Racket Sports Compared: Padel vs Tennis, Squash, Pickleball

In today’s rich and varied sporting landscape, the choices for racket-based games seem endless: there are the classics like tennis, squash and badminton. Pickleball is growing quickly… and so is padel. But what sets padel apart, and why is it drawing players of all backgrounds onto the court?

The appeal lies in padel’s unique blend of accessibility, social interaction, and tactical fun. Compared to tennis, padel courts are compact (20m x 10m), enclosed by transparent walls that actively shape rally tactics, making for longer exchanges and less physical strain.

The game is almost always played in doubles, building teamwork and camaraderie. Unlike tennis or squash, the learning curve for padel is gentle: underarm serving, less demanding movement, and friendly wall rebounds mean total beginners can get in on the action within minutes.

Padel rackets are solid and perforated, lighter than tennis rackets, and barely require any prior racket-sport experience to wield with a degree of confidence. Those transitioning from squash or tennis will see familiar elements (similar scoring to tennis, wall-play from squash) to help ease the switch, while padel’s emphasis on strategy over power levels the playing field, regardless of athleticism.

Why Padel Is Winning Over New Players

Padel’s rise in the UK is also tied to its inclusive culture. Whether you’re 16 or 60, the sport offers a low-impact workout that’s easy on joints and muscles. Many clubs affiliated with UK PADEL run mixed-age sessions, beginner ladders, and social tournaments that welcome players of all levels. The sport’s format encourages communication and laughter—making it ideal for families, corporate events, or weekend meetups.

Unlike pickleball, which uses a plastic ball and paddle on a flat court, padel’s glass walls and dynamic rebounds create a more immersive experience. And while squash can be physically exhausting and ultra-competitive, padel is rarely as intense. It’s not uncommon for players to linger post-match for coffee, match analysis, or even to plan their next fixture.

Crucially, padel is known for its vibrant club culture. A directory on our website lists many venues across the UK, reinforcing the sport’s deep and growing national reach. With even global icons like Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and David Beckham endorsing or investing in padel, the sport’s popularity is exploding.

Looking to compare your options? Read our guide to the best UK padel clubs, featuring venues nationwide with social and competitive ladders, friendly fixtures, and lessons for all backgrounds. You can also explore UK PADEL’s championships page to find upcoming tournaments that you can watch, and even compete in.