The padel sport is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is usually played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and metal fencing. Unlike traditional tennis, the walls are part of the game, allowing players to continue rallies after the ball rebounds from them.
Often referred to as padel tennis, the sport has become popular because it is relatively easy to learn, social and suitable for different skill levels. But how exactly does it work, and what makes it different from tennis?
How does padel work?
A typical padel game involves four players, divided into two teams of two. Each team occupies one half of the court, separated by a net. The objective is to return the ball over the net and prevent the opposing team from making a legal return.
The most distinctive feature is the use of walls. After the ball bounces on your side, it can rebound off the glass before you return it. This creates longer rallies and gives players more opportunities to recover difficult shots.
The court measures 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, making it smaller than a standard tennis court. The compact playing area encourages quick reactions, controlled shots and teamwork.
What is the difference between padel and tennis?
Although padel tennis shares several similarities with traditional tennis, there are important differences.
Tennis uses stringed rackets, while padel rackets are solid, perforated and generally shorter. Padel balls look similar to tennis balls but have slightly lower internal pressure.
Another difference is the serve. In padel, players must bounce the ball before striking it with an underarm motion at or below waist height. Tennis allows overhead serves, which generally generate more speed and power.
The enclosed court also changes how points develop. In tennis, hitting the ball beyond the court boundaries usually ends the point. In padel, the walls allow players to defend shots that would otherwise be difficult to return.
These differences make the padel sport more focused on control, positioning and communication than pure hitting power.
What equipment do you need to play padel?
Getting started does not require much equipment. The essentials are a padel racket, suitable balls, comfortable sportswear and appropriate footwear.
Padel rackets come in different shapes, including round, teardrop and diamond. Round rackets are generally recommended for beginners because they tend to offer a larger effective hitting area and easier control.
Footwear should provide lateral support and traction for quick movements. Padel involves frequent changes of direction, so suitable shoes are important for stability.
Comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement is also useful. Brands such as Voleace offer padel sportswear designed for movement and comfort on and off the court.
How are points scored in padel?
The scoring system is similar to tennis. Points progress from 15 to 30 and then 40, followed by game point. Under traditional scoring rules, players must win by two points when the score reaches deuce.
Sets are normally played to six games, with a two-game advantage required. A tie-break is generally used when the score reaches 6–6.
A standard match is usually played as the best of three sets.
Each padel game begins with a diagonal underarm serve. The receiving team must allow the serve to bounce before returning it. During the rally, players can hit volleys or return the ball after one ground bounce, including after a rebound from their own walls.
Some competitions use alternative scoring formats, but the basic structure remains familiar to tennis players.
Where did padel originate?
Padel originated in Mexico in 1969 when Enrique Corcuera created an enclosed playing area at his home in Acapulco.
The sport was introduced to Spain in 1974 and subsequently expanded into Argentina, where it developed a strong following.
Over time, dedicated clubs, professional competitions and international tournaments helped expand its reach. Today, padel is played across Europe, Latin America and many other regions.
The name padel tennis is still commonly used, although padel is the official name. It should not be confused with American paddle tennis, which is a separate racket sport.
Why is padel so popular?
One reason for the popularity of the padel sport is its accessibility. Beginners can often maintain rallies relatively quickly, even without previous racket-sport experience.
The doubles format also makes the game social. Players constantly communicate, coordinate their positioning and work together to defend and attack.
Another advantage is the variety of playing styles. Strong shots can be useful, but good positioning, patience and accurate placement are often more effective than power alone.
Your first step onto the court
Padel combines straightforward rules with tactical depth. The smaller court, enclosed walls and doubles format create a distinctive playing experience.
For newcomers, the best approach is to learn the basic rules, practise controlling the ball and become comfortable with wall rebounds. Understanding how a padel game develops will make your first matches easier and more enjoyable.
Start with the fundamentals, focus on consistency and improve through regular play.