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Padel 101

Welcome to the exciting world of padel! This beginner-friendly guide will introduce you to the fundamentals of this fast-growing sport.

Whether you’re a complete novice or have some racket sport experience, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started.

What is Padel And Where did it Originate?

Padel is a dynamic and engaging racket sport that’s often described as a mix of tennis and squash. It originated in Mexico in 1969 and has since exploded in popularity, especially in Europe and Latin America. Now, it’s rapidly gaining traction worldwide!

What sets padel apart? It’s played on a smaller, enclosed court with walls, making it a fast-paced and exciting game with longer rallies. The smaller court size and underhand serve also make padel more accessible and easier to learn than tennis, regardless of your age or athletic ability. But don’t be fooled, padel is still a fantastic workout and a highly competitive sport!

One of the best things about padel is its social nature. It’s typically played in doubles, making it a great way to connect with friends and family while getting some exercise. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere of padel is a big part of its appeal.

Take a look at this great video explaining the history of Padel by Supreem Padel

So, How do we play?

Don’t worry, we promise to include a video explanation of this one too, but here’s a quick brief description of some of the basic rules and gameplay to get you started:

Before you grab your racket, let’s go over some basic rules:

  • Serving: The serve is underhand, and the ball must bounce once on the server’s side of the court before being hit. You get two attempts to make a legal serve.
  • Scoring: Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game, set, match.
  • Gameplay: The ball can bounce only once on your side before you return it. You can hit the ball before it bounces, or after it bounces off of any of the walls. The ball must go over the net and land within the opponent’s court.

Want a deeper dive into the rules? Check out our comprehensive Padel Rules guide for detailed explanations and examples.

And as promised, below is one of the clearest and quickest explanations of how to play Padel!

Essential Padel Equipment

Ready to gear up? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Rackets: Padel rackets are unique! Unlike tennis rackets with strings, padel rackets have a solid, perforated surface. This gives you a different feel and more control. There are various types of rackets designed for different playing styles, so you can find one that suits your game.

  • Balls: Padel balls look like tennis balls but have lower pressure. This makes them a bit slower and easier to control, especially for beginners.

  • Shoes: You’ll need comfortable court shoes with good grip to move quickly and change direction on the padel court. Non-marking soles are usually required to protect the court surface.

 

Now you have the basic knowledge to start playing padel! Remember, the best way to improve is to get out on the court and practice. Grab a partner, find a local club, and experience the fun and excitement of padel firsthand!

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Padel 101 Quick Links:

  • Introduction to Padel
  • Court and Equipment
  • Serving
  • Scoring
  • Gameplay
  • Key Rules and Situations
  • Etiquette and Sportsmanship

Tournament Rulebooks

FIP Game Regulations

APPT Rule Book

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