If you’ve been hearing the word padel everywhere lately and wondering what the hype is all about, you’re not alone. From Europe to the UK and beyond, this exciting racket sport is quickly becoming a favourite for players of all ages. But what is Padel, and why is it growing so fast?
What Is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and wire mesh. It combines the best elements of tennis and squash, creating a fast, social, and highly addictive game.
Unlike tennis, the walls are part of the game. The ball can bounce off the back and side glass walls and still be played, adding an exciting strategic twist. Padel is easy to learn, fun from the first session, and suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
History and Origin of Padel
Padel was invented in 1969 in Mexico by Enrique Corcuera. He built the first padel court at his home in Acapulco by modifying a smaller tennis-style court and enclosing it with walls to keep the ball in play.
The sport later made its way to Spain, where it exploded in popularity. Today, Spain is considered the heart of professional padel, and the sport is now played in over 90 countries worldwide, including the UK, Argentina, and the USA.
Padel Court Size and Layout
One of the main reasons padel is easier to play than tennis is the court size.
- Court size: 10 meters wide × 20 meters long
- Smaller than a tennis court
- Enclosed by glass walls and wire mesh
- Divided by a net
- Designed for doubles play only
The enclosed court keeps rallies going longer, making the game more engaging and social.
How Is Padel Played?
Padel follows a simple structure that feels familiar to tennis players, but with some key differences.
Serving Rules
- Serves are underarm only
- The ball must bounce once before being hit
- The serve must be hit below waist height
- Served diagonally into the opponent’s service box
Scoring System
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:
- 15 – 30 – 40 – Game
- Deuce at 40–40
- Matches are usually best of three sets
What Equipment Is Used in Padel?
Padel equipment is simple and beginner-friendly.
Padel Racket
- Solid (no strings)
- Made from composite materials
- Lighter and easier to control than tennis rackets
Padel Balls
- Similar to tennis balls
- Slightly lower pressure for better control
Padel Clothing
There’s no strict dress code. Players usually wear:
- Breathable sports shirts
- Shorts, skirts, or leggings
- Tennis or padel shoes for grip and stability
Padel vs Tennis: What’s the Difference?
While padel and tennis share similarities, they are very different sports.
| Feature | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | Smaller | Larger |
| Serve | Underarm | Overarm |
| Walls | Used in play | Not used |
| Difficulty | Easier for beginners | Steeper learning curve |
| Gameplay | More tactical | More power-based |
Many players find padel more enjoyable because it’s easier to rally and more social.
Is Padel a Good Workout?
Absolutely. Padel is a low-impact, high-energy workout that improves:
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Reflexes and coordination
- Agility and balance
- Teamwork and communication
Because it’s played in doubles and on a smaller court, padel is easier on the joints while still delivering a great full-body workout.
Why Is Padel So Popular?
Padel’s popularity comes down to a few key reasons:
- Easy to learn for beginners
- Fun and social (always doubles)
- Fast-paced but less physically demanding than tennis
- Suitable for all ages
- Short learning curve and instant enjoyment
These factors have made padel the fastest-growing sport in Europe.
Is Padel a Professional Sport?
Yes. Padel is governed by the International Padel Federation (FIP), founded in 1991. The World Padel Tour is the top professional competition, featuring elite players from around the world.
While padel is not yet an Olympic sport, its rapid growth suggests that Olympic inclusion could happen in the future.
Who Can Play Padel?
Padel is for everyone:
- Beginners with no racket experience
- Tennis or squash players
- Kids, adults, and seniors
- Casual players or competitive athletes
You don’t need any prior experience — just turn up and play.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Padel?
If you’re looking for a fun, social, and energetic sport that doesn’t take years to master, padel is a perfect choice. Now that you know what is Padel, the best next step is simple: find a court near you and give it a try.
You might just discover your new favourite sport.
FAQs
What is the difference between padel and pickleball?
Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed court with glass walls that can be used during play, while pickleball is played on an open court without walls. Padel uses a solid racket and low-pressure balls, whereas pickleball uses a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. Padel is generally faster and more tactical, while pickleball is slower and more controlled.
What is padel called in the US?
In the United States, the sport is commonly called padel or padel tennis. However, it is often confused with platform tennis or paddle tennis, which are different sports.
Why is padel so popular now?
Padel is popular because it is easy to learn, highly social, and fun from the first game. The smaller court, doubles format, and use of walls make rallies longer and more exciting. Its growth has been boosted by celebrity interest, urban court installations, and strong promotion in Europe.
Why is padel not popular in the USA?
Padel is less popular in the USA mainly due to limited court availability, strong competition from tennis and pickleball, and lower media exposure. However, padel is growing rapidly in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.
Is padel closer to tennis or pickleball?
Padel is closer to tennis. It uses tennis-style scoring, similar balls, and rackets, but adds walls like squash. Pickleball is more distinct due to its plastic ball, slower pace, and different court style.
What is the 40-40 rule in padel?
40-40 in padel is called deuce, just like in tennis. A team must win two consecutive points after deuce to win the game, unless the competition uses a golden point, where the next point decides the game.
What is the #1 hardest sport in the world?
There is no single official answer, but sports like boxing, gymnastics, ice hockey, and water polo are often ranked among the hardest due to their physical, technical, and mental demands.
What is harder, tennis or paddle?
Tennis is harder than padel for most beginners. Tennis requires more power, technique, and physical endurance, while padel is easier to pick up and more forgiving due to the enclosed court and slower ball speed.
Is padel as noisy as pickleball?
No, padel is significantly quieter than pickleball. Padel balls and rackets produce a softer sound, while pickleball’s plastic ball creates a sharp, repetitive noise that many communities find disruptive.
What are the basic rules of padel?
Padel is played in doubles with underarm serves, tennis-style scoring, and the use of walls after the ball bounces on your side. The ball must bounce once before hitting the walls, and volleys are allowed except on the serve.