The Ultimate Padel Primer: A Crash Course in the Basics

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve heard of padel. But do you know what it is? Padel is a racquet sport that originated in Mexico in 1969 and has since taken over Spain, where it is now one of the most popular sports in the country.

But what makes padel so great? For starters, it’s a combination of tennis and squash, which means it’s a high-energy, fast-paced game that requires both physical and mental agility. It’s also a great way to stay active and social, making it the perfect sport for anyone looking to stay fit and have fun.

But how do you play padel? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this crash course, we’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with this exciting sport.

The Court

Padel is played on a court that is approximately 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. The court is divided by a net, which is 88 cm high at the ends and 92 cm high in the middle. The court is surrounded by a glass wall, which allows for the ball to rebound off the wall, adding an extra element of strategy to the game.

The Equipment

To play padel, you’ll need a padel racquet, which is similar to a tennis racquet but with a shorter handle and a smaller head. You’ll also need a padel ball, which is similar to a tennis ball but with less pressure.

The Rules

The rules of padel are fairly simple. The game is played in doubles, with each team consisting of two players. The game starts with a serve, which is hit underhand and must be hit into the opposing team’s court. The opposing team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. After that, both teams can hit the ball off the wall or directly over the net.

If the ball hits the net during a serve, the serve is considered a fault and the opposing team gets a point. If the ball hits the wall or the ceiling before it bounces, it is considered out of bounds. If the ball hits the ground before it reaches the net, it is also considered out of bounds.

The Scoring

The scoring in padel is similar to tennis. The game is played to 6 points, with the winning team needing to win by two points. If the game is tied at 6-6, a tiebreaker is played to 7 points.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basics of padel, it’s time to grab a racquet and a ball and hit the court. Remember, padel is all about having fun and staying active, so don’t worry about being perfect. With a little practice, you’ll be hitting winners and having a blast in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start playing!