Often described as "Tennis with Walls" or "Squash in the Sun," Padel is a social, high-energy racket sport that combines action with fun and easy accessibility. Originating in Mexico in the late 1960s, it has exploded in popularity across Europe and the Americas because it’s easy to learn but challenging to master.

The Core Essentials

While it shares DNA with tennis, Padel has a few unique characteristics that define the game:

• The Court: Played on an enclosed court roughly 25% smaller than a tennis court.

• The Walls: The court is surrounded by glass and mesh walls. Much like squash, players can play the ball off the glass to keep the point alive.

• The Gear: Players use solid, stringless carbon fiber rackets (paddles) with holes and a pressurized ball slightly softer than a standard tennis ball.

• The Format: Padel is almost exclusively played as doubles (2 vs 2), making it an incredibly social experience.

Why is Everyone Playing It?

"Padel is the ultimate 'easy to play, hard to master' sport. You can have a competitive, fun rally on your very first day."

1. Lower Barrier to Entry: Because the serve is underhand and the court is smaller, you don't need years of technical training to enjoy a match.

2. The Social Factor: Because you are physically closer to your partner and opponents, the game encourages constant communication and banter.

3. Physicality: It’s a fantastic cardio workout that emphasizes strategy and positioning over raw power.

4. Longevity: It is much easier on the joints than tennis or squash, making it a "sport for life" for players of all ages.

How Do You Win?

Points are won through strategy rather than just hitting the ball hard. Since the walls bring the ball back into play, points last longer, and the game rewards patience, teamwork, and clever placement. Common tactics involve the "Bandeja" (a hybrid overhead tray-shot) and the "Chiquita" (a soft shot at the feet of the opponents) to force an error.

What are the Rules?

1. The Scoring System

If you know tennis, you already know Padel scoring.

• Points: 15, 30, 40, and Game.

• Deuce: If the score reaches 40-40, you must win by two clear points (or play a "Golden Point" if the specific tournament rules allow).

• Sets: Most matches are played as the best of three sets. A set is won by the first team to win 6 games with a 2-game lead.

• Tie-break: At 6-6 in games, a tie-break to 7 points is played.

2. The Serve (The Biggest Difference)

The serve in Padel is always underhand, which levels the playing field for beginners.

• Position: You must stand behind the service line.

• The Bounce: You must bounce the ball on the ground first before hitting it.

• Height: You must strike the ball at or below waist level.

• Direction: The serve must travel diagonally into the opponent's service box.

• The Net: If the ball hits the net and lands in the box, it’s a "Let" (replay). If it hits the net and then hits the wire fence after the bounce, it is a fault.

3. In-Play Rules

• The One-Bounce Rule: Just like tennis, the ball can only bounce once on your side of the turf.

• Volleys: You can hit the ball in the air (volley) without letting it bounce, except when returning a serve.

• The Walls: After the ball bounces in the opponent's court, it can hit the glass or the wire fence and still be "in." The player must hit it back before it bounces a second time.

• Out of Bounds: The ball is considered "out" if it hits the glass or the wire fence before it touches the ground on the opponent's side.

4. The Golden Rule: "Ground First"

Important: For a shot to be valid, the ball must always touch the ground of the opponent’s court before hitting any part of the walls or fence. If it hits the glass directly, it’s out.