Padel vs Squash: Which Racket Sport Should You Play?

By Gary, founder of RacketRise. Playing padel in the UK and tracking the sport's explosive growth.

Last Updated: March 2026

Quick Summary

• Padel is played on a 20m x 10m enclosed glass court with a solid racket and depressurised ball; squash is played on a 9.75m x 6.4m fully walled court with a strung racket and small rubber ball
• Padel is always doubles (4 players) and uses tennis-style scoring; squash is mostly singles (2 players) and uses rally-point scoring to 11
• Squash is more cardio intensive — it burns 600-900 calories per hour compared to padel's 400-600 — but padel is easier to pick up and more social
• Find courts near you — use the RacketRise Court Finder to find padel courts across the UK

Padel and squash are the two major racket sports played inside enclosed courts. Both use walls as part of the game, both reward tactical intelligence, and both deliver a serious workout. But despite those surface similarities, they play very differently — and the experience on court is worlds apart.

Quick Answer: If you want a social, doubles-focused sport that's easy to pick up, accessible to all fitness levels, and growing rapidly across the UK, choose padel. If you want an intense singles workout, love fast-paced rallies in a compact space, and want access to thousands of existing courts, choose squash. Padel rewards teamwork, placement, and patience. Squash rewards speed, endurance, and explosive movement. Both use walls — but in fundamentally different ways.

Table of Contents

• Quick Side-by-Side Comparison
• How Are the Courts Different?
• How Is the Equipment Different?
• How Is the Scoring Different?
• Physical Demands Compared
• The Social Element
• Wall Use: Same Concept, Different Execution
• Injury Risk Compared
• How Much Does Each Sport Cost in the UK?
• Accessibility for Beginners
• UK Growth Trends
• Which Should You Choose?
• Related Articles
• Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Side-by-Side Comparison

That table shows the headline differences. Now let's break down what actually matters when you're choosing between these two enclosed-court sports.

How Are the Courts Different?

Both padel and squash are played inside enclosed courts — but the enclosures are fundamentally different in design, size, and how they shape the game.

Padel Courts

A padel court measures 20m x 10m and is enclosed by glass walls at the back and parts of the sides, with metal mesh fencing above. The total height is around 4 metres. You play across a net that sits at 88cm in the centre, with your opponent on the other side — just like tennis. The walls are in play after the ball bounces on your side of the court.

Padel courts require specialist construction — glass panels, steel frames, artificial grass surface — costing £60,000-£120,000 per court. You can only play at purpose-built venues.

Squash Courts

A squash court measures 9.75m x 6.4m and is fully enclosed by four solid walls. There is no net. Both players share the same court space, hitting the ball against the front wall. The ball can hit any combination of walls as long as it reaches the front wall before bouncing twice. The court surface is hardwood or specialist flooring.

Squash courts are smaller but also require specialist construction. They use plaster or glass-backed walls and cost £40,000-£80,000 per court. The UK has around 5,000 squash courts — far more than padel — mostly at leisure centres, private clubs, and universities.

The court difference defines the experience. Padel feels open and bright — you can see out through the glass, spectators can watch, and the atmosphere is social. Squash feels intense and enclosed — two players sharing a compact space, inches from each other, with nowhere to hide.

How Is the Equipment Different?

Rackets

Padel rackets are solid with no strings. They have a foam core (EVA or FOAM), a fibreglass or carbon fibre face, and perforations across the hitting surface. They measure around 45-46cm long and weigh 350-385g. The solid face and shorter length make it easier to connect with the ball. For recommendations, see the best padel rackets for beginners.

Squash rackets have a strung frame, similar to a tennis racket but lighter and more manoeuvrable. They weigh 110-170g and measure up to 68.6cm. The open throat and smaller head are designed for the wrist-snap shots that squash demands. Squash rackets are significantly lighter than padel rackets, which allows for faster swing speeds in the confined space.

Balls

Padel balls look like slightly deflated tennis balls. They have lower internal pressure, which makes them bounce lower and travel more slowly. This gives players more time to react.

Squash balls are small rubber balls (around 4cm in diameter) that come in different "dots" for different levels. A yellow dot (double yellow for professional play) barely bounces until it warms up. A red or blue dot bounces more and is better for beginners. Squash balls need to be warmed up through play before they bounce properly — a unique characteristic that beginners find frustrating.

How Is the Scoring Different?

Padel uses tennis scoring: 15, 30, 40, game. You play games within sets (first to 6 games, tiebreak at 6-6), and matches are best of three sets. Many social and league games use the golden point at deuce — one point decides the game. A typical padel match lasts 60-90 minutes.

Squash uses rally-point scoring to 11. Every rally wins a point, regardless of who served. You must win by 2. Matches are best of five games. A typical squash match lasts 30-60 minutes, though at professional level it can go longer.

Squash scoring is simpler and more intuitive. If you've never played a racket sport, squash's "first to 11" is easier to follow than padel's tennis-derived system. But padel's scoring adds drama — deuce points, golden points, and tiebreaks create tension that squash's running score doesn't quite match.

Physical Demands Compared

This is where the two sports differ most dramatically. Both are excellent exercise, but squash is one of the most physically demanding racket sports in the world.

Padel: Moderate Intensity, Sustained Activity

A 60-minute padel session burns approximately 400-600 calories. The court is large (200 sq m), but you share it with a partner. Movement is lateral, with bursts of forward sprinting to the net and backpedalling to the glass. Rallies are longer than most racket sports thanks to the walls, which creates sustained moderate-intensity activity.

The underarm serve puts virtually no stress on the shoulder. The lower-pressure ball and solid racket are gentler on the wrist and elbow than strung rackets. Padel is a sport you can play three or four times a week without breaking down.

Squash: High Intensity, Explosive Demands

A 60-minute squash session burns approximately 600-900 calories. Forbes has previously ranked squash as the healthiest sport in the world, and it's easy to see why. The compact court (62.4 sq m) means constant movement — lunges, sprints, rapid direction changes, and explosive shots from deep positions. Both players share the same space, so you're constantly adjusting position to avoid your opponent while tracking the ball.

Squash demands cardiovascular endurance, explosive power, and exceptional agility. The overhead serve and powerful drives stress the shoulder, wrist, and elbow. The constant lunging stresses the knees and ankles. Squash is a brilliant workout — but it's demanding on the body, especially for players over 40.

The Social Element

This is one of the biggest practical differences between padel and squash.

Padel is always doubles. You need four players every time. You communicate constantly with your partner, celebrate points together, and share the experience. The glass court lets spectators watch. The atmosphere is closer to a social event than a solo workout. Over 90,000 open matches per month were played through Playtomic in the UK by the end of 2025 — strangers finding games together.

Squash is mostly singles. It's you against one opponent in a confined box. It's intense, competitive, and personal — but it's not inherently social in the way padel is. Squash doubles exists and is popular at some clubs, but the majority of squash played in the UK is singles. Squash clubs build community through leagues, ladder systems, and social nights, but the on-court experience is a one-on-one battle.

If your primary motivation is meeting people and having fun, padel has the edge. If you want a focused, individual competitive challenge, squash delivers that in spades.

Wall Use: Same Concept, Different Execution

Both sports use walls — but the way they're used is fundamentally different.

Padel Wall Play

In padel, the walls come into play after the ball bounces on your side. The ball hits the back or side glass, rebounds, and you can still return it. This is defensive wall play — the walls give you a second chance. Advanced players also use the walls offensively, angling shots so the rebound creates difficult returns. The glass walls are transparent, so you can see the ball approaching.

Squash Wall Play

In squash, all four walls are in play at all times. The front wall is the target — every shot must reach it. But players use the side walls and back wall to create angles, wrong-foot opponents, and control the pace of the rally. Squash wall play is more varied and central to every single shot. You're constantly reading angles, judging distances off multiple walls, and using the geometry of the court to move your opponent around.

The difference: padel's walls extend rallies and create opportunities. Squash's walls are the entire tactical foundation of the sport. If you love the idea of using geometry and angles to outmanoeuvre an opponent, squash takes wall play to another level. If you want walls that keep the ball in play and make the game more forgiving, padel is the better fit.

Injury Risk Compared

Padel carries lower injury risk overall. The underarm serve removes shoulder stress. The solid racket and lower-pressure ball reduce wrist and elbow strain. The main injury risks are knee and ankle injuries from lateral direction changes, and occasional wrist strain from off-centre hits. Padel is considered a low-impact sport suitable for all ages.

Squash carries higher injury risk due to its intensity. The overhead serve and powerful drives stress the shoulder and elbow. Constant lunging stresses the knees, Achilles tendon, and lower back. The shared court space creates a risk of being hit by an opponent's racket or the ball — eye injuries are a genuine concern (protective eyewear is recommended). Squash demands a good warm-up and carries a higher risk of muscle strains and joint injuries, particularly for older players.

How Much Does Each Sport Cost in the UK?

Squash is marginally cheaper per session because court hire is lower and you split the cost between two rather than four. However, squash clubs often require membership, which adds an annual cost. Padel tends to operate on a pay-and-play model, which suits casual players who don't want to commit to a membership.

Accessibility for Beginners

Padel is easier to pick up. The underarm serve is simple. The lower-pressure ball moves slowly enough for beginners to track. The walls keep rallies alive, so you spend more time hitting and less time fetching balls. Most beginners can rally within 5-10 minutes. The doubles format means a stronger partner can cover for a weaker one, making mixed-ability games viable.

Squash is harder for beginners. The ball (especially at intermediate level and above) barely bounces until warmed up, which is frustrating for newcomers. The overhead serve requires practice. The shared court space means beginners need to learn movement etiquette quickly to avoid collisions. The compact space and fast pace can feel overwhelming. Most beginners need several sessions before rallies start to flow.

That said, squash has a well-established coaching infrastructure in the UK. Most squash clubs and leisure centres offer beginner programmes, and the sport has decades of coaching expertise. If you're willing to invest a few sessions in learning properly, squash rewards that investment with a deeply satisfying game.

UK Growth Trends

Padel is the UK's fastest-growing racket sport. Participation tripled from 129,000 in 2023 to over 400,000 in 2024. Courts have grown from 68 in 2019 to over 1,000 by mid-2025. The LTA projects 1,300+ courts by end of 2026. Investment from operators like Game4Padel, The Padel Club, and Powerleague continues to accelerate.

Squash has a different trajectory. The sport peaked in the 1980s with over 2 million UK players. Participation has declined steadily since then, though it remains a significant sport with around 500,000 active players and approximately 5,000 courts. England Squash has worked to revitalise the sport with programmes targeting younger players and casual participants, but squash hasn't seen the explosive growth that padel and pickleball have experienced.

The irony is that squash players often take to padel quickly — the wall awareness, tactical thinking, and court craft transfer well. Some squash clubs have responded to declining membership by converting courts or adding padel facilities alongside existing squash courts.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Padel If You...

• Want a social, team-oriented sport (always doubles)
• Prefer something easy to pick up from day one
• Want a lower-impact workout you can do multiple times a week
• Have 3 friends who want to play regularly
• Are attracted to the wall play and glass-court atmosphere
• Want to be part of a fast-growing UK sport community

Choose Squash If You...

• Want an intense, individual fitness challenge
• Enjoy fast-paced, explosive gameplay
• Prefer singles competition (just need one other person)
• Want access to 5,000+ courts across the UK
• Love using angles and geometry to outmanoeuvre an opponent
• Are looking for maximum calorie burn per session

The Decision Comes Down to What You Want From Your Sport

If your sport is your primary workout and you thrive on individual competition, squash is hard to beat. If your sport is your social life and you want something accessible that you can play for decades, padel is the better choice. Many players — especially those who played squash in their 20s and 30s — find padel the natural next step as they want something slightly less punishing on the body but still tactically engaging.

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Related Articles

• What Is Padel? The Complete UK Beginner's Guide
• Padel vs Tennis: Which Racket Sport Should You Play?
• Padel vs Pickleball: Which Should You Play?
• Is Padel Good Exercise?
• How Much Does Padel Cost in the UK?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is padel easier than squash?

Yes, padel is easier to pick up. The underarm serve, slower ball, and wall rebounds that keep rallies alive all contribute to a gentler learning curve. Most padel beginners can rally within 5-10 minutes. Squash requires more time to develop the serve, movement patterns, and the ability to read the ball off multiple walls. However, both sports have deep skill ceilings at advanced level.

Is squash or padel a better workout?

Squash is more physically demanding. It burns 600-900 calories per hour compared to padel's 400-600. The compact shared court, explosive lunging, and fast pace make squash one of the most intense racket sports in the world. Padel provides a solid workout but is lower-impact and more sustainable for frequent play. Choose squash for maximum fitness, padel for a workout you can do three or four times a week.

Can squash players play padel?

Absolutely. Squash players often transition to padel very well. The wall awareness, tactical thinking, and ability to read rebound angles transfer directly. The main adjustments are learning the underarm serve, adapting to a doubles format, and reducing power in favour of placement. Many former squash players have become enthusiastic padel converts.

Which sport is cheaper to play in the UK?

Both are affordable. Squash court hire works out to around £4-£8 per person; padel is £7-£12 per person. Squash clubs often require membership (£100-£400/year), while padel typically operates on pay-and-play. Equipment costs are similar. For pure per-session cost, squash edges it. For annual cost without membership commitment, padel can be comparable.

Are padel and squash courts similar?

Both are enclosed, but they're very different. Padel courts are larger (200 sq m vs 62.4 sq m), have glass walls and a net dividing two sides, and are played as doubles across the net. Squash courts are smaller, fully enclosed with solid walls, have no net, and both players share the same space hitting against a front wall. The only real similarity is that walls are in play in both sports.

Why are squash players switching to padel?

Several reasons: padel is lower-impact (easier on ageing joints), inherently social (doubles format), and growing rapidly with new venues and communities. Former squash players find their wall-reading skills give them an advantage, and the tactical element of padel satisfies the same strategic itch. It's not that squash is worse — it's that padel offers a different, more social experience that appeals to players looking for something sustainable long-term.

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.