Volée, a Leading Athletic Wear and Accessories Brand, Highlights the Unique Aspects of Two Popular Racket Sports
NEWPORT BEACH, California – (August 19, 2024) – Padel and pickleball are taking the world by storm, captivating players of all ages with their unique challenges and fun gameplay. While both sports share similarities in their use of paddles and their origins as recreational games, distinct differences set them apart, making each one special in its own way. Whether you’re new to the world of racket sports or a seasoned player, understanding these differences can help you choose the game that best matches your speed, style, and competitive spirit.
“For those unfamiliar with padel and pickleball, they might appear quite similar, but in reality, they are very different,” says Ashley Rose, co-founder of Volée, a company specializing in padel and pickleball bags, apparel, and accessories. “Once someone has played both, the distinctions become clear.”
While both sports use similar paddles and were invented decades ago, there are significant differences between them. Pickleball has gained immense popularity in the United States, while padel has a broader following in countries outside of America. Pickleball was founded in 1976 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, whereas padel originated in Mexico in 1969. Both sports are rapidly gaining global audiences, providing people with enjoyable ways to stay active and engaged.
Here are 5 key differences between padel and pickleball:
- Courts: The courts for both sports differ significantly. Pickleball is typically played on a hard, tennis-like court (often on half of a tennis court). Padel, on the other hand, is played in an enclosed court similar to squash or racquetball, where the walls are used during play.
- Balls: The balls used for padel are similar to traditional tennis balls but are compressed with less pressure. Pickleball balls are made of plastic, perforated, and have varying numbers of holes depending on whether they are used indoors or outdoors.
- Scoring: Each sport has distinct rules and scoring methods. While padel’s scoring is similar to tennis, pickleball only allows points to be scored on the serve, leading to a different strategic approach.
- Paddles: The paddles differ in weight, size, material, and shape. Padel paddles are solid and perforated, while pickleball paddles are designed for a firm grip and resemble elongated table tennis paddles. Having the right paddle is crucial for optimal performance.
- Audience: While both sports have broad appeal, some perceive pickleball as accessible to everyone, while padel is often seen as a sport for more athletically inclined individuals looking for a greater challenge.
Thinking about trying pickleball or padel? Kristin Leffel, co-founder of Volée, encourages you to give them a go. She says “both sports are incredibly social and a lot of fun. Pickleball is accessible for all ages—simple to learn but tough to perfect. Padel is more intense and requires a higher level of cardio, but it’s a great thrill once you get started.”
For those getting into either sport, having the proper clothing, equipment, and accessories is essential. The right gear not only helps players perform better but also adds style and personality to their game. Volée has created a sports luxe line of fashionable products for both pickleball and padel, including bags, apparel, and accessories. Their offerings include carry bags with paddle pockets and shoe garages, and a line of crossbody paddle cover bags.
Volée was founded in Newport Beach, California, by three best friends—Kristin Leffel, Ashley Rose, and Kasey Martin. They created a sporty, sophisticated line of items for court sports such as pickleball and padel. With a retro California vibe, their premium athletic lifestyle collection includes apparel, bags, and accessories that stand out on and off the court. The Volée collection features crossbody bags, weekender bags, paddle covers, windbreakers, sporty visors and more. Their products are available online at Carbon38 and thevolee.com.
About Volée:
Volée is a premium athletic lifestyle collection featuring fashion-forward designs created by women for women. With a sports luxe look perfect for the court, the country club, or everyday life, Volée stands out so you can make your mark! Founded in 2024 in Newport Beach, Volée serves up a passion for court sports such as pickleball, tennis, and padel. Embodying the retro vibe of Southern California, the brand adds a sporty sophistication to its product mix of multifunctional bags, apparel, and accessories. Volée is making a stylish mark on the game. Get inspired to Make YOUR Mark @theVolée on Instagram and shop the sports luxury line at https://thevolee.com/.