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Pickleball vs Padel: Which is the better sport?

Paddle sports grow ever so fast while two 18-year-olds emerge world champions in their respective disciplines + check out the most beautiful kit of the week yet & more.

December 17, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Pre-match briefing

Welcome back to another week of The Gameplan! If things feel a little off this week, blame brother #1 —he ditched me and went off for a vacation. Guess he isn’t a machine after all. However, our ever-present scout has some gems for us this week:

  • Athlete of the week: Gukesh Dommaraju

  • Venue of the week: Court Rainier III

  • Kit of the week: FC Versailles third kit

  • Sport of the week: Tejo

Kick-off
Padel vs. Pickleball: The Battle of the Paddle Sports

When it comes to paddle sports, Padel and Pickleball are like two cousins vying for attention at the family BBQ—similar enough to confuse grandma, but each with their own quirks.

Padel, born in Mexico, is now wildly popular in Europe with 30 million players worldwide. Played in an enclosed glass-walled court, it’s often described as a mix of tennis and squash. The sport thrives on long rallies and strategy, so if you’ve got a knack for lob shots and angles, Padel might just be your jam.

On the other hand, Pickleball, a proud American invention, has exploded in the U.S. with over 36.5 million players globally trying their hand at this mix of tennis and ping pong. Played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball, and is known for its beginner-friendly nature where aggression takes a backseat.

While Padel courts are luxurious and often outdoors in scenic locales, Pickleball’s charm lies in its accessibility. The rivalry isn’t just on the court; it’s in the culture. Padel players flaunt sleek gear and European flair, while Pickleball fans embrace the social, and friendly vibes.

Ultimately, whether you're into Padel’s long rallies or Pickleball’s quick exchanges, one thing’s clear: paddle sports are on the rise, and there’s room for everyone. The real question is—do you prefer smashing balls against glass or trading shots over the "kitchen"?

To understand the technical elements such as court size, equipment differences, and rules, click HERE.

So do we have a clear winner? Scroll to the bottom of our newsletter for our Analysts Report and find out.

Padel Court with its iconic glass wall

Pickleball Court in my uncle’s backyard

Scout’s Overview
📡 🚨 Weekly Sports Radar: Tejo

Colombia's national sport: steel projectiles, exploding targets, and lots of beer. Tejo (or turmequé) is a traditional throwing sport in Colombia. It is distinctive for using small targets containing gunpowder, which explode on impact.

The game involves throwing a metal disc, called a tejo, toward a clay-covered board, set 18.5 meters away from the thrower.

(1. Board, 2. Frame, 3. Clay, 4. Target, 5. Explosive)

The ultimate aim is to outscore opponents by landing the Tejo closest to the center of the board, hitting the gunpowder-filled targets for bonuses, or achieving both in a single throw.

Athlete of the week: Gukesh D

Venue of the week: Court Rainier III

Gukesh Dommaraju, a chess prodigy from India, is the youngest-ever undisputed World Chess Champion (as of last week) at 18 years old.

Fun fact: He achieved the chess grandmaster title at just 12 years old.

Court Rainier III, the centerpiece of the Monte Carlo Masters, is a cozy 9,000-seat tennis venue with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Provence mountains. Despite being a small venue, its breathtaking backdrop makes it a standout in the tennis world.

🧤 Fit Check: FC Versailles Third Kit 2024/25 season

Kappa's partnership with Football Club de Versailles has delivered a striking third kit, featuring deep red, navy, and gold tones inspired by the palace's gilded grilles and tapestries, blending cultural heritage with modern design.

Please send us your suggestions for next week’s fit check! (unless you want to see more football kits)

From the bench
🗞️ In case you were injured:

  • Gukesh Dommaraju won the World Chess Championship, beating his opponent Ding Liren 7½ to 6½. And he’s just 18.

  • Three-time Canadian Olympic gold medalist Summer McIntosh set two world records this week. And she’s just 18.

🎯 In over-time:

  • A college student who wore sports jerseys every day received a year’s supply worth of them.

  • A baseball player realized that he nearly stole the dog’s job.

📊 Analyst’s Corner: Recognition vs Understanding

  • Survey findings show, 59% of sports enthusiasts have heard of padel, while 39% understand what the sport is all about

  • Pickleball however is only recognised by 38% of sports fans with only 15% of fans grasping its concept

  • This suggests that Pickleball is still a relatively new phenomenon outside of the United States, giving Padel the edge globally.

Well, I know you enjoyed reading The Gameplan, so please consider forwarding it to at least 3 of your friends or family!

Also, the algorithm would really appreciate it if you reply to this or email us at [email protected] with anything.

Cheers,
Wahaab (brother #1)

Because brother #2 is on vacation this week.

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