Padel vs Pickleball: Which Should You Play?

Two Sports, One Question

Padel and pickleball are the two fastest-growing racket sports in the world right now. Both have exploded in popularity across Ireland over the past few years, attracting players of all ages and abilities. But despite often being mentioned in the same breath, they are very different games.

If you have been hearing about both and wondering which one to try, this guide breaks down the key differences — from court size and equipment to gameplay, fitness benefits, cost, and which sport might suit you best.

The Basics at a Glance

Padel is played on an enclosed glass court, always in doubles. It uses tennis-style scoring (15, 30, 40, deuce), and the glass walls are in play — meaning the ball can bounce off them during rallies. The serve is underarm, and the racket is solid with a perforated face (no strings). The ball looks similar to a tennis ball but has slightly less pressure.

Pickleball is played on a smaller, open court roughly the size of a badminton court. It can be played as singles or doubles. Scoring is rally-style to 11 points (win by 2). There are no walls. The serve is also underarm, and the paddle is solid and smaller than a padel racket. The ball is a lightweight, perforated plastic ball — sometimes called a wiffle ball.

One thing they do share: both use solid rackets or paddles with no strings, which makes them easier to pick up than tennis for most beginners.

Court and Equipment

A padel court measures 20 metres by 10 metres and is fully enclosed by a combination of glass walls and metal fencing. The enclosure is a defining feature of the sport — it keeps the ball in play and creates the unique wall-play angles that make padel so tactical. Padel rackets are solid with small holes in the face, typically weighing between 350 and 385 grams. The balls are pressurised, similar to tennis balls but with a slightly lower bounce.

A pickleball court is noticeably smaller at 13.4 metres by 6.1 metres, and it is open with no walls. The paddle is smaller and lighter than a padel racket, usually weighing around 200 to 250 grams. The ball is made of hard plastic with holes punched through it, making it lighter and slower through the air than a padel ball.

Because padel courts require glass walls, metal fencing, and specialist construction, they are significantly more expensive to build than pickleball courts. This is the main reason there are currently fewer padel courts available, though new facilities are opening regularly across Ireland.

Gameplay Differences

Padel is exclusively a doubles sport. Every match is two against two, which makes it inherently social and team-oriented. The walls are a central part of the game — players can let the ball bounce off the glass before returning it, which opens up angles and shots that simply do not exist in other racket sports. The serve must be underarm and the ball must bounce before being struck. Scoring follows the tennis format: 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage.

Pickleball can be played as either singles or doubles. One of its most distinctive features is the "kitchen" — a no-volley zone extending 2.1 metres from each side of the net. Players cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in the kitchen, which creates a unique strategic element around net play. Scoring is rally-style, playing to 11 points and winning by 2.

In terms of pace and feel, padel rallies tend to be longer, more tactical, and involve a wider variety of shots. The wall play adds a layer of strategy that rewards patience and positioning. Pickleball rallies are generally shorter, and the lighter ball means the game moves at a different rhythm. Pickleball is often considered faster to learn, but padel arguably offers more strategic depth once you get into it.

Fitness and Accessibility

Both padel and pickleball are more accessible than traditional tennis, which is one of the reasons they have both grown so quickly.

Padel provides a moderate-intensity workout. The smaller court compared to tennis means less ground to cover, but the rallies are often longer, so you are constantly moving — shuffling, turning, and adjusting position. It is an excellent workout for cardiovascular fitness and coordination, and it suits players of all ages. Many padel players in Ireland are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s and find it easier on the joints than tennis.

Pickleball is generally lower in intensity. The small court and lighter ball mean less explosive movement is required, which makes it particularly popular with older players and those returning to sport after a break. It is a fantastic way to stay active without putting too much strain on the body. In the United States, pickleball has become enormously popular with retirees for exactly this reason.

Both sports are social by nature. You will meet people, have a laugh, and get a good workout — regardless of which one you choose.

Cost to Play in Ireland

Padel court hire in Ireland typically costs between 8 and 15 euro per person per hour, depending on the venue and time slot. Rackets range from around 65 euro for a solid beginner option up to 330 euro for a professional-level racket. Balls cost roughly 6 to 8 euro per tube of three. If you are just starting out, you can often rent a racket at the venue for a few euro.

Pickleball is generally cheaper to get into. Paddles start from around 20 euro and go up to about 100 euro. The plastic balls are very affordable — a few euro for a pack. Court hire is often cheaper than padel, and in many cases pickleball is played in existing sports halls, community centres, or GAA halls where costs are minimal or sessions are free.

Padel does have a higher initial cost, but many players find the investment worthwhile given the depth of the game and the quality of the playing experience. Both sports are far cheaper than golf or a gym membership when you factor in the social element.

Which is Growing Faster in Ireland?

Both sports are experiencing rapid growth, but in slightly different ways.

Padel has seen significant investment in dedicated facilities across Ireland, with over 120 courts now available nationwide. Purpose-built padel clubs and centres have opened in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and many other locations. The sport also benefits from the global Premier Padel professional tour, which has raised its profile considerably.

Pickleball is growing primarily through multi-sport venues, community centres, and GAA clubs that are adding pickleball to their offering. It does not require the same level of infrastructure investment, which makes it easier to roll out quickly. Globally, pickleball's growth has been driven largely by the US market, where it has become one of the most talked-about sports in recent years.

In Ireland, padel currently has more dedicated infrastructure and a more established club scene. Pickleball is catching up and benefits from its lower barrier to entry. Both have strong communities and neither is going anywhere.

Our Take: Which Should You Try?

Honestly? Try both. They are different enough that you might love one and not the other — or you might enjoy both for different reasons.

If you want a more tactical, physical game with longer rallies and the unique thrill of wall play, padel is hard to beat. The enclosed court creates a game that rewards patience, positioning, and creativity. Once you experience a good padel rally — ball bouncing off the back glass, your partner setting you up at the net — you will understand why people get hooked.

If you want something immediately accessible with a lower cost to start and a gentler learning curve, pickleball is a brilliant option. You can be playing competent rallies within your first session, and the community aspect is strong.

Many people in Ireland play both, and there is no reason you cannot do the same. The skills are somewhat transferable, and both sports will keep you fit, social, and smiling.