If you’re searching for the perfect paddle tennis paddle, you’re not alone – but here’s something many don’t realize:
Paddle tennis and padel are not the same sport.
While they sound similar, they’re different in terms of rules, equipment, and court design. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a paddle tennis paddle unique, how it differs from a padel racket, and how to choose the best gear for your sport.
Paddle tennis is a fast-paced sport often played in the U.S. on smaller courts with a solid surface paddle and a depressurized tennis ball. The game emphasizes reflexes, control, and quick volleys.
Played on a court smaller than tennis
Uses a solid paddle with no strings
Net is lower than in tennis
Typically played in doubles
Common in New York, Florida, and parts of the Northeast
Padel (popular in Spain and Latin America) is often confused with paddle tennis, but the sports are different. Padel is played on a glass-enclosed court and combines elements of tennis and squash.
Played on a walled court
Uses a perforated padel racket
The ball can bounce off walls
Exploding in popularity worldwide
While both sports use stringless rackets, the paddles are built differently:
| Feature | Paddle Tennis Paddle | Padel Racket |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Solid, smooth or textured | Perforated, often rough surface |
| Core Material | Foam or composite | EVA foam with carbon or fiberglass |
| Weight | Lighter (325–375g) | Slightly heavier (350–400g) |
| Purpose | Control and quick volleys | Power, spin, wall rebounds |
If you’re buying equipment, don’t mix these up. A paddle tennis paddle won’t give you the same feel or function as a padel racket – and vice versa.
These three racket sports get lumped together a lot, but they’re each distinct:
| Sport | Paddle/Racket Type | Ball Used | Enclosed Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padel | Perforated racket | Pressurized tennis ball | ✅ Yes |
| Paddle Tennis | Solid paddle | Depressurized ball | ❌ No |
| Pickleball | Plastic paddle | Plastic wiffle ball | ❌ No |
If you are specifically buying for paddle tennis, here are some top features to look for:
✅ Textured Surface: For spin and grip
✅ Comfortable Grip: Important for long matches
✅ Durability: Look for carbon or fiberglass construction
✅ Lightweight Build: For quicker reaction times
If you’re new to the game, here’s a quick list of essential paddle tennis gear:
✔️ Paddle tennis paddle
✔️ Non-marking tennis shoes
✔️ Moisture-wicking apparel
✔️ Paddle tennis balls
✔️ Wristbands or grip-enhancing accessories
A paddle tennis paddle is not the same as a padel racket – and using the wrong one can hurt your performance or even lead to injury. Whether you’re stepping into a padel court or a paddle tennis court, make sure your gear fits the game.