Pickleball, Padel, or Tennis: Which Court Is Right for You?

As racquet sports increase in popularity, many homeowners and recreational center owners are wondering just which racquet sport to invest in. If you are looking to build an athletic court for racquet sports, you’ve come to the right place. 

C&C Courts has the lowdown on three popular racquet sports– pickleball, padel, and tennis– and can help you decide which sports court you should build at your home or recreational center. Let’s compare the three sports and determine which court is right for you. 

Court Size & Structure

A major part of your decision will come down to space. How much room do you need for a pickleball, padel, or tennis court? Will it be indoor or outdoor? Let’s look. 

• Pickleball Court: Pickleball courts are 20’ x 44’, which is smaller than tennis. The net is also lower than a tennis net and there are no walls.

• Padel Court: Padel is played on a 33’ x 66’ court that is enclosed by walls, similar to a squash court. The net is similar to tennis.

• Tennis Court: Tennis is the largest court at 36’ x 78’, and is played in an open area with no walls. The net is higher than pickleball nets. 

Padel is a great option for an indoor court, as it needs the walls to bounce the ball. Pickleball and tennis courts can overlay each other, as long as you can swap out the net. Both pickleball and tennis can be indoor or outdoor. 

Skill Level & Accessibility

Whether you are an experienced racquet sport player or just beginning, you may want to consider the skill level needed and accessibility of these courts. 

• Pickleball: This game is slower paced and is great for beginners and older adults. It’s easy to pick up but requires quick reactions as play speeds up.

• Padel: Padel is easier than tennis, as it combines elements of tennis and squash. The smaller court and wall play makes it a more strategic game.

• Tennis: Tennis is seen as more physically demanding as it has a larger court and is fast-paced. It also requires higher endurance and strength, particularly at higher levels. 

If you’re looking for some casual play, pickleball might be the court for you. If you’re looking to host tournaments or have higher skilled players, tennis could be the best court, as many more people play tennis than padel in the United States. 

Audience & Appeal

Another consideration is who will be playing and the appeal of the sport. If you have a set of friends or family who routinely play your favorite sport, or are looking for a way to bring in more players to a facility, it’s important to know who you’re targeting and how appealing the sport is in your area. 

Homeowners looking for a home game court can focus on which sport they enjoy playing the most. 

• Pickleball: Because it’s easy to get into, pickleball is great for casual audiences and players. It emphasizes strategy over power.

• Padel: This game is popular for people who enjoy fast-paced, tactical games.

• Tennis: May attract higher caliber players in addition to casual players, though it is more physically demanding. 

Final Thoughts

As a homeowner looking for a backyard court, it’s easier to decide which court to build, based on your personal preferences. No matter which court you choose, you’ll be getting the many benefits of having a sports court in your backyard, like more exercise and social time. 

If you run a recreational facility, this can be a more challenging idea to consider, as you are trying to appeal to as many people as possible. One option is to consider a multi-sport athletic court, which can be converted for several different sports, making your investment more robust and versatile. 

Either way, pickleball or tennis are always popular options, though padel is increasing in popularity around the country. 

Build Your Racquet Court with C&C Courts

C&C Courts is the premier athletic court builder in Minnesota. We have over 30 years of experience building quality sports courts for both residential and commercial applications. 

Our team of designers and builders will make the process easy and seamless for you, so you can quickly enjoy your new sports court. Our aim is to help bring communities and families together with more opportunities for exercise and support healthier lifestyles. 

Build your dream court with C&C Courts. Give us a call today at 952-746-4545 or request service online.