Pickleball and padel are two of the fastest-growing racket sports, but they differ in origins, courts, equipment, and style. Pickleball, born in the U.S., uses a smaller court, plastic ball, and quick, accessible gameplay—ideal for beginners and social players. Padel, created in Mexico and booming in Europe, is played on enclosed glass-walled courts with tennis-like scoring and longer rallies. While pickleball grows rapidly in North America, padel dominates Spain and Latin America. Both spo...
