Padel, a sport that started in Mexico and became popular in Spain and Argentina, has become one of the world’s quickest-spreading games. It draws players of every age and ability.
The game stands out with its particular court layout. Glass walls and metal mesh create a unique playing space that’s easy to pick up but hard to excel at.
What is Padel? Let’s dive into that now.
This article will give you a good grasp of how the sport works, whether you’re new to it or an experienced player looking to improve.
What Is Padel? A Brief History
Padel began in 1969 in Acapulco Mexico. Enrique Corcuera had limited space and built a smaller tennis court with walls. This design took inspiration from paddle tennis and set the stage for the sport we play today.

The game spread fast, reaching Spain and Argentina in 1974, where it grew in popularity.
In the last ten years, Padel has taken the world by storm. It’s become a hit in Europe, especially in Spain. The country now has over 20,000 courts, and about six million people play the sport.
The sport has grown beyond Europe and South America, now making its way into Gulf countries and the United States. This quick spread has transformed Padel from a small-scale game to a global hit, drawing in players and fans worldwide.
The Padel Court
The padel court is a one-of-a-kind playing space that makes this sport different from other racket games. Its special design mixes parts of tennis and squash, creating an exciting and lively place to play.
Court Dimensions
The 20-meter by 10-meter court size makes the game fast and allows players to switch. It’s half as big as a tennis court. A net splits the court, with a service line about 6.95 meters from it.
Walls and Enclosures
You play Padel in an enclosed court, and the walls around the court stand out as a key Padel feature. Players can use these walls to their benefit during matches. The back wall reaches 4 meters high, with a solid bottom 3 meters and a wire net for the top meter.
The side walls have a stepped design. The first section is 3 meters high and 2 meters long, and the second is 2 meters high and 2 meters long.
Surface Types
Padel courts can have different playing surfaces, but artificial turf is the most common choice. This surface drains well and offers a good mix of speed and control.
Equipment for Padel
You need some essential equipment to play Padel. Using the below will set you in good stead.

Padel Rackets
Padel rackets differ from tennis rackets. They are solid and have no strings, with holes in the surface to reduce air resistance. This design gives players better control and makes the rackets easier for new players to use. The solid surface helps players hit with power while keeping their shots accurate.
Padel Balls
Padel balls look like tennis balls but have a few main differences. They’re a bit smaller and have less air inside, which changes how they bounce and move during play. The lower pressure in these balls makes them go slower and gives players more control, fitting well with the game’s focus on strategy.
Footwear
The shoes you pick can make a big difference in how well you play and how safe you are on a padel court. Padel shoes are made to grip well on the fake grass that’s often used on padel courts.
These shoes are key to helping you change direction and softening the impact on your joints when you move.
Padel Rules and Scoring System
Below are some of the basic rules to get you started with a game of padel.
Serving Rules
In Padel, each game starts with a serve. The server stands behind the service line and hits the ball underhand. The ball must bounce on the server’s side before it crosses the net into the opponent’s service box.
The server must hit the ball below their waist, keeping at least one foot on the ground. If the first serve fails, the server gets another try. If both serve fail, the receiving team wins the point.
Gameplay Basics
Padel matches have two players on each team. After the serve, players can hit the ball off the walls or fence, adding a new layer of strategy to the game.
Players need to hit the ball after it bounces once on their side but before it bounces twice. The ball is out of play if it hits the walls or fence before it bounces on the ground.
Scoring Method
Padel has a scoring system that resembles tennis. Points go up as 15, 30, 40, and game. Teams reaching 40 points each result in a “deuce”. To win the game from a deuce, a team must score two points in a row.
The set goes to the first team that wins six games and has a lead of two. If teams tie at 6-6, they play a tiebreaker to decide the winner. Most matches consist of the best of three sets.
The Bottom Line
Padel has left its mark on sports. It mixes parts of tennis and squash to create something new and fun. Its quick spread across Europe, South America, and other places shows how much people like it.
The game is easy to pick up but hard to master. This mix draws in all kinds of players, from those who just want to have fun to serious athletes who compete.
As Padel grows more popular worldwide, it creates fresh chances for people to socialise, get fit, and compete. The game’s unique court layout, special gear, and simple rules mean you can start playing, but it takes time to get good.
So after asking the question, what is Padel? You might find that Padel is the answer if you want a fun way to stay active or try a new competitive sport.
FAQ’s
What is Padel?
Padel blends tennis and squash into a lively racquet sport. Players compete on a compact court surrounded by glass walls and metal mesh. These surfaces come into play during matches. The game involves four people, with two on each side.
Players use solid racquets without strings. Padel started in Mexico and has caught on worldwide. People love it because it’s easy to pick up, social, and thrilling to play.
Why is Padel so popular now?
Padel’s recent popularity boom stems from several reasons. It’s simple to pick up but tough to excel at drawing players of all abilities.
The compact court and wall create a lively, quick game that’s enjoyable to play and watch. Padel’s social side, as people often play it in pairs, has helped it grow. Famous people and pro athletes backing the sport have raised its profile even more.
What’s the difference between Tennis and Padel?
Padel and tennis are racquet sports, but they have some notable differences. Padel is on a compact enclosed court with walls contributing to the game. Tennis uses strung racquets, but Padel relies on solid ones without strings.
The scoring in Padel mirrors tennis, yet the serve happens underhand. Padel games tend to move quicker, with brief rallies focusing on tactics and court position instead of raw power.
What gear do I need to play Padel?
To play Padel, you need a Padel racquet (also called a paddle) that’s solid and has no strings. You also need padel balls, which look like tennis balls but have less air inside. It’s a good idea to wear comfy sports clothes and shoes that won’t leave marks on the court.
Most places where you can play Padel have gear for beginners, so you can often try the sport before you buy your own gear.
Is Padel easier than tennis?
Lots of folks find it easier to get started with Padel than tennis. The court is smaller, you serve underhand, and there are walls to play off, which makes it more forgiving for newbies. But don’t be fooled – to get good at Padel, you need skill and smart tactics.
The enclosed court changes things up, emphasising where you place the ball and your strategy rather than just hitting it hard. So, when asking the question, what is padel? You may find you pick up Padel quicker at first, getting good at either sport takes a lot of hard work and practice.
What is Padel’s court layout?
A padel court is rectangular, measuring 10 meters in width and 20 meters in length. A net splits it down the middle, and walls surround it.
These walls consist of glass and metallic mesh. Players use these walls during games. On each side, service lines sit 6.95 meters from the net. The court features two service boxes on both sides. The back walls stand 4 meters tall. Side walls reach 3 meters in height and slope down to 2 meters.
Looking to play Padel? Check out the best places to play in the UK & US.