What's the difference between pickleball and padel?
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Tennis isn't the go-to racquet sport anymore. Once niche activities, including pickleball and padel, are growing in popularity, but how are they different?
The skies are starting to clear, and Aussies far and wide are making the most of the sunshine between the cold and wet winter days. But rather than pounding the pavements, many fitness fans are opting for a different form of fitness to keep them warm: racquet sports.
After dropping in popularity, we're seeing more people taking up pickleball and padel. But what's the difference?
Here's your ultimate guide to finding the racquet sport for you this season.
Pickleball
After taking off in the US, Aussies are finally coming around to pickleball.
A mix of tennis, badminton and ping pong, pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and players use a bigger version of a ping-pong paddle on a court similar to a tennis court.
A favourite among stars such as George Clooney, Michael Phelps and Serena Williams, Australian Golfer Adam Scott has even jumped on board the sport, signing on as co-owner of a major league team in the Gold Coast.
More and more people are picking up their paddles, with Pickleball Australia Association’s membership growing by over 5,000 in the first 6 months of 2024 alone.
Padel
Top athletes around the world are dabbling in padel during their off seasons – we've seen Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda and Neymar Jr. pick up their racquets.
Google searches for 'padel racquets' jumped 240 per cent since last summer, so you'd better get practising now.
Played on a smaller court than tennis, the sports are scored the same, but have a few key differences.
The ball can be bounced off the walls surrounding the court, and is only played in doubles.
The ball is also a slightly softer version of a tennis ball, and players use a plastic, perforated bat.
Racquetball and squash
If you want to get out of the heat, racquetball and squash are also making a comeback.
Popular during the 1970s and 80s, these indoor sports are having a resurgence. There was a 165 per cent increase in sales of racquetball and squash balls on Shopify last October.
All you need to play both sports is a rubber ball, racquets and an indoor court.
Ping pong
Ping pong is a great indoor option, and many people are now eager to play solo too.
Some are even investing in ping-pong robots to serve balls so they can practice their returns and improve their skills in time for summer play.
Some versions even have a net attached to the back so you can avoid tripping over yourself chasing runaway ping pong balls.
Platform tennis
The perfect winter sport, platform tennis is growing more popular too.
Played in doubles on a raised platform, the game differs from regular tennis in that players can bounce the ball off the side screens, and only score points when they are serving.
So whether you’re looking to up your workouts, socialise, or just pick up a new skill, racquet sports could be for you.
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Originally published as What's the difference between pickleball and padel?