Padel or pickleball? It sounds like a medieval duel or a snack combo, but nope, just two wildly popular sports taking over courts (and some egos) everywhere. But which one should you try first? More importantly, which will make you look like a pro the fastest without actually knowing what you’re doing? Let’s settle this, racket in hand.
Join Raine Michel, Virgin Active’s padel and pickleball expert, as we explore the world of fast rallies, sneaky drop shots, and more socialising than actual playing.
A tale of two courts
Padel is like tennis but played in a glass box. You can use the walls to pull off shots that make you look way more skilled than you are.
On the other hand, pickleball happens when tennis and ping pong have a baby. It’s played on an open court with no walls to save your mistakes. The game is all about precise, soft shots (also known as dinks) and cheeky strategies.
Learning curve? More like a learning slide
You can walk onto a court with zero experience and still have a great time. The hardest part? Deciding which sport to try first (or figuring out how to hold the paddle correctly).
Get fit without realising it
Padel and pickleball secretly trick you into working out. You’ll be sprinting, swinging, and lunging like an athlete without even realising it.
Benefits of padel & pickleball
Get a cardio boost by chasing after a ball that you definitely should have reached.
Improve your agility and strength. Dart across the court and smashing shots like a boss.
Fine-tune your coordination. Eventually, you will learn to hit the ball where you intended to.
Tennis, but with a twist
Both sports borrow elements from tennis but with their own quirks. Padel courts have walls; pickleball courts have a “kitchen” (not the kind with snacks, unfortunately). The rules, scoring, and ball physics are different. But don’t worry, you won’t need a rulebook the size of a dictionary to play.
Smash, rally, laugh
Both are played mostly in doubles, which means there’s always someone to blame for a missed shot. Virgin Active also hosts social events. Our WhatsApp groups make it easy to find a partner, a rival, or someone to share post-game snacks with.
Find your court, find your fun
Virgin Active has courts popping up everywhere. Whether in Cape Town or Johannesburg, a court (and a new obsession) awaits you.
Gear up like a pro
- A padel racket is a thick, hole-filled weapon of choice, usually made of carbon fibre.
- A pickleball paddle is a lightweight, plastic rectangle (perfect for looking stylish in action shots).
- Padel uses a low-pressure tennis ball. Pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes that look like they escaped from a Wiffle Ball League.
All ages, all skill levels, all fun
Whether you’re 10 or 80, these games are designed for all skill levels. You’re good to go if you can hold a paddle and move your feet (even slightly).
Beginner blunders to avoid
- Buying fancy equipment before you even know what you’re doing. So, just rent at first.
- Trying to smash every shot like you’re in the Wimbledon final. Spoiler: finesse is key.
- Forgetting that the goal is to have fun (winning is just a bonus).
Master the game faster than your morning coffee
Faster than you can Google “how to play padel/pickleball.” A quick rundown of the rules and a few practice shots, and you’ll be ready to claim your spot on the court.
Ditch the gym, grab a paddle
If treadmills bore you to tears, these sports are a game-changer. You’ll burn calories while laughing, competing, and occasionally tripping over your feet. Who needs a gym when you’ve got a racket, a ball, and a mission to win?
Why everyone’s hooked
They’re easy to learn, social, and don’t require an expensive buy-in. Plus, the games are just ridiculously fun. You might start with one session, but trust us, you’ll be back for more.
Try one, try both!
So, should you try padel or pickleball? Easy answer: BOTH. Whether you want to smash it off the walls or ‘dink’ your way to victory, these sports are guaranteed good times. Grab a paddle, grab a racket, and let the obsession begin!
Ready to play? Let’s get you on the court
Still undecided? There’s only one way to find out which sport is your perfect match: try them both! Head to Virgin Active, book a session and discover why everyone is hooked. Whether you’re smashing, dinking, or just laughing at your mistakes, one thing is certain: you’ll have a blast. Are you not a member yet? Join Virgin Active to enjoy exclusive padel and pickleball benefits.