What’s the Difference Between These Two Racket Sports?

Tennis and padel (also spelled “paddle”) are both exciting racket sports that share a few similarities, but they differ quite a bit when it comes to gameplay, equipment, and court design. Whether you’re a beginner deciding which sport to try or just curious about the rise of padel courts across the UK and Europe, this guide breaks down the key differences between tennis and padel.

Court Size and Structure

• Tennis:
  Tennis is played on a large open court measuring 23.77m x 8.23m for singles. The surface can vary, grass, clay, or hard court, and the court is open, with no walls or enclosures.
• Padel Tennis:
  Padel is played on a smaller enclosed court, measuring 20m x 10m, and surrounded by glass and metal mesh walls. These walls are an essential part of the game, players can use them to rebound shots, adding a unique tactical element not found in tennis.

Racket Differences

• Tennis:
  Tennis rackets are larger and strung with synthetic or natural fibres, giving players more power and spin control.

• Padel Tennis:
  Padel rackets are solid and perforated, with no strings. They’re smaller and lighter than tennis rackets, making them easier to handle, especially for beginners.

The Ball

• Tennis:
  Standard tennis balls are pressurised and designed for higher bounce and speed.
• Padel Tennis:
  Padel balls look similar but have slightly less pressure, resulting in a lower bounce. This change complements the enclosed court and wall-play.

Scoring System

Interestingly, both sports use the same scoring system: 15, 30, 40, and game. However, padel tennis is almost always played in doubles format, while tennis allows for both singles and doubles matches.

Serving Rules

• Tennis:
  Tennis players serve overhand and directly into the service box without the ball bouncing first.
• Padel Tennis:
  In padel, the serve is underhand and must be struck after the ball has bounced on the ground. The serve is also hit at or below waist height, making it a less aggressive and more controlled start to the point.

Gameplay and Strategy

• Tennis:
  Tennis often focuses on power, precise serves, and long baseline rallies. Speed and stamina are critical, especially in singles matches.
• Padel Tennis:
  Padel is more about finesse, control, and clever use of angles, especially using the glass walls for rebounds. Points tend to last longer, and teamwork is essential due to the doubles format.

Number of Players

• Tennis:
  Offers singles and doubles options, depending on the match format.
• Padel Tennis:
  Primarily played in doubles. While singles courts do exist, they’re far less common.

Popularity

• Tennis:
  A globally recognised and established sport, with a long history and major tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open.
• Padel Tennis:
  One of the fastest-growing sports in the world, particularly popular in Spain, Latin America, and rapidly expanding across Europe and the UK.

Which Should You Try?

Both sports offer fantastic physical and social benefits. If you enjoy fast-paced rallies and individual competition, tennis might be your sport. But if you’re looking for something a bit more tactical, sociable, and accessible for beginners, padel tennis could be the perfect match.

Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a great workout and a lot of fun. If you are interested in having a padel court installed, contact us today!