Played on an enclosed court with walls that players can use to keep the ball in play, the game of padel blends elements of tennis and squash.
Typically, the game is played in doubles, with underhand serves and a scoring system similar to tennis. The smaller court and walls create exciting rallies and intense gameplay. Padel is played on a court smaller than a tennis court, with walls that can be used to bounce the ball. While the scoring is similar to tennis, the tactics and rhythm of the game differ considerably. Padel is fast and strategic.
The roots of padel are not deep. The game was developed in Mexico in the late 1960s. In 1969, Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy Mexican, wanted to build a tennis court at his home in Acapulco. Finding that he lacked the space for a full-sized tennis court, he designed a smaller court, enclosed on all sides by walls. Then, he added a net, made rackets that weren't as powerful as those used in tennis, and began playing a new type of game with friends and family. He called it Paddle Corcuera.
Not long after, a Spanish friend visited him at home, tried out the new game, and loved it. Alfonso de Hohenlohe brought the game back to Spain with him, building padel courts in Marbella, in Southern Spain. The sport soon became popular with athletes, celebrities, and wealthy travelers visiting the area. By the early 2000s, padel had become a mainstream sport in Spain, and today, Spain is considered the world capital of padel, although the sport originated in Mexico.
It has also spread to Argentina, Italy, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and it continues to be popular in Mexico.
Because three padel courts can fit into one tennis court, some facilities are converting tennis courts to padel courts to serve more people.
Padel players describe the sport as being easy to learn and fun to play from the start. Because it is played in doubles, it is a social game. Although it is full of action, rebounds, and surprising rallies, it is less physically demanding than tennis. Unlike many sports, where the learning curve is steep, padel is satisfying from the outset.
While padel shares several characteristics with tennis, squash, and pickleball, it is its own sport.
Padel and tennis both have a net in the center of the court, rackets, and balls that bounce. Doubles are a standard format in both games, and padel's scoring system is similar to that of tennis. However, the padel court is smaller, with walls, and players can even play off the glass, adding strategy, rebounds, and angles that are not found in tennis. The padel racket is solid rather than stringed, and players don't need a big serve or a heavy topspin to be successful.
Squash is fast, intense, and very physical, and, like padel, it's played in an enclosed space. However, padel is played on a larger court and is always played in doubles. It is played with a net, which significantly alters the dynamic. Padel is primarily played outdoors, whereas squash is typically an indoor game. Squash demands explosive speed and constant sprinting, while padel is more about positioning, anticipation, and teamwork.
Like padel, pickleball uses a smaller court, a lower net, and a solid paddle rather than springs. However, pickleball is played on a flat surface with no walls; the ball is plastic, similar to a Wiffle ball. The gameplay in pickleball is similar to table tennis, with shorter swings. In contrast, padel uses glass walls, making rebounds a big part of the game. It features a pressurized ball, encouraging longer rallies with greater variation in pace, height, and spin. The walls are used for both defense and attack.
A padel court is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, which is considerably smaller than a tennis court. Thus, everything happens closer, faster, and with more energy. The court is fully enclosed, with the back walls and part of the side walls made of glass or acrylic, while the rest of the enclosure is composed of metal mesh. A net divides the two sides, as in tennis. The padel floor is usually artificial turf with a bit of sand on top.
Significantly, players can use the walls. In padel, when the ball bounces and hits the glass, it's still in play. The walls are used both to defend and attack.
Scoring in padel is like tennis. Points go 15- 30- 40-game. At 40-40, it's deuce, and two consecutive points are needed to win. A set is won by the first team to win six games, with at least a two-game margin. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played (first to 7 points, win by 2). Matches are usually played in a best-of-three sets format.
Recommended Resources
International Padel Federation
The Federación Internacional de Pádel (FIP) is the global governing body for the sport of padel. Founded in 1991 in Madrid, Spain, by representatives from the Argentinian, Spanish, and Uruguayan Padel Federations, the FIP is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport worldwide. The FIP organizes the Padel World Championships for both male and female players. An introduction to the organization is provided, along with tournament schedules and other resources.
https://www.padelfip.com/
At the heart of the growth of the sport of padel in Namibia is the organization that runs events like the Alexforbes Corporate League and serves as a hub for padel enthusiasts in both Windhoek and Swakopmund. The website clearly outlines registration details, playing schedules, and even app-based access for events and match data, emphasizing the community spirit of padel. Namibia is cultivating its padel culture with The Dome Namibia, an indoor facility catering to players of all skill levels.
https://namibiapadel.com/
Padel Athletes is an online hub for information and equipment related to the sport of padel. The site features tips, guides, and training advice, along with product recommendations and in-depth content on padel equipment and courts. Platforms connected with the site sometimes feature discount codes and promotional offers on padel gear and accessories. The network spans from local enthusiasts to national teams, including a directory of courts.
https://padelathletes.com/
Situated north of downtown Chicago, the Padel Clube in Mundelein, Illinois, offers professional-grade courts, lessons, personal training, and even recovery services. Operating seven days a week, from early morning to late evening, it caters to everyone interested in the game, from beginners to advanced players. Its location, online reservations for a court, group lessons, private lessons, and clinics, and information on league play are set forth on its website.
https://www.padelclube.com/
Padel Up is a state-of-the-art padel facility in Sterling, Virginia, serving the greater Washington, D.C. area. The facility offers four indoor courts fully equipped with modern technology, including court cameras that not only record matches but also allow players to relive their highlights. It also features a pro shop and a smoothie and coffee bar. Its membership programs, clinics, private coaching, tournaments, and seasonal kids' summer camps are highlighted.
https://padelupusa.com/
Striving to be the premier source of news and information about the sport of padel in the United States, as well as the number one padel directory, the site features updates, insights, and analysis on padel. In addition to its sports news coverage, the site also provides a comprehensive directory of padel clubs and courts nationwide. Padel clubs and brands are invited to submit their information for inclusion in the directory. Other resources include the sport's history and an informative blog.
https://padel.us/
The online platform streamlines the process of finding local clubs, booking courts, registering for coaching sessions, or participating in social or competitive events, such as the UK Padel Superleague. The site not only aggregates club information but also offers additional resources, such as bespoke kits for sports clubs and guidance for companies interested in sponsoring or raising the profile of the sport. Information about brand parnerships with UK Padel is included.
https://ukpadel.org/
United States Padel Association
The USPA is the national governing body for padel in the United States. Recognized by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Padel America, it oversees tournaments, membership programs, and training sessions for players aspiring to represent the United States in international competitions. The USPA organizes the Anglo American Padel Cup and the Circuito Panamericano de Menores, which provide opportunities for junior players. Member clubs, tournaments, and competitions are featured.
https://padelusa.org/
