What is Padel? A Beginner’s Guide to the Sport

Are you looking for a new sport to try out? Have you heard of padel and wondered what it is exactly? Well, look no further because this article will give you a beginner’s guide to the sport!

First things first, what is padel? Padel is a racquet sport that is played with two or four players in an enclosed court. It is often referred to as a mix between tennis and squash due to the nature of the game.

The court itself is smaller than a tennis court, with walls all around and a net in the middle. The walls can be used to play the ball, adding a unique element to the game. The sport originated in Mexico in the 1960s but has become increasingly popular in Europe and other parts of the world.

Now that you know what padel is, let’s get into the rules of the game. The objective of the sport is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court, without them being able to return it. Points are scored when the ball is not returned, or if the opponent hits the ball out of bounds.

Unlike tennis, the serve is underhanded and must bounce before hitting the opponent’s court. Once the ball is in play, however, players can hit it without letting it bounce first. The game is played in sets, with each set consisting of six games. The winner is the player or team with the most games won overall.

One of the unique aspects of padel is that it can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. The enclosed court makes it easier for beginners to keep the ball in play, while still providing a challenge for more experienced players.

In terms of equipment, players use a padel racquet that is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a squash racquet. The ball used is similar to a tennis ball but is pressureless, which means it doesn’t lose its bounce. Players also wear non-marking sole shoes to prevent damage to the court.

In conclusion, padel is a fun and exciting sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is played on an enclosed court with walls, making it accessible to players of all levels. So why not give it a try and see if padel is the sport for you! Remember, the key to success in padel is practice and persistence. Happy playing!