At its core, Padel is simply another racquet sport that’s a little like squash and a lot like tennis—so if you have ever picked up a tennis racquet, you are halfway there already.
However, one might wonder: What’s new about this particular game that the other dozen racquet sports don’t have?
Rules are different, and so are equipment, but that’s not the kicker. So, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane to learn the reason for its advent and what goes behind the popularity of this “relatively” new kid on the block.
Padel History
Enrique Corcuera, a Mexican businessman with a penchant for tennis, visited the US and fell head over heels for Paddle tennis there. However he had a little bit of land back home, which he couldn’t quite fit a tennis court onto. So, he did what any brilliant business mind would do—he entrepreneured his way into it by taking chunks of paddle tennis, tossed in some squash, and voilà! He cooked up padel in 1969, a sport that kept the plants out and the ball in play, all while strategically keeping the game fun.
Why is Padel becoming popular in the US?
Because Cristiano Ronaldo and his wife are spotted training for it!
However, that’s not how Padel gained its traction initially; it's a social sport (Played primarily in doubles) with a low learning curve and low impact on the body compared to conventional paddle tennis, where you have to sprint far left and right chasing a ball—the walls keep the action close
Basically, Padel is a threat to tennis when it comes to the audience who want to pick up a racquet and start having fun in their very first game because the court is smaller, rallies last longer, and it is physically less demanding. This makes it a great leisure sport or a workout for all age groups and skill levels.
Padel Courts and Equipment
Now, let’s strip everything about Padel to its basic core for a better understanding of this game.
Padel Court is just a mini tennis court surrounded by walls. A standard padel court measures about one-third the size of a tennis court.
The court surface is usually synthetic turf and lightly sanded to provide a grip. The net is kept slightly lower than a tennis net, at 88cm, so expect fast, flat shots. The back and side walls are made of glass or mesh, allowing you to bounce balls off them. This helps keep the game fluid, as instead of running to the far corners of the court, you can use the walls to keep the game close and your heart racing!
As for equipment, you don’t need to buy a ton of gear upfront; getting started with Padel is relatively economical; you need to invest in 3 things or could rent them at a pro shop to get the hang of it:
The Racquet:
Padel racquets are made of composite materials like carbon fiber and foam. They have a perforated surface, are lightweight and compact, and are designed for controlled power. Padel racquets do come in different shapes, but that’s something for newbienewbie++, so let’s skip this detail for now.
The Ball: Padel balls are simply tennis balls with a little less pressure to reduce their bounce, making them more manageable on the smaller court.
Shoes:
You’ll need to pick shoes that provide grip on sandy turf, but there are no hard and fast rules; you can even use regular sneakers while trying out the game.
How to Play Padel? Basic Rules and Scoring
Padel’s rules are pretty simple, especially if you're familiar with tennis. But here are the basics to get you started:
Serving:
You serve underhand, bouncing the ball off the ground first, and aim to hit it diagonally into the opposite service box. If the ball hits the back wall after landing, you’re still in the game, but if it hits the fence first, it’s out.
Scoring:
It’s a scoring system similar to tennis: "love," 15, 30, and 40, and you need to win by at least 2 points. But here’s the kicker—matches are usually best of three sets, with six games needed to win a set, so prepare for a social showdown!
Padel Tips for Beginners to Get Started
So, you’ve binged watched the padel, got your gear, you know the rules, and you’re ready to hit the court then here are a few tips to help you make a smooth transition from the sidelines to the action:
- Master the continental grip; it is your best friend in Padel. Hold the racket as if you're shaking hands, allowing you to hit forehands, backhands, and volleys without switching grips. For flat shots, you can master Eastern Grip next.
- Since Padel is a social sport, communication is key. Padel is a doubles game at heart, and working well with your partner can turn a losing streak into a win. Decide who will cover the forehand and backhand sides before each point.
- The ball bouncing off the walls can be confusing for beginners, but with some practice, you’ll learn to anticipate and use it to your advantage. Aim your shots so that they come off the glass in ways your opponents can’t easily return.
Where to Play Padel? Events & Tournaments
Finding a Padel court is as easy as pie—check out local directories such as AAZ Stores to find top Padel locations near you. Many clubs offer beginner clinics, coaching sessions, and drop-in games where you can meet fellow enthusiasts.
Padel is as social as it is sporty, so don’t shy away from joining any designated groups!