Credit - Business Insider
Court Size and Surface: Padel is typically played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, with glass walls and an artificial grass surface. In contrast, pickleball is played on a smaller court with a hard surface, similar to a badminton court.
Racquet and Ball: Padel players use solid racquets and play with a depressurized tennis ball, whereas pickleball players use solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball.
Scoring System: Padel follows a scoring system similar to tennis, with sets and games, while pickleball uses a simplified scoring system with points awarded only when the serving team wins a rally.
Accessibility and Popularity: Padel originated in Mexico and is popular in Spain and Latin America, with growing interest in Europe and the United States. Pickleball, on the other hand, was invented in the United States and has gained popularity worldwide, particularly among older adults.
Demographic Appeal: While both sports are enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, pickleball is often perceived as more accessible and has a larger following among recreational players, including retirees. Padel, on the other hand, is sometimes associated with a more affluent demographic due to the cost of facilities and equipment.