Want to learn more about Padel? Look no further. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the history of Padel Tennis and how it’s played.

Isn’t it just the same as tennis?

So, what is padel tennis? Padel is a unique sport with its own rules and gameplay. Padel combines elements of tennis, squash and badminton, is only played in doubles and is practiced outdoors as much as indoors.

 

OK, so what does a Padel court look like?

Padel courts are usually designed to fit 10x20m dimensions, and a net divides the court into two sides. Glass panels and steel fences surround the court, and access to the court is on each side of the net.

 

What are the rules?

Padel scoring is exactly the same as tennis, with six games needed to win a set and the team which wins two sets wins the game. Remember, Padel is played as a doubles game only.

The point starts with an underhanded serve, which must be hit to the opposite square. 2 attempts are allowed for each serve. The ball must bounce on the ground before touching any structure, but can then be played again before the second bounce. Players can use their own glass panels to return the ball, which is what makes Padel similar to the fast-paced gameplay of Squash.

 

Where did it all begin?

Padel tennis, or simply ‘Padel’, was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico. That explains why, to this day, Padel remains most popular in Mexico, Spain and Andorra, as well as Hispanic American countries like Argentina. The sport’s growth didn’t stop there though! Padel is now spreading rapidly across the globe, and is enjoyed by enthusiasts on all continents.

 

I’m not an elite athlete. Is Padel right for me?

Absolutely - in fact, Padel’s inclusivity was one of our ‘top 10 reasons Padel should be your next hobby’ in our recent blog post. Read more here!

Padel is a game that can be enjoyed by all, no matter their age, gender or athletic ability. Like other racket sports such as tennis and squash, it’s not uncommon to see children and elderly hobbyists sharing Padel clubs with high-level athletes including professionals.

 

I’m in. What equipment will I need?

To get started, you won’t need to spend thousands on new equipment. That said, your own Padel racket and a good pair of Padel shoes are great starter investments, and a variety of both can be found on our online store.

Other equipment, like your own set of balls and a Padel bag to keep your racket and gear protected, will serve you well down the line.

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October 15, 2020