Padel vs Pickleball: Which Racket Sport Should You Play?
By Gary · 23 min read · 5 March 2026
Padel vs Pickleball: Which Racket Sport Should You Play?
By Gary, founder of RacketRise. Covering padel and pickleball across the UK.
I earn a small commission from purchases through affiliate links in this article. This helps keep RacketRise free and costs you nothing extra.
Last Updated: March 2026
Quick Summary
- Padel has 400,000+ UK players on 1,000+ enclosed courts; pickleball has 55,000+ players across 449+ venues — both are growing fast
- Padel costs £7-£12 per person per session (court hire split four ways); pickleball costs £5-£10 and can be played on adapted badminton courts
- Padel is more physical (larger court, wall play, longer rallies); pickleball is easier to start (simpler rules, smaller court, lighter equipment)
- Find courts near you — use the RacketRise Court Finder to find padel and pickleball courts across the UK
You've heard of both. Your Instagram is full of padel reels. Your colleague keeps trying to get you to play pickleball at the leisure centre. But you've got time for one new sport — and you need to know which one is actually worth committing to.
Quick Answer: If you want a high-energy, social doubles game with longer rallies and unique wall play, choose padel. If you want something easier to pick up, cheaper to start, and playable at more locations right now, choose pickleball. Both sports are exploding in the UK — padel has 400,000+ players and purpose-built glass-walled courts, while pickleball has 55,000+ players and can be set up on any badminton or tennis court. Most people who try both end up playing both. The real answer is: try a session of each and see which clicks.
Table of Contents
- Quick Side-by-Side Comparison
- What Is Padel?
- What Is Pickleball?
- How Are the Courts Different?
- How Are the Rules Different?
- What Equipment Do You Need for Each?
- Which Sport Is Better for Fitness?
- How Much Does Each Sport Cost in the UK?
- Which Is Easier to Learn?
- UK Growth and Availability
- Which Sport Should You Choose?
- Sources & Further Reading
- Related Articles
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20m x 10m (enclosed with glass walls) | 13.4m x 6.1m (open court) |
| Players | Almost always doubles (4 players) | Singles or doubles |
| Equipment | Solid perforated racket, depressurised tennis ball | Solid paddle, lightweight plastic ball with holes |
| Serve | Underarm, must bounce first | Underarm, hit directly (no bounce) |
| Walls | In play — you can hit the ball off the glass | No walls — standard open court |
| Unique rule | Ball rebounds off walls keep rallies alive | "Kitchen" no-volley zone near the net |
| Scoring | Tennis scoring (15, 30, 40, game, sets) | First to 11 points, win by 2 |
| UK players | 400,000+ | 55,000+ |
| UK courts/venues | 1,000+ courts at 325 venues | 449+ registered venues |
| Cost per session | £7-£12 per person | £5-£10 per person |
| Starter equipment | £50-£100 (racket) | £30-£60 (paddle) |
| Physical intensity | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
| Ease of learning | Easy (but wall play takes time) | Very easy |
That table covers the basics. Now let's dig into the details that actually matter when you're deciding which to play.
What Is Padel?
Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and metal mesh. You hit a depressurised tennis ball with a solid, stringless racket — and the walls are part of the game. After the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the glass and you can still return it. This creates longer rallies, dramatic points, and a game that rewards strategy over raw power.
If you want the full breakdown, I've written a complete beginner's guide to padel that covers rules, equipment, costs, and where to play. The short version: padel blends tennis and squash, it's always doubles, serves are underarm, and it's the fastest-growing sport in the UK by participation numbers.
The LTA took governance of padel in 2019 when there were 68 courts. By mid-2025, that number hit 1,000 across 325 venues. The sport has over 400,000 active players and the LTA projects 1,300+ courts by end of 2026.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a smaller open court with a low net, a solid paddle, and a lightweight plastic ball with holes. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The court is roughly the size of a badminton court, and one of pickleball's defining features is the "kitchen" — a 2.1m no-volley zone either side of the net that prevents players from smashing at the net.
For everything you need to know, check out the complete UK pickleball beginner's guide. The key points: pickleball can be singles or doubles, serves are underarm, scoring goes to 11 (win by 2), and only the serving team can score. The sport has an estimated 55,000 active UK players across 449+ registered venues.
Pickleball was invented in the US in 1965 and has been the fastest-growing sport in America for several years running. The UK is now following that trajectory, with Pickleball England reporting 65% membership growth year-over-year and the English Open 2025 attracting over 2,300 players from 42 countries.
How Are the Courts Different?
This is the single biggest difference between the two sports — and it affects everything about how each game plays.
Padel Courts
A padel court measures 20m x 10m and is completely enclosed by glass walls (back and parts of the sides) and metal mesh fencing. The walls are in play — the ball can bounce off them during rallies, which is what makes padel unique. Courts are divided by a net (88cm at the centre) with service boxes similar to tennis.
Because padel courts require glass walls, steel frames, and specialist construction, they're expensive to build — roughly £60,000-£120,000 per court. This means padel can only be played at purpose-built venues. You can't set up a padel game in your local park or leisure centre without the infrastructure.
Pickleball Courts
A pickleball court measures 13.4m x 6.1m — about a third the size of a padel court and the same dimensions as a badminton court. The net sits at 86cm in the centre (slightly lower than padel). The court is open with no walls.
The key court feature is the kitchen (non-volley zone) — a 2.1m zone either side of the net where you're not allowed to volley. This prevents aggressive net play and forces longer, more strategic rallies.
Pickleball's massive advantage for growth is portability. You can set up a pickleball court on any flat surface — a badminton court, a tennis court (you can fit 2-4 pickleball courts on one tennis court), a school gym, or even a car park. This is why pickleball has spread so quickly — it doesn't need specialist construction.
| Court Feature | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20m x 10m | 13.4m x 6.1m |
| Surface area | 200 sq m | 81.7 sq m |
| Walls | Glass + metal mesh (in play) | None |
| Net height (centre) | 88cm | 86cm |
| Special zones | Service boxes | Kitchen (no-volley zone) |
| Build cost | £60,000-£120,000 per court | Minimal (lines + net on existing court) |
| Portability | Fixed venue only | Can use existing courts |
Want to try both? Find padel and pickleball courts near you with the RacketRise Court Finder.
How Are the Rules Different?
Both sports share some DNA — underarm serves, net play, and a focus on rallies over aces. But the details create very different games.
Serving
Padel: The server bounces the ball and hits it underarm at or below waist height. The serve goes diagonally into the opponent's service box. After bouncing, the ball can hit the glass wall — but if it hits the metal mesh fence on the full after the bounce, it's a fault. Two serves allowed, like tennis.
Pickleball: The server hits the ball underarm directly (no bounce required before hitting it, though a "drop serve" where you bounce it first is also legal). The serve goes diagonally to the opponent's court. One serve allowed — no second chances.
Scoring
Padel: Uses tennis scoring — 15, 30, 40, game. You play sets to 6 games with a tiebreak at 6-6. Matches are typically best of three sets. Many social and league games use the golden point rule at deuce to speed things up.
Pickleball: Games are played to 11 points, win by 2. Only the serving team can score. In doubles, both players on a team get to serve before the serve passes to the opponents (except at the start of the game where only one player serves first). The score is called as three numbers — server score, receiver score, serve number (for example, "5-3-2").
The Rules That Define Each Sport
Padel's defining rule — walls in play. After the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the back or side glass walls, and you can still play it. This creates an entirely different dynamic. Shots that would be winners in any other sport become retrievable. Rallies go longer. Defence turns into attack. This wall play is what makes padel addictive — and what takes the longest to learn.
Pickleball's defining rules — the kitchen and the double bounce. You can't volley inside the kitchen (the 2.1m zone either side of the net). And on each point, the return of serve must bounce, AND the server's team's third shot must also bounce — the double bounce rule. This prevents the serving team from rushing the net immediately and forces more patient, strategic play. It's pickleball's version of padel's walls — it keeps rallies going and stops one team from dominating with pure aggression.
Players and Format
Padel is almost exclusively doubles. You need four people every time. Singles padel exists on some modified courts but it's extremely rare in the UK.
Pickleball can be singles or doubles, though doubles is more popular. This flexibility is a genuine advantage — if your usual partner cancels, you can still play singles.
What Equipment Do You Need for Each?
Padel Equipment
Racket (£30-£350): A solid, stringless racket with a perforated surface, foam core (usually EVA), and a fibreglass or carbon fibre face. Shorter and thicker than a tennis racket. Comes in three shapes — round (control), teardrop (balanced), and diamond (power). Beginners should start with round or teardrop. For specific recommendations, see the best padel rackets for beginners.
Balls (£4-£8 per tube of 3): Similar to tennis balls but with lower internal pressure. Head and Wilson are the most common brands. Most venues provide balls.
Shoes (£40-£120): Non-marking court shoes with lateral support. Dedicated padel shoes exist from Asics, Head, and Adidas, but clean tennis shoes work fine.
Pickleball Equipment
Paddle (£20-£250): A solid paddle (no holes, unlike padel rackets) made from graphite, carbon fibre, or fibreglass. Rectangular shape with a shorter handle than a tennis racket. Lighter and smaller than a padel racket. Beginner paddles start around £30-£60.
Balls (£3-£8 per pack): Lightweight plastic balls with 26-40 holes. Indoor balls have fewer, larger holes; outdoor balls have more, smaller holes to resist wind. Very different feel from a padel or tennis ball — lighter, slower, and lower-bouncing.
Shoes (£30-£80): Any non-marking court shoe works. Most players use badminton shoes, indoor trainers, or tennis shoes. The lower physical intensity means specialist shoes are less critical than in padel.
| Equipment | Padel Cost | Pickleball Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Racket/Paddle | £50-£100 (beginner) | £30-£60 (beginner) |
| Balls | £4-£8 (3 pack) | £3-£8 (pack) |
| Shoes | £40-£120 | £30-£80 |
| Hire available? | Yes, £3-£5 per session | Often yes, check venue |
| Total to start (buying) | £90-£220 | £60-£150 |
| Total to start (hiring) | £10-£15 | £5-£10 |
Pickleball Tip: Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls are different. Check which your venue uses before buying a pack — indoor balls have fewer, larger holes and behave differently than outdoor balls.
Which Sport Is Better for Fitness?
Both sports give you a proper workout, but the intensity is different.
Padel Fitness Profile
A 60-minute padel session burns approximately 400-600 calories. The larger court means more ground to cover. Wall play creates longer rallies — some points can go on for 20+ shots, with constant changes of direction. You'll sprint forward for volleys, backpedal to the glass, and move laterally throughout.
Padel demands strong lateral movement, quick acceleration, and decent cardiovascular fitness. It's lower-impact than tennis (smaller court, less serve stress on the shoulder), but more physically demanding than pickleball. After an hour of competitive padel, you'll know you've exercised.
Pickleball Fitness Profile
A 60-minute pickleball session burns approximately 250-450 calories. The smaller court means less running. The lighter ball and paddle mean less impact on joints and shoulders. Points tend to be shorter, with more emphasis on quick reactions and hand-eye coordination than sustained running.
Pickleball is excellent exercise for older players or anyone coming back from injury. The physical demands are real but manageable — quick bursts of movement rather than sustained sprinting. Many players describe it as "the exercise you don't notice you're getting" because the game is so engaging.
| Fitness Factor | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per hour | 400-600 | 250-450 |
| Cardio intensity | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
| Impact on joints | Low-moderate | Very low |
| Primary movements | Lateral sprints, direction changes, wall recovery | Short bursts, net play, quick reflexes |
| Injury risk areas | Wrist, elbow (racket impact), knee (direction changes) | Shoulder (overhead shots), ankle (quick stops) |
| Suitable for 60+? | Yes, with moderate fitness | Yes, very accessible |
| Post-session feeling | Properly tired | Pleasantly exercised |
The honest take: I've played both sports regularly and here's what nobody tells you — the fitness gap between padel and pickleball is bigger than the stats suggest. After an hour of padel, I'm drenched and need a recovery day. After an hour of pickleball, I could play another hour. Neither is "better" — it depends on whether you want your sport to be your workout or your fun activity that happens to keep you moving. If you already go to the gym and want something social, pickleball fits perfectly alongside it. If you want your sport to replace your cardio sessions, padel delivers.
How Much Does Each Sport Cost in the UK?
Cost is a real factor in choosing a sport — especially when you're just trying it out.
Padel Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court hire (1 hour) | £28-£48 | Split 4 ways = £7-£12 per person |
| Off-peak court hire | £20-£32 | Weekday mornings, Sunday evenings |
| Racket hire | £3-£5 | Available at most venues |
| Group coaching | £10-£20 per person | 60-90 min group session |
| Your own racket | £50-£100 | Beginner range |
| First session cost | £7-£15 per person | Court + racket hire, split 4 ways |
Pickleball Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Session/court fee | £5-£10 | Many venues charge per person |
| "Pay and play" sessions | £5-£8 | Often includes equipment |
| Group coaching | £8-£15 per person | 60 min session |
| Your own paddle | £30-£60 | Beginner range |
| Your own balls | £3-£8 | Pack of 3-6 |
| First session cost | £5-£10 per person | Often includes equipment |
The Real Cost Over a Year
Assuming you play twice a week for a year:
| Annual Cost | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Court fees (104 sessions) | £730-£1,250 | £520-£1,040 |
| Equipment (year 1) | £90-£220 | £60-£150 |
| Total year 1 | £820-£1,470 | £580-£1,190 |
Pickleball is cheaper across the board. The equipment costs less, court fees are lower, and you don't need specialist venues. Padel isn't expensive compared to golf or gym memberships, but pickleball has the edge on pure affordability.
Pro Tip: Both sports offer free or discounted taster sessions at most venues. Don't buy any equipment until you've played at least 3-4 times and know you enjoy the sport. Hire everything for your first few sessions.
Which Is Easier to Learn?
Both sports are designed to be accessible, but there's a clear difference in the learning curve.
Pickleball Learning Curve
Very gentle. The smaller court, lighter equipment, and slower ball mean most complete beginners can rally within 5 minutes. The rules are straightforward — the kitchen and double bounce rule are easy to grasp after one explanation. You can play a competitive game on your first day.
The skill ceiling is still high. At advanced levels, pickleball rewards precise placement, spin control, and the "dink" game (soft shots just over the net). But the gap between "first time" and "having fun" is tiny.
Padel Learning Curve
Gentle for basics, steeper for wall play. The underarm serve and slower ball mean beginners can rally quickly — most people get consistent groundstrokes within their first 10 minutes. The basic game feels natural if you've played any racket sport before.
But the wall play takes time. Knowing when to let the ball hit the glass, judging rebounds, and using the walls offensively rather than just defensively — that takes most players 6+ months to become comfortable with. It's also what makes padel endlessly rewarding. Just when you think you've mastered it, you discover a new angle.
| Learning Factor | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Time to first rally | 5-10 minutes | 3-5 minutes |
| Time to play a full game | First session | First session |
| Time to feel "competent" | 2-3 months | 2-4 weeks |
| Hardest thing to learn | Wall play and positioning | Kitchen strategy and third-shot drops |
| Tennis experience helpful? | Very helpful | Somewhat helpful |
| No racket sport experience? | Still accessible | Very accessible |
UK Growth and Availability
Both sports are booming in the UK, but they're at different stages and have different growth patterns.
Padel in the UK
Padel's UK growth has been extraordinary. The LTA reports participation tripling from 129,000 in 2023 to over 400,000 in 2024. Courts have gone from 68 in 2019 to over 1,000 by mid-2025, with 1,300+ projected by end of 2026. Major operators like Game4Padel, The Padel Club, and Pure Padel are building multi-court venues. Powerleague is investing £14 million to build 76 padel courts across 17 locations.
The biggest challenge? Court availability. Because padel needs purpose-built courts, supply hasn't kept up with demand. Peak-time courts in major cities sell out a week in advance. The LTA has invested £6 million+ into padel development, but there's still a gap between how many people want to play and how many courts exist.
Where you can play: Mainly larger cities and towns. London has the most courts (300+), followed by the South East and South West. Coverage is expanding to Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Rural areas and smaller towns have limited options.
Pickleball in the UK
Pickleball's UK growth is following the pattern that made it huge in America. Pickleball England estimates 55,000 active players, with membership growing 65% year-over-year. There are 449+ registered venues, up 58% from the previous year. The English Open 2025 attracted over 2,300 players from 42 countries.
Pickleball's growth advantage is infrastructure flexibility. Because you can play on any badminton court, tennis court, or flat indoor space, the sport has spread rapidly through leisure centres, community halls, and sports clubs. You don't need a developer to invest £100,000 per court — you need tape, a portable net, and a willing venue.
Where you can play: More widely distributed than padel. Leisure centres, sports clubs, community halls, church halls, and school gyms across the UK. Coverage is better in smaller towns and rural areas because existing facilities can be adapted.
| UK Metric | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Active players | 400,000+ | 55,000+ |
| Courts/venues | 1,000+ courts at 325 venues | 449+ registered venues |
| Year-on-year growth | 125% (Playtomic users 2025) | 65% (membership 2024) |
| Governing body | LTA | Pickleball England |
| Investment | £6M+ from LTA | Grassroots-led growth |
| Court availability | Limited — book ahead | Generally available |
| Geographic spread | Major cities primarily | Wider distribution |
Looking for a court? Find pickleball and padel courts across the UK with the RacketRise Court Finder.
Which Sport Should You Choose?
After covering all the differences, here's the real decision framework.
Choose Padel If You...
- Want a more physically demanding sport that doubles as a workout
- Enjoy tactical, strategic gameplay with longer rallies
- Have 3 friends who also want to play (you always need 4)
- Live near a venue with padel courts (and availability)
- Have played tennis or squash and want something that builds on those skills
- Like the idea of wall play and the unique angles it creates
- Don't mind spending £7-£12 per session
Choose Pickleball If You...
- Want something very easy to pick up from day one
- Prefer a lower-impact sport that's gentle on joints
- Want the flexibility to play singles or doubles
- Live somewhere without padel courts nearby
- Want the cheapest entry point into a racket sport
- Are looking for a social activity first and exercise second
- Want to play more often (easier to find courts and times)
Or Just Play Both
Here's what I've found covering both sports: most people who try both end up playing both. They scratch different itches. Padel for the days you want intensity, competition, and that "I've earned this beer" feeling. Pickleball for the days you want to drop in, have fun, and play 6 games without destroying your body.
The sports are complementary, not competitive. The skills transfer between them — hand-eye coordination, net play, tactical awareness. And RacketRise covers both specifically because the UK racket sport boom isn't about picking sides. It's about more people playing more sports more often.
Free Download: The Complete Beginner's Kit
Everything you need for your first padel and pickleball sessions — rules cheat sheets, equipment guides, court etiquette, and money-saving booking tips. One PDF, both sports.
Sources & Further Reading
- LTA Padel — Over 400,000 players — Official padel participation statistics for Great Britain
- LTA Padel — 1,000 courts milestone — UK padel court growth from 68 in 2019 to 1,000+ in 2025
- LTA — Padel vs Pickleball — Official comparison of the two sports
- Pickleball England — 55,000 players — UK pickleball participation estimates for 2025
- The Dink — UK pickleball growth — 40,000+ players in England, 65% membership growth
Related Articles
- What Is Padel? The Complete UK Beginner's Guide
- What Is Pickleball? UK Beginner's Guide
- Best Padel Rackets for Beginners UK
- Best Pickleball Paddles UK
- Padel Rules Explained: Complete UK Guide
- How Much Does Padel Cost in the UK?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is padel or pickleball easier to learn?
Pickleball is easier to pick up from scratch. The smaller court, lighter equipment, and simpler rules mean complete beginners can play competitive games within their first session. Padel basics come quickly too, but the wall play — which makes the sport unique — takes most players several months to feel comfortable with.
Is padel or pickleball more popular in the UK?
Padel currently has more players — over 400,000 compared to pickleball's estimated 55,000. However, pickleball has more registered venues (449+ vs padel's 325) because it can use existing badminton and tennis courts. Both are growing rapidly, with padel participation up 125% and pickleball membership up 65% year-over-year.
Which sport burns more calories — padel or pickleball?
Padel burns more calories per hour — approximately 400-600 compared to pickleball's 250-450. The larger court, heavier ball, and longer rallies in padel create a more intense cardiovascular workout. Pickleball is lower-impact but still provides genuine exercise, especially during fast-paced doubles games.
Can I use a padel racket for pickleball?
No. Padel rackets and pickleball paddles are different equipment. Padel rackets are thicker, heavier, and have holes in the face. Pickleball paddles are thinner, lighter, and have a solid hitting surface. The balls are completely different too — a depressurised tennis ball for padel versus a lightweight plastic ball with holes for pickleball.
Is padel or pickleball cheaper to play?
Pickleball is cheaper overall. Equipment costs less (£30-£60 for a starter paddle vs £50-£100 for a padel racket), session fees are lower (£5-£10 vs £7-£12), and you don't need specialist venues. Over a year of playing twice weekly, pickleball costs roughly £200-£300 less than padel.
Can you play padel indoors in the UK?
Yes, and indoor padel is the most popular format in the UK due to weather. Most padel venues have indoor courts — the glass walls and enclosed structure make indoor play straightforward. Some venues have outdoor courts too, which are usually cheaper but weather-dependent. Check venue details on the RacketRise Court Finder.
Do I need special shoes for padel or pickleball?
For padel, non-marking court shoes are required at almost every UK venue. Dedicated padel shoes from Asics or Head offer better lateral support, but clean tennis shoes work fine. For pickleball, any non-marking indoor shoe works — badminton shoes, indoor trainers, or tennis shoes. Neither sport requires specialist footwear to start.
Should I try both sports?
Yes. They complement each other well. Padel is more physical and tactical, while pickleball is more accessible and social. Many UK players enjoy both sports — padel for their competitive fix and pickleball for relaxed social play. Most venues that offer one sport are increasingly offering the other too.
Free Download: The Complete Beginner's Kit
Rules, equipment checklists, and court etiquette for both padel and pickleball — everything you need before your first session of either sport.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Equipment recommendations are based on research and testing — individual preferences may vary. Always consult venue staff about court-specific requirements. Prices and availability are subject to change.