A playful guide for pickleball players exploring the world of padel

What Is Padel, and Why Are Pickleball Players Talking About It?

If you’ve been hearing whispers about more and more pickleball players skipping out on their weekly King of The Court, they may be sneaking out to play padel! Pickleball players all over the country are starting to ask the big question with increasing frequency: “Is it cheating if I play padel too?”

Relax—it’s not cheating. You’re just adding a little excitement to your athletic life.

Padel is like pickleball’s adventurous cousin: played on a smaller court than tennis, surrounded by glass walls, and packed with nonstop action. It’s doubles-only (just like your favorite game), but with a new twist—the walls are part of the play.

In other words: same spirit, fresh flavor.

Pickleball vs. Padel: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Pickleball	Padel
Court	Open, net-only	Enclosed with glass walls
Equipment	Paddle & plastic ball with holes	Solid racket & low-pressure tennis ball
Serve	Underhand	Underhand (yes, you’re still the master)
Play Style	Fast rallies at the net	Strategic wall play & extended rallies
Vibe	Social, community-driven	Social, stylish, and global

If you love quick hands, teamwork, and laughter between points, padel for pickleball players feels instantly familiar. It’s not a replacement—it’s an upgrade to your racquet-sport lifestyle.

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH PADEL?

Step 1: Find Padel Courts Near You

The good news: padel is growing faster than you can say “third shot drop.”

To find a place to play:

• Just Search “padel courts near me” on Google.
• Check local pickleball or tennis clubs—many are adding padel courts.
• Join beginner events or demo sessions to learn the basics in a friendly setting.

Pro Tip: Bring your pickleball partners. It’s not cheating if you all go together!

Step 2: Choose Your First Padel Racket (Yes, It’s Different)

Your trusty pickleball paddle might feel left out, but choosing a padel racket is part of the fun.
Here’s what to look for:

Type	What It Does	Ideal For
Round Shape	Big sweet spot for great control	Beginners & control players
Teardrop Shape	Balance of power & control	All-around players
Diamond Shape	Maximum power	Advanced players

If you’re new, choose a round racket. They're more forgiving, comfortable, and easy to control.

Check out the new Padel Rackets from Padeltek.

Step 3: Learn the Rules of Padel (They’re Easier Than You Think)

The scoring is the same as tennis (15–30–40–game), but the play feels more like a blend of pickleball and racquetball.

Quick rule rundown:

✅ Underhand serve (below the waist).
✅ Ball must bounce once before hitting the wall.
✅ Walls are in play after that first bounce.
✅ Double bounce = point over (yep, still familiar).

Once you get used to the glass rebounds, you’ll start pulling off shots that make even your pickleball buddies say, “Wait, how did you do that?”

Step 4: Use Your Pickleball Skills to Dominate in Padel

You already have the instincts—you just need to tweak them.

Pickleball Skill	Padel Equivalent
Dinking/Finesse	Soft Wall Touches
Net Volleys	Fast Exchanges with Rebound
Defensive Lobs	“Bandeja” (soft overhead defense)
Doubles Teamwork	Essential Every Point

Your court awareness, patience, and reflexes translate beautifully. You’re not starting over—you’re evolving.

Step 5: Gear Up (Your Closet Can Handle Another Racket)

To play padel, you’ll need:

• A padel racket (these new rackets from Padeltek would work amazingly).
• Padel balls (lower bounce than tennis balls).
• Court shoes with good lateral support (here are a few options that could work well).
• Comfortable athletic wear—your pickleball outfits are perfect.

Step 6: You’re Not Cheating—You’re Cross-Training

Pickleball will always be your true love. But sometimes, it’s healthy to try something new. Padel isn’t replacing pickleball—it’s making you a better, more versatile player.

You’ll return to the pickleball court with sharper footwork, faster reaction time, and maybe a few new stories about bouncing shots off glass walls like a racket-sport superhero.

Final Thoughts:
There’s Room in Your Heart (and Schedule) for Both

Padel offers pickleball players a whole new way to play, move, and connect—without losing what makes pickleball special. So go ahead. Grab a racket. Find a court. Try something new. Because when it comes to pickleball vs padel, there’s no rivalry—just more ways to have fun with friends.

Explore Padel Gear at Pickleball Central