What is padel?
If you’ve seen or heard about this sport but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about, you’re not alone. Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports worldwide, combining aspects of tennis and squash into a unique, exciting game.
Played on a smaller, enclosed court, padel is accessible to all ages and skill levels, which is why it’s growing so quickly. In this blog, we’ll explain the origins, rules, equipment, and how the game is played, as well as what makes it such an enjoyable sport for so many.
Origins and Growth of Padel
History: Padel was invented in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera, who wanted to create a game for his home. The sport quickly grew in popularity in Spain and Argentina, where it remains incredibly popular today. With its fast-paced yet social nature, padel is now gaining traction in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Popularity Worldwide: The courts are increasingly available worldwide, with professional tournaments and leagues forming as the sport gains recognition. Spain is the global hub of padel, with millions of players and many clubs devoted to the sport.
Basic Rules of Padel
Serving: Serves are underhanded and must bounce in the opponent’s service box. Players alternate serves, and the serve must hit below waist height.
Scoring: The scoring system mirrors that of tennis, using “15,” “30,” and “40” points to reach a game. Players compete in sets, and the first to win six games (by at least two games) wins the set. Here is a video that explains how to play and score in padel.
Court Design and Layout
Court Dimensions: Padel courts measure 20 meters by 10 meters, surrounded by walls. These walls allow for unique rebounding shots, which add an extra dimension to padel and make it distinct from other racket sports.
Net and Dividers: A net in the centre of the court divides the two teams, similar to tennis. The height of the net is slightly lower than a tennis net, which accommodates the closer court and unique gameplay style.
Equipment Used
Rackets: Padel rackets are solid, without strings, and often have small holes for aerodynamic control. They’re smaller than tennis rackets, allowing for better manoeuvrability.
Balls: Padel balls resemble tennis balls but have slightly less bounce. This low bounce is ideal for the enclosed court and slower-paced rallies.
Gameplay and Strategy
Using Walls: One of the sport’s unique features is the use of walls. Players can bounce the ball off walls to keep the rally going, requiring quick reflexes and strategic placement.
Doubles Play: Padel is almost always played in doubles, encouraging teamwork and positioning strategy. The small court size makes doubles play both intense and accessible.
Growing in Popularity
Accessibility: Padel’s low learning curve makes it easy for players of all ages and skill levels to start. Its smaller court size and doubles format make it social and fun, appealing to both casual and serious players.
Unique Playstyle: The combination of tennis-like movements, squash-like rebounds, and team strategy makes padel uniquely engaging, adding variety to the experience
Summary
Padel is more than just a blend of tennis and squash—it’s a distinct sport with its own style and community. With its social nature, accessibility, and dynamic gameplay, it’s no wonder padel is rapidly gaining fans worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a fun new activity or a serious competitive sport, padel offers something for everyone.