Padel Tennis is a fast-growing racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is typically played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court where glass walls are part of the game, allowing the ball to be played after it rebounds. Using solid, stringless rackets and slightly depressurized balls, padel is easy to learn, highly social, and emphasizes strategy and teamwork over pure power. Its accessibility and dynamic gameplay make padel appealing to beginners and experienced players alike, driving its rapid global popularity. In the following we answer some always recurring questions around the sport:
| What is Padel? - The Basics | ||
| Padel vs. Tennis or Squash | ||
| Rules and how to play |
What is Padel? - The Basics
What is padel?
Padel is a modern racket sport that combines elements of tennis
and squash. It is usually played in doubles on a smaller,
enclosed court where glass and mesh walls are part of the game
and can be used during rallies.
Where does padel come from?
Padel originated in Mexico in the late 1960s and later spread
rapidly, especially in Spain and Latin America, where it has
become one of the most popular sports.
How do you pronounce padel?
Padel is pronounced “PA-del”, with the
emphasis on the first syllable, similar to the Spanish
pronunciation.
Is padel the same as padel
tennis?
Yes. Padel and padel tennis refer to the same
sport. Internationally, the shorter term padel
is now more commonly used.
Why is padel so popular right
now?
Padel is easy to learn, highly social, and fast-paced. The
combination of quick rallies, teamwork, and a low barrier to
entry makes it appealing to a wide range of players.
Who is padel suitable for?
Padel is suitable for almost everyone—from complete beginners
and families to experienced tennis or squash players. Strategy
and technique are more important than pure strength.
At what age can you start playing
padel?
Children can usually start playing padel from around
6–7 years old using adapted equipment. There
is virtually no upper age limit, making padel a truly lifelong
sport.
