gameplay and scoring in padel and pickleball are also quite distinct.
Padel: Padel is always played in doubles, with four players on the court. The ball can bounce off the surrounding walls, which keeps rallies going longer and adds a strategic layer to the game. Scoring in padel is similar to tennis, with games, sets, and matches typically played in a best-of-three format.
Pickleball: Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles. It’s a faster-paced game with shorter rallies compared to padel. The non-volley zone (the "kitchen") near the net prevents players from smashing the ball too close to the net, which encourages strategic placement of shots. Games are played to 11 points, with the requirement that the winning team must lead by two points.
Growth Trends: Padel vs. Pickleball in the US
Both padel and pickleball have experienced rapid growth in the US over the past few years. However, their growth trajectories and the factors driving their popularity differ in several key ways.
1. The Rise of Pickleball: America’s Fastest Growing Sport
Pickleball has been dubbed the fastest-growing sport in America for several years in a row, with millions of players picking up paddles and joining the action. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball participation increased by nearly 40% in 2022 alone, and the trend has continued into 2024. The game’s simplicity, affordability, and ease of play have made it a favorite among a wide demographic of players, especially retirees and older adults.
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
Low Barrier to Entry: Pickleball is incredibly easy to learn, making it an attractive option for people of all ages and skill levels. Beginners can pick up the game quickly, with minimal equipment and very little training required.
Affordability: Compared to sports like tennis or golf, pickleball is far more affordable. The cost of equipment is lower, and many communities have pickleball courts available for free or for minimal rental fees.
A Social and Inclusive Sport: Pickleball is particularly popular among older adults and retirees because it is social, low-impact, and easy on the joints. Many retirement communities and parks are building pickleball courts as a way to engage older residents in physical activity.
Widespread Access: With more than 10,000 pickleball courts across the US (and counting), it’s easy for players to find a place to play. Many tennis courts are being converted into pickleball courts to meet the growing demand.
2. Padel’s Rise: A Global Sport Finds Its Footing in the US
While pickleball may be the most rapidly growing sport in the US, padel’s rise is not far behind. Globally, padel is already one of the most popular sports, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Over the past few years, padel has made significant inroads into the US, with major cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York leading the charge.
Why Is Padel Growing in the US?
International Influence: Padel’s popularity in the US is closely tied to its dominance in Spain and Latin America. As more international players and expats move to the US, they’ve brought their love of padel with them, helping to introduce the sport to new audiences.
High-End Clubs and Facilities: Many of the new padel courts being built in the US are part of high-end, private clubs. Cities like Miami and Los Angeles are home to exclusive padel clubs that cater to wealthy, fitness-focused individuals who are looking for a fun alternative to tennis or squash.
Celebrity Endorsement: As we discussed in a previous blog, the involvement of celebrities like David Beckham, LeBron James, and Eva Longoria has helped padel gain significant attention in the US. Their participation has sparked interest and driven media coverage, making the sport more appealing to a wider audience.
Strategic Gameplay: Padel’s mix of tennis and squash elements, combined with its strategic use of walls, makes it a dynamic and exciting game. It’s slower and less physically demanding than tennis, making it accessible to a wide range of ages, but it offers more complexity than pickleball, keeping players engaged.
Fun Fact: As of 2024, there are more than 200 padel courts in the US, a significant jump from just a few years ago. The number of courts is expected to continue growing as more cities and private clubs invest in padel infrastructure.
Demographics: Who’s Playing Padel and Pickleball?
While both padel and pickleball are growing in popularity, they tend to attract different audiences.
1. Pickleball’s Appeal to Older Adults and Retirees
Pickleball has become a go-to sport for older adults and retirees, largely due to its low-impact nature and social environment. According to the USA Pickleball Association, over 60% of pickleball players in the US are aged 55 and older. Retirement communities across the country are building pickleball courts, and many seniors appreciate the game for its simplicity and the ability to stay active without straining their bodies.
However, pickleball isn’t just for retirees. The sport has also found a following among younger players, particularly those who enjoy recreational sports but don’t want the intensity of tennis or other high-impact activities. Pickleball’s ability to appeal to both older and younger generations has been a key factor in its widespread growth.
2. Padel’s Younger, International Demographic
In contrast, padel tends to attract a younger, more international demographic. While retirees are certainly taking up padel, the sport is particularly popular among players in their 20s to 40s, many of whom come from international backgrounds or have been introduced to the sport through travel.
Padel’s appeal to younger players is linked to its dynamic gameplay, which involves quick reflexes, strategic use of walls, and fast-paced rallies. It also requires less physical exertion than tennis, making it a more sustainable sport for older players while still offering a level of challenge that keeps younger players engaged.
Which Sport Will Dominate the Future of US Recreational Sports?
Both padel and pickleball are on the rise in the US, but they appeal to slightly different audiences and offer distinct experiences. So, which sport will dominate the future of recreational sports in the country?
1. Pickleball’s Continued Mainstream Growth
Pickleball’s accessibility, affordability, and widespread appeal make it likely to continue its rapid growth across the US. With more courts being built every year and a growing player base, pickleball seems well-positioned to maintain its status as America’s fastest-growing sport for the foreseeable future.
2. Padel’s Niche But High-Profile Expansion
While pickleball may dominate in terms of sheer numbers, padel is carving out its own niche, particularly in high-end markets and among younger, fitness-focused players. The sport’s international appeal, combined with celebrity endorsement and the construction of more padel courts, suggests that padel will continue to grow steadily in the US, even if it doesn’t reach the same mainstream saturation as pickleball.
The future of US recreational sports may not be a competition between padel and pickleball, but rather a coexistence. Both sports offer unique benefits and experiences, and players can enjoy the best of both worlds depending on their preferences and skill levels.
Conclusion: Padel and Pickleball—A Tale of Two Sports
Padel and pickleball, while often compared, are distinct sports that appeal to different players for different reasons. Pickleball’s rapid growth among older adults and casual players makes it a dominant force in the US recreational sports scene, while padel’s strategic gameplay and international appeal are helping it gain traction in a more niche but growing market.
Whether you prefer the fast-paced rallies of pickleball or the dynamic strategy of padel, one thing is certain: both sports are here to stay. As courts continue to pop up across the country and more players discover the joys of each game, padel and pickleball will both play a significant role in shaping the future of recreational sports in the US.