Key Takeaways
- Padel sport blends tennis and squash on a compact 20×10 m court with glass and mesh walls that keep the ball in play after one bounce.
- Most matches are doubles; scoring mirrors tennis (15-30-40, sets to 6 with tiebreaks) and serves are underhand below waist height.
- Equipment includes a solid, perforated racket (no strings) and a slightly lower‑pressure ball for controlled speed and longer rallies.
- Tactics favor placement, lobs, and coordinated net play, using wall rebounds for defense, resets, and counterattacks.
- Fast learning curve and social format make padel a beginner-friendly, low‑impact workout with cardiovascular, agility, and coordination benefits.
- Getting started is simple: find local courts via FIP/Playtomic, join beginner socials, and start with a round-head racket, proper shoes, and padel balls.
Padel feels like tennis met squash and decided to throw a party. I play on a small court with glass walls and a net in the middle. I use a solid racket not strings. The ball stays in play after it hits the walls so rallies get wild and fun.
Most games run as doubles so I always feel part of a team. The rules are simple and the learning curve feels gentle. I can rally on day one yet still chase new skills for years.
If you want a social workout with quick points and loads of laughs padel delivers. I will walk you through what sets it apart how it works and why so many people fall for it fast.
What Is Padel Sport?
Padel sport is a racket game that blends tennis pace and squash walls on a compact court with social doubles play.
- Court uses enclosed glass and mesh walls that keep the ball in play after one ground bounce.
- Format favors doubles teams of two players for continuous rallies and clear positioning.
- Serve uses an underhand action below waist height with at least one foot behind the service line.
- Scoring mirrors tennis games and sets with tiebreaks at six games all.
- Racket features a perforated solid face without strings for controlled power and low vibration.
- Ball matches tennis size with slightly lower pressure for moderated speed and longer exchanges.
- Walls permit tactical rebounds after the initial court bounce for defense and counterattacks.
- Tactics reward placement over raw power on the small court with coordinated net play.
Numbers and specs
| Element | Measure | Standard | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court length | 20 m | Doubles | International Padel Federation Rulebook 2023 |
| Court width | 10 m | Doubles | International Padel Federation Rulebook 2023 |
| Net height center | 0.88 m | Center point | International Padel Federation Rulebook 2023 |
| Racket thickness | ≤ 38 mm | Maximum | International Padel Federation Rulebook 2023 |
| Racket length | ≤ 45.5 cm | Maximum | International Padel Federation Rulebook 2023 |
| Ball diameter | 6.35–6.77 cm | Range | International Padel Federation Rulebook 2023 |
| Ball rebound | 135–145 cm | From 2.54 m drop | International Padel Federation Rulebook 2023 |
- Play starts with a diagonal serve from the right box in even games and from the left box in odd games.
- Let occurs on net contact with a good bounce and the point restarts without penalty.
- Fault occurs on a serve that hits the wire fence before the court after the bounce.
- Out occurs on a direct wall hit without a prior ground bounce on the correct side.
Sources: International Padel Federation Rulebook 2023, Lawn Tennis Association Padel guidance 2024, United States Padel Association rules overview 2024.
A Brief History And Rise In Popularity
Padel sport history starts in 1969 in Acapulco when Enrique Corcuera enclosed a small tennis court and defined the rules. Spain adopted the game in 1974 in Marbella through Alfonso de Hohenlohe, then Argentina picked it up in the late 1970s. Global governance formed in 1991 with the International Padel Federation in Madrid.
| Year | Event | Region | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | First court built by Enrique Corcuera | Mexico | International Padel Federation |
| 1974 | First Spanish courts opened by Alfonso de Hohenlohe | Spain | International Padel Federation |
| 1991 | International Padel Federation founded | Global | International Padel Federation |
| 2013 | World Padel Tour launched | Global | World Padel Tour |
| 2022 | Premier Padel tour launched by FIP and QSI | Global | International Padel Federation |
| 2024 | FIP membership passed 90 national federations | Global | International Padel Federation |
Padel sport popularity accelerated in Spain during the 2000s then expanded across Europe and the Middle East from 2015. Spain reported about 6.1 million participants in 2022, with frequent and occasional players combined, according to Statista. The UK passed 400 public courts by 2024, according to the Lawn Tennis Association. FIP reported over 90 national member federations in 2024, which signals broad institutional adoption.
- Accessible play, padel sport basics
- Accessible entry attracts beginners, children and older adults. I see clubs run intro sessions, social mixers and family programs.
- Social doubles, padel sport community
- Social formats drive retention through doubles, ladders and leagues. I join weeknight leagues, morning ladders and mixed socials.
- Compact venues, padel sport courts
- Compact courts fit urban sites, rooftops and warehouses. I book city clubs, mall complexes and converted hangars.
- Spectator-ready action, padel sport rallies
- Spectator angles grow streaming on YouTube, Twitch and TV. I follow World Padel Tour streams, Premier Padel broadcasts and national finals.
- Investment-led growth, padel sport facilities
- Investment from operators, federations and brands accelerates builds. I track We Are Padel, Padel Haus and Rackets Academy openings.
I link this rise to the gameplay you read earlier, because walls, underhand serves and doubles create long rallies that entertain new players and fans.
- International Padel Federation, History and Governance, 1991 to 2024, www.padelfip.com
- World Padel Tour, Tour Overview, 2013 to 2023, www.worldpadeltour.com
- Statista, Number of padel players in Spain, 2022, www.statista.com
- Lawn Tennis Association, Padel facility map and participation updates, 2024, www.lta.org.uk
How The Game Is Played
I play padel as a doubles game on a 20×10 court with glass and mesh walls that keep rallies alive. I use placement and walls to control points, not sheer power.
Court And Equipment Basics
I step onto a compact court with fixed specs under International Padel Federation rules.
- Dimensions, net, and walls
- Court uses 20×10 meters with enclosed glass and mesh walls
- Net sits at 0.88 meters in the center per FIP rules
- Walls stay live after the first bounce
- Racket and ball
- Racket features a solid, perforated face with no strings
- Ball mirrors tennis size with slightly lower pressure for controlled bounce
Numbers at a glance:
| Item | Spec | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Court length | 20 m | FIP Rules |
| Court width | 10 m | FIP Rules |
| Net height center | 0.88 m | FIP Rules |
| Players | 2 vs 2 | FIP Rules |
Source: International Padel Federation, Official Rules of Padel, 2023.
Rules, Scoring, And Serving
I score games like tennis with padel specific service rules that shape each rally.
- Scoring and sets
- Scoring follows 15, 30, 40, game with deuce advantage
- Sets reach 6 games with a tiebreak at 6–6
- Matches often run best of 3 sets under FIP events
- In or out via glass and mesh
- Ball stays in after bouncing once on court and then hitting walls
- Ball goes out if it hits mesh or glass directly before the first bounce
- Ball ends the point if it bounces twice or leaves the court without a legal return
- Serve mechanics
- Serve starts with one bounce behind the service line and below waist contact
- Serve lands diagonally in the opposite service box beyond the service line
- Serve allows 2 attempts and a let replay if it clips the net and lands good
- Serve cannot touch the side wall before bouncing in the box
Source: International Padel Federation, Official Rules of Padel, 2023.
Fundamental Shots And Strategy
I build points with control first and pace second to exploit the padel sport walls.
- Control the net
- Move forward after deep returns
- Hold the middle to cut angles
- Reset with a lob when under pressure
- Use the walls
- Read rebounds off glass for time
- Play the chiquita low to the feet
- Defend with a bajada after wall bounce
- Mix core shots
- Serve soft to the body or T
- Return deep to push opponents back
- Volley compact with a stable base
- Slice a bandeja to recover the net
- Rip a víbora with side spin to the corner
- Smash flat when the ball sits high
- Lob high with margin over both players
Source: Federación Internacional de Pádel, Coaching materials and rules overview, 2023.
Padel Vs. Tennis And Pickleball
I compare padel to tennis and pickleball to frame rules, spaces, and gear. I keep the focus on playability and what I feel on court.
Key Similarities
- Scoring: I play games, sets, and tiebreaks in padel and tennis, per IPF and ITF formats.
- Doubles: I see doubles as the dominant format in all three sports, for example club play and leagues.
- Net-play: I fight for the net in each sport, since volley control drives points.
- Rallies: I build points with placement over power across all three, for example lobs and drop shots.
- Footwork: I use split steps and lateral recovery in each sport to hold balance.
- Serve-start: I begin points with a serve in each sport, then I shape the third shot or return.
Important Differences
- Courts: I play padel inside glass and mesh walls, tennis on open rectangles, pickleball on small open rectangles.
- Dimensions: I cover less ground in padel and pickleball than in tennis, which changes coverage and pace.
- Nets: I hit over a lower net in padel than in tennis, and a similar but slightly lower net in pickleball.
- Equipment: I swing a solid perforated padel racket, a strung tennis racket, and a composite pickleball paddle.
- Walls: I use rebounds off glass in padel, while tennis and pickleball call balls dead off fences.
- Serves: I serve underhand below waist in padel, I choose overhand in tennis, I serve underhand in pickleball, per IPF, ITF, and USA Pickleball rules.
- Scoring: I score like tennis in padel, while pickleball uses side-out scoring to 11 in most formats, per USA Pickleball.
| Feature | Padel | Tennis | Pickleball | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20 m x 10 m | 23.77 m x 10.97 m (doubles) | 13.41 m x 6.10 m | IPF, ITF, USA Pickleball |
| Net height center | 0.88 m | 0.914 m | 0.86 m | IPF, ITF, USA Pickleball |
| Serve style | Underhand, below waist, 2 bounces allowed on walls after serve return play begins | Overhand or underhand, toss required | Underhand, contact below waist | IPF, ITF, USA Pickleball |
| Primary format | Doubles | Singles and doubles | Doubles | IPF, ITF, USA Pickleball |
Benefits Of Playing Padel
- Builds my cardiovascular fitness through steady, repeatable rallies on a small court, with match play eliciting moderate-to-vigorous intensity in padel sport contexts (Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez et al., 2014).
- Improves my muscular endurance in legs, core, and shoulders through lunges, rotations, and overheads, with examples like volleys, bandejas, and smashes in padel sport play (Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez et al., 2014).
- Enhances my agility and balance with quick first steps, wall rebounds, and split steps, with examples like glass resets and off-the-fence recoveries in padel sport exchanges (Courel‑Ibáñez et al., 2017).
- Boosts my cognitive skills via anticipation, decision speed, and spatial awareness, with examples like screen reads and positional switches in padel sport strategy (Ludyga et al., 2020).
- Encourages my social connection and adherence because doubles formats promote interaction, with examples like club ladders and social mixers in padel sport communities (CDC, 2018).
- Reduces my joint impact compared with many overhand-serve sports, due to underhand serving and shorter sprints, with examples like compact steps and partial jumps in padel sport movement (Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez et al., 2014).
- Supports my weight management through sustained energy expenditure, with examples like 60–90 minute matches and back-to-back sets in padel sport sessions (Ainsworth et al., 2011; Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez et al., 2014).
- Extends my long-term health prospects consistent with racquet sport evidence linking regular play to lower all‑cause mortality, with examples like weekly league play and coached drills in padel sport routines (Oja et al., 2017).
- Broadens my skill transfer for tennis and pickleball through touch, volleys, and lobs, with examples like soft resets and deep corner lobs in padel sport drills.
| Metric or outcome | Typical value or finding | Context | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular load | 70–80% HRmax during match play | Competitive and training sessions | Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez et al., 2014 |
| Intensity estimate | 5–7 METs, moderate-to-vigorous | On-court play in adults | Ainsworth et al., 2011; Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez et al., 2014 |
| Injury profile | Lower limb most common, 40–55% of cases | Recreational and competitive cohorts | Priego-Quesada et al., 2020 |
| Injury profile | Overuse mechanisms frequent, 40–50% of cases | Tendinopathy and muscle overload | Priego-Quesada et al., 2020 |
| Social and adherence | Group activity improves participation and well-being | Adults in community settings | CDC Physical Activity Guidelines, 2018 |
| Longevity association | Racquet sports linked to lower mortality risk | Large cohort, multi-sport analysis | Oja et al., BJSM, 2017 |
- Ainsworth BE et al. 2011. Compendium of Physical Activities.
- CDC. 2018. Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report.
- Courel‑Ibáñez J et al. 2017. Match dynamics in padel. Int J Perf Anal Sport.
- Ludyga S et al. 2020. Acute and chronic exercise effects on cognition. Sports Med.
- Oja P et al. 2017. Specific sports and mortality. Br J Sports Med.
- Priego-Quesada JI et al. 2020. Injury profile in padel. Int J Environ Res Public Health.
- Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez BJ et al. 2014. Physiological response and match analysis in padel.
Who Should Try Padel
- Beginners in racquet sports find fast progress on the 20×10 m court, with forgiving glass walls and an underhand serve [Source: International Padel Federation].
- Tennis players seeking variety gain longer rallies and tactical wall play, with lower peak impact loads than serves and overheads in tennis [Source: Sánchez-Alcaraz et al., Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020].
- Pickleball and squash players adapt quickly, using compact swings, quick footwork, and rebound timing.
- Kids aged 8–16 build coordination and teamwork through doubles formats and structured drills [Source: FIP Development Programs].
- Adults aged 18–65 improve aerobic fitness and agility through moderate to vigorous sessions and match play [Source: ACSM Guidelines 2021].
- Older adults aged 65+ favor low-impact movement and social play that supports adherence and balance training [Source: WHO Physical Activity Guidelines 2020].
- Social exercisers prefer doubles formats, club ladders, and mixed-level sessions, for example open play or cardio padel classes.
- Return-to-sport athletes progress footwork, reaction time, and trunk control, if a clinician clears activity first.
- Corporate groups and schools use easy rules and short learning curves for inclusive events and PE modules [Source: FIP Schools Toolkit].
- Community clubs expand participation with limited space, since padel courts fit dense facilities and drive group bookings.
| Group | Typical format | Primary benefits | Intensity range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Doubles lessons | Skill acquisition, confidence, enjoyment | 5–7 METs |
| Tennis or squash players | Match play | Tactical variety, long rallies, lower impact | 5–7 METs |
| Kids 8–16 | Games and drills | Motor skills, teamwork, adherence | 4–6 METs |
| Adults 18–65 | Leagues and socials | Cardiovascular fitness, agility, weight control | 5–7 METs |
| Older adults 65+ | Social doubles | Balance, coordination, low joint stress | 4–6 METs |
- International Padel Federation. Rules and Development Resources. https://www.padelfip.com
- Sánchez-Alcaraz BJ et al. Physical and physiological response in padel. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134759
- American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 2021.
- World Health Organization. Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. 2020. https://www.who.int
- FIP Schools Toolkit. https://www.padelfip.com/development/
How To Get Started
I start simple and stay consistent. I add partners and structure once I’ve got the basics.
Finding Courts And Partners
- Find courts via the FIP club map, Playtomic, or local clubs, for example FIP Clubs, Playtomic, USTA facilities.
- Join social mixes at beginner levels, for example “Level 0–2.5” and “Intro to Padel”.
- Book off-peak slots if prime hours look full.
- Post match invites in apps and club groups, for example WhatsApp and Facebook.
- Rotate partners across levels if I want faster progress.
- Confirm formats for doubles play and scoring if the venue follows tennis-style sets.
Sources: International Padel Federation club directory, Playtomic court booking, USTA Facilities.
Gear Tips And Costs
- Choose a round-head racket for control if I’m new.
- Use padel balls with lower pressure than tennis for proper bounce.
- Wear padel or tennis shoes with herringbone tread for glass and turf.
- Add overgrips for tack and hygiene in warm conditions.
- Pack clear eyewear for protection on close volleys.
- Check venue rental racks if I want to test shapes, for example round and teardrop.
Specs and rules: FIP Equipment Rules.
Costs and ranges
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Racket | $60–$250 | Entry composite to advanced carbon models |
| Balls per can | $4–$6 | Padel-specific pressure and felt |
| Shoes | $70–$140 | Court tread for grip on sanded turf |
| Overgrips, 3-pack | $6–$12 | Replace after 2–4 sessions |
| Court fee per player, 90 min | $20–$40 | Varies by city and peak time |
| Group clinic, 60 min | $25–$45 | 4–6 players per coach |
| Private coaching, 60 min | $50–$120 | Experience and location drive price |
Sources: Decathlon, Head, Babolat, Playtomic price listings.
Beginner Drills And Etiquette
- Practice underhand serves to the deuce and ad boxes if I want consistency.
- Aim targets with cones in the service box if I want depth control.
- Rally crosscourt with soft volleys if I want longer exchanges.
- Feed lobs to the backglass and recover with bandeja or vibora if I want net control.
- Shadow footwork with split steps and side shuffles if I want balance at net.
- Count 20-shot wall rallies with one bounce then glass if I want timing.
- Call the score before each point and use tennis scoring if the club follows standard rules.
- Play a let on interference from another court if a ball rolls in mid point.
- Wait for a safe pause before entering a court and return stray balls along the side walls.
- Respect serve rules below waist height and diagonally into the service box.
Rules reference: FIP Rules of Padel.
Conclusion
If this sparked your curiosity then take the next step today. Book a beginner slot. Bring a friend. Keep it light and playful. The first session is all about smiles and small wins.
Set a simple goal for your first month. Show up once a week. Track your progress. Notice how your footwork and timing feel smoother with each hit.
Join a local group or message board and say hello. New partners open the door to fresh styles and fun challenges.
Stay kind to your body. Warm up. Hydrate. Rest when you need it. Most of all enjoy the ride and I will see you on court soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport that blends tennis and squash. It’s played on a smaller court (20m x 10m) enclosed by glass and mesh walls. The ball can bounce off the walls and stay in play, creating fast, exciting rallies. Matches are usually doubles, the serve is underhand, and scoring mirrors tennis. It’s beginner-friendly yet highly tactical.
How is padel different from tennis?
Padel is played on a smaller, walled court with solid, perforated rackets and an underhand serve. Walls keep the ball in play, emphasizing placement and teamwork over raw power. Scoring is the same as tennis, but rallies are longer and more strategic. Padel is typically doubles, making it more social and accessible.
How does padel compare to pickleball?
Padel uses glass walls, a net at 0.88m, solid perforated rackets, and pressurized balls. Pickleball has no walls, a non-volley “kitchen,” higher net, and polymer paddles with plastic balls. Padel favors longer rallies, wall rebounds, and doubles strategy; pickleball emphasizes quick exchanges at the kitchen line.
What are the padel court dimensions?
A standard padel court is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, enclosed by glass and mesh. The net height is 0.88 meters at the center. Side and back walls are part of play, allowing rebounds that keep rallies going and add tactical depth.
What are the basic padel rules?
- Played mainly as doubles
- Underhand serve below waist, diagonally
- One bounce allowed; walls are in play after the bounce
- Scoring like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game; tiebreak at 6–6
- No volley on the return of serve
Simple rules make it easy for beginners to start quickly.
What equipment do I need for padel?
You need a padel racket (solid, perforated face), padel balls (slightly lower pressure than tennis balls), court shoes with good lateral grip, and optional gear like overgrips, wristbands, and protective eyewear. Starter rackets are affordable, and rental options are common at clubs.
How do the walls work in padel?
After the ball bounces on your side, it may hit the walls and still be in play. You can also play the ball off your own walls to return it. Using walls effectively helps reset points, create angles, and extend rallies. Directly hitting opponents’ walls before the first bounce is out.
Is padel beginner-friendly?
Yes. The smaller court, underhand serve, and forgiving walls reduce unforced errors. Doubles format shares court coverage and encourages quick progress. Most clubs offer social mixes and beginner sessions, making it easy to learn, meet partners, and improve steadily.
What are the health benefits of padel?
Padel boosts cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, agility, balance, and reaction time. It’s lower impact on joints than many racket sports. Regular play supports weight management, improves coordination, and is linked to long-term health benefits, including reduced mortality risk through consistent, enjoyable physical activity.
Who can play padel?
Almost anyone: complete beginners, tennis and squash players transitioning sports, kids learning hand–eye skills, adults seeking social fitness, older adults wanting lower-impact activity, and corporate groups building teamwork. Formats can be mixed by level, with friendly leagues and socials for all abilities.
How do I start playing padel?
Find nearby courts via the International Padel Federation (FIP) club map, local club apps, or social groups. Book beginner socials or coaching clinics, rent a racket at first, and learn basics: underhand serve, consistent rally, and wall usage. Rotate partners and play off-peak to get more court time.
How much does padel gear cost?
Beginner rackets typically cost $50–$120; intermediate models range $120–$250. Balls are around $5–$8 per can. Court shoes suitable for padel/tennis cost $70–$150. Overgrips, a bag, and basic accessories add modestly. Many clubs rent rackets, letting you try before buying.
What shoes should I wear for padel?
Wear court shoes designed for lateral support and grip, such as tennis or padel-specific models. Look for durable outsoles that handle glass-sand court surfaces and cushioning for comfort. Running shoes are not recommended due to poor side support and increased injury risk.
What beginner drills should I practice?
- Basket serving underhand, aiming deep cross-court boxes
- Mini-rallies focusing on control, not power
- Wall rebounds: let it bounce, then play off the glass
- Volleys at the net with soft hands and placement
- Lobs and overheads to learn resetting and finishing
What’s essential padel etiquette?
Arrive on time, share court time fairly, call scores clearly, and respect line calls. Avoid walking behind courts during points. Retrieve balls safely. Keep rallies friendly in social play, and rotate partners when appropriate. Follow club rules on attire, shoes, and booking windows.
Is padel safe and low impact?
Yes. The smaller court, doubles format, and underhand serve reduce joint stress. Use proper shoes, warm up, and focus on control to prevent strains. Protective eyewear is optional but helpful. As with any sport, build volume gradually and rest if you feel pain.
Why is padel so popular now?
Padel delivers long, exciting rallies, is easy to learn, and highly social. Its growth started in Mexico, exploded in Spain in the 2000s, and spread across Europe and the Middle East. More facilities, streaming coverage, and community formats have accelerated adoption among all ages and levels.
What are basic padel tactics?
Prioritize placement over power. Win the net with consistent volleys, use lobs to regain position, and play off the walls to reset tough balls. Target opponents’ weaker side, communicate with your partner, and choose high-percentage shots to extend rallies and force errors.