Padel is a fast-growing racket sport that blends elements of both tennis and squash. Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, largely due to how social, accessible, and entertaining it is.

In padel, strategy and teamwork are more important than pure strength, making the game suitable for everyone – from beginners to seasoned professionals.

What is Padel?

Padel, sometimes called padel tennis, shares many rules and characteristics with tennis. However, the key difference is that padel is played on a court enclosed by glass and metal mesh walls, which are part of the game and create additional tactical opportunities.

How is Padel Played?

Padel is typically played in doubles, with two teams of two players competing against each other. The standard padel court measures 10 x 20 meters, but there are also single courts that are 6 x 20 meters.

One of the unique rules in padel is that the serve must always be hit underhand and bounce on the ground before reaching the opponent’s side.

Techniques and Strategies

• Shots – A mix of power, precision, and spin.
• Positioning – Being in the right place at the right time is crucial.
• Communication – Effective teamwork and strategy are key to winning.

What Equipment Do You Need to Play Padel?

One of the great advantages of padel is that it requires very little equipment. To get started, you need:

• A padel racket – Unlike a tennis racket, a padel racket has no strings but instead a solid hitting surface with perforations. There are three main shapes:
  • Round – Ideal for beginners, offering the best control.
  • Teardrop-shaped – A balanced choice for both control and power.
  • Diamond-shaped – Maximizes power but requires greater precision.
• A padel ball – Looks like a tennis ball but is slightly softer.
• Padel shoes – Designed to provide better grip and reduce injury risk.

Here you'll find all the equipment you'll need. 

Rules and Scoring System

Padel follows a scoring system similar to tennis:

• A match is played in best of 3 or 5 sets.
• A set is won when a team reaches 6 games.

Points are awarded when:

✅ The opponent misses the ball or hits it into the net.
✅ The ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side.
✅ The opponent hits the ball out of bounds or into their own fence.
✅ A player is hit by the ball.

The History and Growth of Padel

The origins of padel are debated. Some believe it was played as early as the 1920s on British cruise ships, while others claim it originated in Spain and Latin America. However, the modern version of padel, with the rules we know today, was established in 1974. Since then, it has grown exponentially worldwide.

Today, padel is one of the fastest-growing sports, with more courts, more players, and increasing global enthusiasm!