Padel vs racquetball: they are not the same sport, although both are played inside walls. Padel is a doubles game over a net on a 20 x 10 m court with a solid, stringless racket and a pressurized ball, and the walls are used after the ball bounces. Racquetball is a no-net game in a sealed 40 x 20 x 20 ft box with a strung racquet and a fast hollow rubber ball, and the ceiling is live. Racquetball players often find padel’s walls familiar and its pace friendlier.
This guide compares the courts, equipment, serve and scoring, and explains what carries over if you are switching. For other comparisons, see padel vs squash, padel vs paddleball and padel vs pickleball.
Thinking of trying padel? A racket and a tube of balls is all you need. See our picks for the best padel rackets for beginners, or start with a value pick such as the Wilson Carbon Force Team.