What is Padel? A Complete Beginner's Guide to the Fastest-Growing Sport
Learn everything about padel tennis - the rules, equipment, court dimensions, and why millions of people worldwide are falling in love with this exciting racquet sport.
What is Padel?
Padel (also known as padel tennis or pádel) is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and racquetball. Played on an enclosed court about 25% smaller than a tennis court, padel is known for being social, accessible, and incredibly fun.
The sport originated in Mexico in 1969 when Enrique Corcuera built the first padel court at his home in Acapulco. It quickly spread to Spain and Argentina, becoming one of the most popular sports in those countries. Today, padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, with over 25 million players globally.
Why is Padel So Popular?
Easy to Learn
Unlike tennis, padel is relatively easy to pick up. The underhand serve and smaller court size make it accessible for beginners, while still offering depth for advanced players.
Social Sport
Padel is always played in doubles, making it inherently social. The enclosed court creates an intimate atmosphere where players can easily chat between points.
Great Exercise
A typical padel match provides excellent cardiovascular exercise while being easier on the joints than tennis due to the smaller court and underhand serve motion.
Fun for All Ages
From teenagers to seniors, padel can be enjoyed by players of all ages and fitness levels. The sport adapts well to different skill levels.
Basic Rules of Padel
Scoring
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Matches are typically played as best of 3 sets.
Serving
- The serve must be underhand
- The ball must bounce once before being hit
- The serve is diagonal, like in tennis
- Two serves are allowed per point
The Walls
The most distinctive feature of padel is that the glass walls are in play. After the ball bounces, players can hit it off the walls, similar to squash. This creates exciting rallies and requires strategic thinking.
Court Dimensions
A padel court measures 20m x 10m (about 66ft x 33ft), surrounded by glass walls and metallic mesh.
Equipment You Need
Padel Racket
Padel rackets are solid (no strings) with holes for aerodynamics. They're shorter than tennis rackets, typically 45-46cm long.
Padel Balls
Similar to tennis balls but with slightly less pressure, making them slower and easier to control.
Appropriate Footwear
Court shoes with good lateral support are essential. Many tennis shoes work well for padel.
Where to Play Padel in the USA
The padel scene in the United States is growing rapidly. New courts are opening across the country, from Florida to California, Texas to New York. Use our court finder to discover padel facilities near you.
Getting Started
Ready to try padel? Here's how to begin:
- Find a court - Use PadelCourtsNearMe to locate facilities in your area
- Book a lesson - Many clubs offer beginner lessons and clinics
- Rent equipment - Most facilities provide racket rentals for newcomers
- Find playing partners - Join local padel groups or use club social events
Padel is more than just a sport—it's a social experience that's bringing people together worldwide. Whether you're looking for a fun workout, a new hobby, or a competitive outlet, padel has something to offer everyone.