What is Padel? A Beginner's Guide
Padel is a racket sport usually played in doubles on an enclosed 20 × 10 meter court. It uses solid, perforated rackets and tennis-style scoring. Players can use the walls after the ball bounces.
How Padel Works
Padel is usually played in doubles on a court 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, enclosed by walls and metallic mesh. The ball can be played off the walls after bouncing on the court.
Games use tennis-style scoring (15, 30, 40, game), with deuce and match formats varying by competition. Players serve underhand after bouncing the ball, striking it at or below waist height.
Rules reference: International Padel Federation rules.
The Court
A standard doubles padel court measures 20 × 10 meters inside the enclosure. A net divides the two halves, each with two service boxes. The enclosure combines walls and metallic mesh; wall materials can vary.
Equipment
- Racket:Solid (no strings) with a perforated face, typically made of carbon fiber or fiberglass. Shorter and thicker than a tennis racket.
- Balls:Similar to tennis balls but with slightly less internal pressure, making them slower and easier to control.
- Shoes:Court shoes with non-marking soles and good lateral support. Tennis shoes or indoor court shoes work well.
Why More Players Are Trying Padel
- Easy to learn: Most beginners enjoy competitive rallies within their first session.
- Social: Usually played in doubles, making it a great group activity.
- Physical but accessible: Good exercise without requiring elite athleticism.
- Fun from day one: The walls keep the ball in play, so points last longer.
- Visible investors: Well-known athletes and team owners have helped bring more attention to the sport.
Padel vs Tennis
| Feature | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20m x 10m (enclosed) | 23.77m x 10.97m (open) |
| Players | Usually doubles | Singles or doubles |
| Serve | Underhand | Overhand |
| Walls | Ball can be played off walls | No walls |
| Racket | Solid, no strings | Stringed |
| Learning curve | Gentle | Steep |
FAQ
Is padel easy to learn?
The underhand serve and enclosed court can help beginners start rallies. An introductory lesson can help you learn serving, scoring, and wall play; the time it takes to feel comfortable varies by player.
What equipment do I need to play padel?
You need a padel racket (solid, no strings, perforated face), padel balls (similar to tennis balls but slightly less pressurized), and comfortable court shoes with non-marking soles. Ask the club whether rental rackets are available.
How much does it cost to play padel?
Rates vary by club, session length, and membership. Ask about court rental, racket rental, ball fees, and introductory sessions before booking. Confirm whether a listed price is per person or for the whole court.
Can you play padel with 2 players?
Padel is designed for doubles (4 players), but you can play with 2 players on a full court. Some facilities offer singles play, though it's less common. The social nature of doubles is one of padel's biggest draws.