Padel vs. Paddle: What’s the Difference in the US?
If you’ve recently searched for padel courts near me in the US, you might have run into something unexpected: paddle tennis. Despite the similar names, padel and paddle are two very different sports. They share elements of tennis and squash, but they’re played on different courts, with different rules, and have separate histories.
Let’s break down the differences so you know exactly what to look for next time you want to book a match.
Court size and structure
One of the biggest differences between padel and paddle lies in the court design.
| Feature | Padel | Paddle tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 33 ft x 66 ft (enclosed) | 20 ft x 44 ft (open/semi-open) |
| Court walls | Glass & mesh, used in play | No walls, sometimes fencing |
| Net height | 34.6 in at center | 34 in at center |
| Indoor/outdoor | Indoor and outdoor | Indoor and outdoor |
Equipment differences
Even the rackets and balls used in the two sports are not the same.
| Equipment | Padel | Paddle tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Racket | Solid, perforated, with strings | Solid with holes, no strings |
| Ball | Similar to tennis, lower pressure | Slightly depressurized tennis ball |
| Shoes | Padel or tennis shoes | Tennis or paddle-specific |
Rules and gameplay
While both use standard tennis scoring, gameplay varies significantly.
| Aspect | Padel | Paddle tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Players | Doubles only (2 vs 2) | Usually doubles, sometimes singles |
| Serve | Underhand, must bounce | Underhand, may volley before bounce |
| Wall play | Integral to play | Not used |
| Style of play | Fast, strategic, long rallies | Compact, slower, like mini-tennis |
Origins and popularity
| Category | Padel | Paddle tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Mexico, 1969 | USA, 1915 |
| Popular regions | Spain, Argentina, Sweden, US | Northeastern US |
| Growth in the US | Rapid (California, Florida, TX) | Mostly regional |
| Governing body | International Padel Federation | APTA or local paddle organizations |
Common confusion in the US
Many US players hear "paddle" and think of platform tennis, POP tennis, or beach paddleball—but padel is its own sport, with global reach and a distinct identity.
Tips to avoid the mix-up:
- If the court has glass walls, it’s padel.
- Played outdoors in winter? Probably platform tennis.
- Ask if it follows World Padel Tour standards.
Where to find padel courts in the US
Padel is growing fast in many major US cities:
You can also browse all padel courts across the country.
Conclusion
While they might sound similar, padel and paddle tennis are two very different games. Padel is fast-paced, glass-walled, and global. Paddle is cozy, classic, and regional. Now that you know the difference, you’ll never confuse the two again—and you’ll know exactly where to book your next match.
Ready to find a court? Head to the homepage and start exploring!