What is Padel?

what is padel

Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton.

It’s played on a smaller court than traditional tennis, with walls on three sides and a glass back wall.

The ball is similar to a tennis ball but is slightly softer and has a lower bounce.

 


 

How does the scoring work?

Padel follows the same scoring system as traditional tennis, with points scored for each rally won.

A game is won by the first player or team to reach four points, with a margin of two points needed to win.

A match is typically played as the best of three or five games.

We have a full guide on how to play padel.

shaking hands after playing padel tennis

 

What are the Padel court dimensions?

Padel courts are smaller than traditional tennis courts, measuring 20 meters by 10 meters.

The walls on the sides of the court are typically around 1.8 meters high, and the glass back wall is usually 3.5 meters high.

Padel court dimensions

 

What equipment do you need to play?

To play, you will need a few basic pieces of equipment. These include:

  • Padel rackets: These are smaller and lighter than traditional tennis rackets, with a shorter handle and a larger head.
  • Padel balls: These are similar to tennis balls but are slightly softer and have a lower bounce.
  • Comfortable clothing: It’s a physical sport, so it’s important to wear clothes that will allow you to move freely.
  • Protective eyewear: This is optional but recommended, especially for beginners, as the ball can travel at high speeds and can be difficult to track.
Padel tennis racket and ball

 

What are the benefits of Padel?

There are many benefits to playing padel, both physical and social. Some of the main benefits include:

  • Low-impact exercise: The sport is a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints, making it a great option for people who want to stay active but may be limited by injuries or other physical limitations.
  • Social activity: It’s a social sport that can be enjoyed by friends and families. Many padel courts have a social area where players can gather after their games and enjoy refreshments and snacks.
  • Fun and exciting: The sport is a fast-paced and exciting sport that is sure to keep you entertained.
  • Suitable for all ages and skill levels: It can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, making it a great activity for the whole family.
two girls celebrating after a game

 

Where can you play Padel?

If you’re interested in trying it out, you can find courts at recreational centers, fitness clubs, and even private clubs.

Many communities also have local padel leagues where you can join a team and compete against other players.

 


 

Overall, its a fun and exciting sport that offers a range of physical and social benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, it’s a great way to stay active and have fun with friends and family.

View the best Padel rackets for 2023

Alfie Godfrey Padel Athletes Founder

About the Author

Alfie Godfrey – Padel Player (8+ Years) & Coach

From the moment Alfie discovered Padel on a family holiday in Barcelona back in 2015, his passion for this amazing sport knows no bounds. Driven by a mission to propel Padel to new heights worldwide, Alfie is dedicated to delivering the pinnacle of quality content.

Drawing from his own extensive 8-year journey as a player and the collective expertise of the esteemed team at PadelAthletes, he provides unrivaled insights, recommendations, and guides. Alfie and our ever-expanding network of casual and professional players, club owners, and sports scientists empower us to create the ultimate resources on all things Padel.

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