What Is Padel? A Beginner’s Guide to the World’s Fastest-Growing Racket Sport

If you've definitely heard the buzz about padel and are curious to know more, you're not alone. Padel is capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts worldwide, blending the best elements of tennis and squash into a dynamic and accessible game. This beginner's guide will explore the origins of padel, delve into its basic gameplay and rules, and reveal why it has become one of the fastest-growing racket sports globally.

Where Padel Comes From: A Look at Its History

Padel originated in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, thanks to the ingenuity of Enrique Corcuera. With limited space at his home, Corcuera modified his squash court by adding walls and a net, creating a new sport he called "Paddle Corcuera." This hybrid game combined elements of tennis and squash, utilizing solid paddles and a smaller court enclosed by walls.

The sport caught the attention of Spanish businessman Alfonso de Hohenlohe, who introduced padel to Spain in the 1970s by building the first two courts at the Marbella Club. Padel's popularity skyrocketed in Spain, becoming a social staple and spreading throughout Europe. Argentina also embraced padel enthusiastically in the 1980s, making it a national pastime.

Today, padel boasts 30+ millions of players worldwide, with a particularly strong presence in Europe and Latin America, but also experiencing rapid growth in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

(first padel court ever)

How Padel Is Played: The Rules and Scoring Explained

The Court and Equipment

Padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court measuring 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. The court features glass or solid walls at the back and sides, which are integral to the game's play. The net divides the court into two halves, standing at 88 centimeters high in the center.

Players use solid, stringless rackets made of composite materials with perforations to reduce air resistance. These rackets are shorter and thicker than tennis rackets, providing control and maneuverability. The balls used are similar to tennis balls but with slightly less pressure, resulting in lower bounce and longer rallies.

Serving and Starting Play

The game begins with an underhand serve from the right service court, hit diagonally into the opponent's service box. The server must let the ball bounce once before making contact and must strike the ball below waist height. If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service box, a let is called, and the serve is retaken.

Rallying and Scoring

Once the ball is in play, the rules resemble those of tennis, with players aiming to hit the ball over the net into the opponent's court. However, padel introduces the unique element of wall play. After the ball bounces on the court, it can rebound off the glass walls before being returned, adding a strategic dimension to the game. Players can also use their own walls to return shots, creating opportunities for creative plays.

The scoring system mirrors tennis: points progress from love (0), 15, 30, 40, and game, with deuce and advantage (or golden point) applying when necessary. Matches are typically best of three sets, with a set won by the first team to reach six games with at least a two-game margin.

Key Rules to Remember

• Ball Bounce: The ball must bounce on the court before hitting any wall. Direct shots off the walls without a bounce are considered out.

• Net Play: Players cannot touch the net or cross into the opponent's court during play.

• Serving Faults: Two consecutive serving faults result in the loss of the point, similar to tennis.

Why Padel Is Taking the World by Storm

Accessibility and Ease of Learning

Padel's rapid growth is largely due to its accessibility. The sport has a gentle learning curve, allowing newcomers to grasp the basics quickly and enjoy the game from the first session. The smaller court size and slower ball speed compared to tennis mean that rallies last longer, providing a satisfying experience even for beginners.

Social Interaction

Padel is inherently social, typically played in doubles. This format encourages communication, teamwork, and camaraderie among players. The inclusive nature of the sport makes it a popular choice for families, friends, and corporate team-building activities. The communal atmosphere at padel clubs often extends beyond the court, fostering a vibrant social scene.

Strategic Depth and Enjoyment

While easy to pick up, padel offers significant strategic depth for those looking to improve their skills. The use of walls introduces complex angles and shot selections, requiring players to think tactically. Mastery involves a blend of placement, timing, and anticipation, keeping the game engaging and challenging at all levels of play.

Health and Fitness Benefits

Padel provides a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, agility, and coordination. The sport promotes quick reflexes and sharpens mental acuity due to the strategic elements of wall play. Because it emphasizes skill over raw power, padel is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it an excellent option for maintaining an active lifestyle.

Growing Infrastructure and Community

The increasing number of padel courts worldwide has made the sport more accessible than ever. Urban areas are embracing padel due to its space-efficient courts and the ability to attract a broad demographic. The rise of professional padel circuits and international tournaments has also heightened the sport's profile, inspiring new players to pick up a racket.

Celebrity Endorsements and Media Exposure

High-profile athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal & Max Verstappen, and celebrities have taken up padel, bringing additional attention to the sport. Their endorsements and social media posts have introduced padel to wider audiences, contributing to its global appeal.

What You Need to Start Playing Padel (Racket, Shoes & More)

Equipment

• Padel Racket: Invest in a beginner-friendly racket that offers control and a comfortable grip.

• Padel overgrip: Use an overgrip (or padel surgrip) to enhance your racket control and absorb sweat for a better grip during play.

• Balls: Padel-specific balls are recommended for optimal play, available at most sporting goods stores.

• Attire: Wear comfortable sports clothing and non-marking athletic shoes suitable for court play.

Finding a Court and Community

• Local Clubs: Search for padel clubs or sports centers in your area that offer court rentals and coaching.

• Lessons and Clinics: Many clubs provide lessons for beginners, which is a great way to learn fundamentals and meet other players.

• Online Communities: Join local padel groups on social media to connect with players and stay informed about events and leagues.

• Apps: Playtomic is one of the most used apps to find clubs, book courts & look for same-level players

Padel offers a unique blend of simplicity, excitement, and social interaction that appeals to a wide range of players. Its origins rooted in creativity have blossomed into a sport that is enjoyed by millions around the world. Whether you're seeking a new way to stay active, looking to expand your social circle, or aiming to engage in a sport that's easy to learn yet challenging to master, padel has something to offer.

So grab a racket, find a local court, and experience firsthand what makes padel one of the fastest-growing sports today. You might just find your new favorite pastime.