Padel Rackets vs Tennis Rackets: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’re coming from tennis—or just starting padel—you’ve probably wondered how different a padel racket really is from a tennis racket. They look nothing alike… but beyond appearance, the differences affect control, power, injury risk, and how quickly you improve.

This guide breaks down the key distinctions so you can choose the right equipment confidently.

What Is the Difference Between a Padel Racket and a Tennis Racket?

The core differences are:

Why Do Padel Rackets Have Holes?

Those holes make the racket lighter and easier to maneuver. They reduce air resistance so you can accelerate the racket quicker during volleys, bandejas, and lobs.

They also help absorb shock on impact, which is helpful when defending balls off the glass. Without the holes, padel rackets would feel heavy and slow through contact—especially when reacting near the net.

Is Transitioning from Tennis an Advantage?

Tennis players usually pick up padel quickly when it comes to hand–eye coordination, volleying, and overhead technique. However, the habits built in tennis do not transfer perfectly.

Many players swing too big, try to overpower their shots, or hit balls too early instead of letting them drop. Padel rewards compact swings and control, particularly in defensive situations, so adapting your timing becomes key.

How Weight Affects How You Play

For beginners, lighter rackets are often easier to control. They reduce arm fatigue, allow quicker movement near the net, and help you handle rebounds from the walls.

Heavier rackets do create more power and stability, but they require better technique and often place more stress on the elbow and shoulder. In padel, power is less about force and more about using the right contact point and body position.

Can You Use a Tennis Racket for Padel?

Technically, no—and practically, it wouldn’t work well even if you tried.
Padel is played in enclosed courts, where hitting the ball off the walls is part of the game. Tennis rackets are too long, too stiff, and too powerful in tight spaces, and you risk damaging both racket and walls.

The padel racket is designed specifically for controlled direction changes, soft touch shots, and reacting compactly when the ball rebounds quickly.

What Should a Beginner Look For?

If you’re switching from tennis, a round or teardrop-shaped racket with medium weight (around 360–365g) gives you control without losing too much power.

These rackets have a larger sweet spot, making defensive shots easier and volleys more stable. Very stiff or head-heavy rackets look appealing because they feel powerful, but they often punish technique mistakes and fatigue the arm faster.

Although both sports share similarities, the rackets reveal how different tennis and padel really are. Tennis rackets promote power and long swings; padel rackets promote control, positioning, timing, and teamwork.

Choosing the right racket—especially when you're learning—will dramatically speed up your improvement. If you're transitioning from tennis, start with something forgiving that lets you master control first. Power always comes later.