Pop Tennis vs. Padel: What's the Difference?

Pop Tennis and Padel are two racquet sports that are often confused with each other. However, there are some key differences between the two sports.

Pop Tennis was created in 2008 by Chris Rudman, a former tennis pro. It is a cross between tennis and paddle tennis. The court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 15.24 meters long and 6.09 meters wide. The paddles are also smaller and lighter than tennis rackets. The balls are low compression tennis balls, and they have a green dot on them.

Padel is a racquet sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s. It is played on a smaller court than tennis, measuring 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. The walls of the court are made of glass or metal, and players can use the walls to hit the ball back into play. The paddles are solid and perforated, and they are typically made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. The balls are similar to tennis balls, but they have a lower compression.

Despite their differences, Pop Tennis and Padel do have some similarities. Both sports are played with paddle rackets, and the scoring system is the same as tennis. Both sports are also relatively easy to learn, making them a good option for people of all ages and skill levels.

The biggest difference between Pop Tennis and Padel is the size of the court. The court in Pop Tennis is much smaller than the court in Padel, which makes the game faster-paced and more strategic. Another difference is the use of walls. In Padel, players can use the walls to hit the ball back into play, which adds an additional dimension to the game.

Both are fantastic sports top play and a great way to have fun with the whole family.

While we wait for Padel courts to be built in New Zealand, Pop Tennis is a great way to get some practice in. 

The Riverside Tennis Club in Auckland have had a Pop Tennis night running for a few years and they are using Padel Rackets, like those sold on thepadelshop.co.nz to play.