Padel and tennis are both popular racket sports, but they differ in several ways. If you're unsure between padel or tennis, it's helpful to know the exact differences in technique, equipment, and playing style. In this article, we explain the differences and help you make the right choice! 

Difference in playing field

One of the biggest differences between padel and tennis is the playing field.

• Tennis court: A tennis court is larger than a padel court, measuring 23.77 meters long and 8.23 meters wide for singles (or 10.97 meters wide for doubles).

• Padel court: A padel court is smaller, only 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, and is surrounded by glass walls and fences. This changes the dynamics of the game. In padel, the ball is often played off the walls, offering extra strategic opportunities. 

Singles vs. doubles

• Tennis is often played as either singles or doubles.

• Padel is almost always played in doubles, as this brings out the strategies with the walls better. 

Ball differences

Although a padel ball and a tennis ball look similar at first glance, there are slight differences:

• A padel ball has slightly less pressure, which means it bounces lower.

• A tennis ball is harder and bounces more, resulting in faster rallies. 

Rackets: Tennis racket vs. padel racket

• Tennis Racket: A tennis racket has strings and is larger and heavier than a padel racket. This allows players to hit with more power and spin. 

• Padel Racket: A padel racket is smaller and more solid, without strings. It's made from composite materials with holes in the frame, making it easier to handle and offering more control. 

Technique and shots

 • Tennis Shots: Players use powerful shots like the forehand and backhand with a lot of topspin or slice.

• Padel Shots: Padel is more about control and tactics than raw power. Players often use a "bandeja" (delayed smash) and play strategically using the walls. 

Playing style and dynamics

• Tennis is a fast-paced sport with longer distances to cover, so physical fitness plays a big role.

• Padel is more about tactics and reaction time than pure speed and power. Padel is therefore more accessible for beginners, while tennis has a steeper learning curve. 

Service rules

• Tennis: The serve is overhead and can be extremely fast and difficult to return.

• Padel: The serve must be underhand and cannot exceed waist height, making the game more accessible. 

What’s more intense, padel or tennis?

In general, tennis is more physically intense than padel, mainly due to the larger court and the longer distances you need to cover. In tennis, you run a lot, especially in singles, and you need more endurance to keep up the pace. In padel, the court is smaller, and the rallies are often shorter because you can use the walls. It requires quick reactions and tactical play, but you don’t have to cover the same long distances as in tennis. Therefore, padel is usually less demanding on endurance, but it does require a lot of explosiveness and smart positioning.

Padel or tennis: Which sport Is right for you?

Are you unsure between padel and tennis? Both sports have their own charm, but which one is best for you? Choose tennis if you enjoy speed, powerful shots, and a physical challenge. Tennis requires more technique and endurance but offers plenty of variety in playing styles. Choose padel if you're looking for a social, accessible, and tactical sport. Thanks to the smaller court and the walls, rallies last longer, making it easier to get into the game. 

Whether you go for the intensity of tennis or the strategy of padel, both sports are great for your fitness and enjoyment. The best advice? Try both and discover which one suits you!