Racquetball, pickleball, padel… What are the differences?

The world of racket sports is buzzing. If tennis long reigned supreme, newcomers (or old favourites making a strong comeback) are shaking up habits in sports clubs. Between pickleball, racquetball and padel, it can sometimes be difficult to find your way around. Although these disciplines share common features—a ball, highly energised players and a racket in hand—they offer very distinct sensations and rules.

Why is padel booming in France? Why is pickleball conquering the United States at breakneck speed? Racquetball—what is this new racket sport? Let us dive into the characteristics of these three disciplines to help you choose your next favourite.

Padel: The phenomenon transforming clubs

Padel is undoubtedly the racket sport with the most spectacular growth in the world. Born in Mexico in the 1960s before conquering Spain, it is now governed by the International Padel Federation (FIP).

A unique court

The padel court (often called a pitch) measures 10x20 metres. Its main feature lies in its glass walls and mesh fencing. Here, the wall is not an obstacle but an ally: you can let the ball bounce off the glass to put it back into play, extending rallies in an incredible way.

Equipment and feel

To play it, specific padel rackets are used, without strings and often made from materials such as carbon or fibreglass. The ball resembles a tennis ball but has lower pressure to promote control rather than pure power.

• Discover our selection: Find your next padel racket here.

Pickleball: The clever blend of tennis and badminton

If you research sporting trends across the Atlantic, pickleball comes out on top. A true mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis, it is an extremely accessible sport.

The specifics of the game

Pickleball is played on a smaller surface than tennis (the size of a badminton court). The racket is solid, larger than a table tennis paddle but smaller than a padel racket. The ball is made of perforated plastic, which limits its speed and makes the game highly strategic.

The service must be underhand and the score is counted in an unusual way, often up to 11 points. It is a very friendly sport where positioning takes precedence over brute force.

Racquetball: The fast-paced cousin of squash

Often confused with squash, racquetball has its own rules and a strong identity. Unlike padel or pickleball, it is generally played indoors.

Speed and physical intensity

Racquetball is played on an enclosed court where all surfaces (walls, ceiling) can be used to bounce the ball. The racket has strings and the ball is made of highly bouncy rubber. Here, physical commitment is intense. The ball flies, reflexes are put to the test and the strategy is to use angles so that the opponent can never retrieve the ball before the second bounce.

Why is Padel gaining ground in France?

Since its arrival in France, padel has experienced phenomenal growth and is overtaking its competitors. Why such development?

1. The social side: Playing with 4 people in a small space encourages interaction and laughter.

2. The learning curve: Unlike tennis, where technique is demanding, you can enjoy padel from the first hour of play.

3. Equipment: Beyond the racket, the importance of padel shoes is essential to avoid injuries on synthetic grass.

Important note: You often hear the term "paddle" used to refer to this sport. Be careful not to confuse it with the water sport practised on a board and the racket sport! For more details, read our article: Paddle or Padel, we explain everything.

Conclusion: the key takeaways

Whether you are drawn to the strategy of pickleball, the intensity of racquetball or the fun side of padel, the main thing is to enjoy yourself on the court. Each discipline brings its own benefits for health and wellbeing.

If you choose padel, do not forget to equip yourself properly with padel balls of good quality to ensure optimal bounce off the glass. And for beginners, take a look at our guide: Understanding the rules of padel.

• Padel stands out for its glass walls integrated into the game and its mandatory doubles format.

• Pickleball is the most technically accessible, using a plastic ball and a reduced badminton-style court.

• Racquetball is the fastest and is played indoors, even including the ceiling as part of the playing surfaces.

• Equipment: Each sport requires specific standard equipment (types of rackets and balls) to be played safely.

• Accessibility: Padel is experiencing the strongest growth in Europe thanks to its ultra-social and fun nature.