Which sport is growing faster, pickleball or padel?
For years, pickleball has dominated headlines as the fastest-growing sport in America. With its low barrier to entry, social appeal, and accessibility, it has expanded at a rapid pace. But there’s a new challenger on the court—padel—and it’s reportedly growing even faster worldwide. Padel: The Tennis Alternative on the Rise Often referred to as “tennis’s cooler cousin,” padel is gaining traction worldwide. This doubles-based sport, played on a smaller, enclosed court with walls that players can bounce the ball off, combines the strategy of squash with the simplicity of pickleball.Pickleball is a lower-impact sport with shorter rallies, making it accessible for older players or those looking for a casual game. Padel is more physically demanding due to its larger court, longer rallies, and movement around walls.In Europe, the new Pickleball, however, is actually called Padel — short for Padel tennis, and unlike the random, laissez-faire nature of its American tennis knockoff, Padel actually has courts, leagues, decorum and the general feel of the original racquet sport.Tennis is not dead, nor is it dying, but it has no choice but to share the same space with an outdoor racquet sport that is thriving both as a recreation, and as a profession. Pickleball is not the updated version of racquetball, the sport which was a craze decades ago but never evolved beyond the recreational stage.
Why is everyone suddenly playing pickleball?
In general, the growing popularity of the sport can be attributed to its short learning curve, appeal to virtually all ages, suitability to all fitness levels, and, of course, low startup costs. The smaller court size, lower net, and perforated pickleball make the game easier for beginners. Pickleball’s most redeeming quality is its suitability to all age groups and skill levels. Due to its easy-to-learn nature and the low physical impact of play, Pickleball’s appeal spans generations, including seniors and children alike.Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the U. S. Unlike many other sports, pickleball – a mashup of badminton, tennis, and ping pong – doesn’t give much of an edge to age or experience.Yes, a 70-year-old can play pickleball. The sport’s adaptability suits all ages, including seniors. It provides low-impact exercise, improves balance and flexibility, and nurtures social connection, offering a holistic approach to well-being. Age is just a number, and pickleball knows it.Padel is known for its emphasis on teamwork, communication, and quick reflexes. Ultimately, the fun you have while playing pickleball or padel depends on your preferences and what you want from a sport. If you like fast games that need quick thinking and focus, then pickleball is a great match for your active style.
Why is padel more expensive than pickleball?
Padel requires specialized courts with precise wall positioning and materials, making facilities more expensive to construct. While there are still significantly more tennis courts than padel courts, the rate at which these padel courts are being built could be alarming to tennis, with the number of grassroots padel courts potentially overtaking that of tennis in the next few years. Some of the highest-paid athletes are tennis players.Another big reason why padel is expensive is the high demand and low supply. Many people want to play, but there aren’t enough courts available. Because of this, prices go up. Clubs know players are willing to pay to book time, especially during busy evenings and weekends.It’s viewed as a posh, more upper-class sport because of how expensive courts are, she says. There need to be more public and cheaper courts. Like Rosie and Barnaby, Tanaya cannot afford to play padel as regularly as she would like and feels it has hindered her progress.
What type of people play pickleball?
As of 2025, the average age of a pickleball player is 35 years old—and it’s trending younger each year. While the sport initially gained popularity among older adults and retirees, it’s now exploding among younger demographics. For years, pickleball has dominated headlines as the fastest-growing sport in America. With its low barrier to entry, social appeal, and accessibility, it has expanded at a rapid pace. But there’s a new challenger on the court—padel—and it’s reportedly growing even faster worldwide.Pickleball (171. Increase): The Undisputed King. The reigning monarch of rapid growth, pickleball has become a household name, attracting players and enthusiasts alike. With a staggering 171.Both sports are experiencing rapid growth, but their popularity varies by region. Pickleball has surged in North America, particularly among older players looking for a social, low-impact sport. Padel has a strong following in Europe and Latin America, often played at clubs and resorts.Keep It Safe, Keep It Fun. Overall, the smaller court size and speed of pickleball promote a style of play that is generally gentler on the body compared to tennis, making it an appealing option for individuals looking for a lower-impact racket sport.Pickleball might have developed legions of new Australian fans, but padel is snapping at its heels as a contender for the best tennis-alternative in town. Jenny Valentish.
Is padel as noisy as pickleball?
Well, padel is generally quieter than pickleball. While pickleball uses a plastic ball that creates a distinctive sound, padel’s softer ball and the enclosed court design make it less noisy. So, you have nothing to worry about when you play a Padel game. The Roots of the Noise Controversy The distinct sound of a pickleball hitting a paddle, which is louder than a tennis ball, is at the heart of the noise complaints. The problem is exacerbated in urban settings, where courts are often situated in close proximity to homes and apartments.Sound Profile: The pop of a pickleball is a higher-frequency sound that travels further and penetrates walls and windows more easily than the lower-frequency sound of a tennis ball. This makes it particularly disruptive to nearby residents.Pickleball is generally considered easier than tennis, due to its smaller court size, lighter equipment, and simpler rules. The reduced court dimensions make movement less demanding, while the lightweight paddles and plastic balls contribute to a more accessible learning curve.Pickleball is addictive due to its social, competitive, and easy-to-play nature, with a low cost of entry and a friendly community. Brings you back to your younger athletic and competitive days. Plus you get into shape and the community is very friendly. It’s easy, uplifting, competitive, and social.
Which is older, pickleball or padel?
Padel tennis is thought to have been invented in Mexico around 1969. It is a blend of squash and tennis and is only played as doubles inside four glass walls. Pickleball was invented around 1965 and can be played as singles or doubles. Pickleball courts are about a third of the size of a standard tennis court, and the game is generally slower-paced and easier to learn than tennis, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Despite its simplicity, pickleball can still offer plenty of challenge, especially when played competitively.It was invented in 1965 as a children’s backyard game in the United States, on Bainbridge Island in Washington State. In 2022, pickleball was named the official state sport of Washington. Bainbridge Island, Washington, U. S.But perhaps the most fun part of pickleball is getting to know all the silly terms: Dillball: Shot that is inbounds and has bounced once; a live ball. Dink Shot: A soft shot that arcs over the net and falls into the opposing non-volley zone.In pickleball, the serve is your first chance to set the tone, control the pace, and occasionally catch your opponents off guard. A Nasty Nelson does exactly that—it’s a serve aimed intentionally at the non-receiving partner, trying to hit them before the ball bounces.One of the best things about pickleball is how beginner-friendly it is. The court is smaller than a tennis court, the paddle is lightweight, and the rules are simple enough to pick up in just a few minutes. You don’t need to be super fit or have a background in sports to get started.
Is pickleball losing its popularity?
Both reports once again place pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in America, and one of the most popular sports in the country, measured by participation. According to the SFIA Topline Participation Report for 2025, 19. US in 2024—a 45. Pickleball strengthens muscles, improves movement control, and reduces the risk of falls. The sport’s lateral movements further challenge your balance and agility, ensuring that your body stays strong and stable.Obviously, the United States is the most pickleball-heavy nation. As the birthplace of the sport, it’s only natural for it to have the most courts! USA Pickleball also hosts a global map of public pickleball courts.Given the set lineup for 2028, the earliest possible inclusion of pickleball in the Olympics would be the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. However, it is more likely that the sport would need until 2036 — the location is yet to be announced — to meet all the necessary criteria and gain the required support.Lack of Global Popularity: While pickleball has grown rapidly in the U. S. Canada, its global reach is still limited compared to more established Olympic sports. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) tends to favor sports with broad international appeal and participation.For years, pickleball has dominated headlines as the fastest-growing sport in America. With its low barrier to entry, social appeal, and accessibility, it has expanded at a rapid pace. But there’s a new challenger on the court—padel—and it’s reportedly growing even faster worldwide.