Padel vs Tennis — What's the Difference?
Compare padel and tennis side by side: court size, equipment, rules, scoring, and which sport is right for you.
Padel vs Tennis: A Complete Comparison
Padel and tennis are both racket sports, but they play very differently. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the key differences.
Court Size
Padel: 20m × 10m (about 1/3 the size of a tennis court), enclosed with glass and mesh walls.
Tennis: 23.77m × 10.97m (doubles), open with no walls.
Equipment
Padel: Solid racket with no strings, perforated face. Shorter handle. Wrist strap required.
Tennis: Strung racket with longer handle. No wrist strap needed.
Serving
Padel: Underhand serve below waist height. Ball must bounce once before being hit.
Tennis: Overhead serve. No bounce required.
Walls in Play
Padel: Glass and mesh walls are in play. The ball can bounce off walls after hitting the ground on your side.
Tennis: No walls. Ball is out if it goes beyond the court lines.
Which Should You Play?
If you want a social, easy-to-learn sport with less running, try padel. If you prefer a more athletic, individual sport with powerful serves, tennis might be your game. Many players enjoy both!