What is Padel? How to Play Padel?

What is Padel?

Tennis padel, which dates back to the 1960s, is a racket sport played on a rectangular court surrounded by a glass and metal cage on four sides. Unlike tennis, the padel court is smaller, and the walls are an active part of the game. Bouncing balls off the walls is also allowed. Players use special padel rackets with holes, which are shorter than stringed tennis rackets. Play begins with a serve. The ball must be returned to the opposite court without bouncing twice.

When Was Padel Invented?

Padel tennis was first developed in 1969 by Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera. Corcuera built a 10×20-meter field in his backyard to play a tennis-like game. He surrounded it with 3-meter-high walls. However, the ball frequently going out of play in the smaller area compared to a tennis court caused problems. Therefore, he developed rules that incorporated walls into the game ^.

Corcuera moved to Spain in the early 1970s and introduced his game there. It quickly gained widespread popularity across the country. The construction of the first padel tennis courts, particularly in the resorts of the Marbella region, was a significant step in establishing a standard.

What are the differences between Padel and Tennis?

While padel may resemble classic tennis in appearance, its gameplay, court structure, equipment, and rules are quite different. While both games involve hitting the ball with a racket, padel is played on a smaller, walled court with shorter rackets.

The difference between padel and tennis is as follows: ²

• The padel court measures 10 by 20 meters. It is surrounded by glass and metal cages. The tennis court measures 23.77 by 8.23 ​​meters. There are no walls; the game ends when the ball goes out of play.
• Tennis rackets are stringed, while padel uses short, holed, and unstringed rackets. Padel rackets are lighter.
• Padel has a scoring system similar to tennis. However, the serve is underhand, and the ball can only bounce once. The difference between padel and tennis lies in the rules.
• In tennis, endurance is paramount due to the long court distances. In padel, quick reflexes, accurate positioning, and team coordination are crucial. This increases players’ physical endurance, accelerates calorie burning, and creates a fun, fitness-focused experience.
• While tennis can be played individually or in doubles, padel is almost always played in doubles.
• Tennis is technically challenging for beginners. Keeping the ball in play takes time. In padel, the walls and padel dimensions allow the ball to stay in play longer. This makes the learning process easier. In a comparison between padel and tennis, padel is a sport that can be learned more quickly.

The difference between padel and tennis lies in the spirit of the game and the way it’s played. Tennis is based on individual struggle, while padel is based on teamwork. Those who love competition and team spirit, in particular, often answer the question, ” Why should we exercise? ” with strength, reflexes, and balance. While tennis requires more strength and technique, padel relies on reflexes, balance, and strategy. Both sports improve fitness. However, padel has a structure that anyone can easily learn and practice.

Where to Play Padel Tennis?

Padel tennis is a flexible sport that can be played both indoors and outdoors. A growing number of sports complexes, hotels, fitness centers, tennis clubs, and padel courts are located worldwide and in Turkey. Thanks to the game’s small-field structure, padel facilities do not require large spaces. Playing it regularly contributes significantly to developing a fitness habit  , and it has quickly gained popularity worldwide.

What Kind of Court is Required to Play Padel Tennis?

A court that meets international standards is essential for a padel match to be played in accordance with the rules and enjoyment. Padel court dimensions are determined by the World Padel Federation (FIP). The standard court size is 10 meters wide and 20 meters long. The court is divided in half by a net in the center. This net resembles a tennis net but is slightly lower (approximately 88 cm).

The surface structure is crucial for playing performance. The court surface is typically covered with artificial turf. A fine sand layer lies beneath the surface. This sand layer prevents slipping and controls the ball’s bounce. A non-slip, flexible surface is essential for player safety. The court is surrounded by glass and metal mesh walls. The back walls are typically 3-4 meters high.

What equipment is required for padel?

The equipment required to play Padel is organized to provide a playing experience that is both safe and productive. Equipment that directly affects players’ performance, ball control, and mobility consists of rackets, balls, shoes, clothing, and personal protective accessories.

The equipment required for padel is as follows:

• Padel Racket: The most important piece of equipment in padel is the racket. Tennis padel rackets don’t have strings. Instead, they are compact and have holes on their surface. They are typically made of carbon fiber, EVA foam, or fiberglass. Their average weight ranges between 350 and 385 grams.
• Padel Balls: The balls used in padel are very similar to tennis balls, but have slightly lower pressure. This reduces the ball’s bounce height and speed, allowing the game to feature longer rallies.
• Padel Shoes: In padel, where short and fast steps are at the forefront, shoes that hold the ground well are very important.
• Padel Clothing: Padel clothing is made of breathable fabrics that wick away sweat quickly. Players typically opt for lightweight T-shirts, shorts, or skirts. In the summer, UV-protective fabrics provide additional protection from the sun’s rays when playing outdoors.
• Accessories and Protective Gear: Accessories such as wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and headbands both absorb sweat and provide joint support. Professional players often use special grip tapes on the racket handle to prevent sweat. For beginners, anti-vibration mounts and gloves provide a comfortable playing experience.

What are the rules of Padel?

The object of the game is to prevent the ball from bouncing twice while returning it to the opponent’s court. A point is awarded if the opponent fails to correctly return the ball. Games are usually played in pairs, but individual training is also possible.

Padel rules can be detailed as follows:

• Scoring System: The scoring system in padel is similar to tennis: 15, 30, 40, and so on. The team that reaches four points wins a game. The team that wins six games wins a set.
• Service Rules:  A player bounces the ball once in their own court and then hits the racket below waist height. The serve must land in the box diagonally opposite the net. If the ball touches the net and lands in the correct box, the serve is repeated. There are two serves. If both are unsuccessful, the point goes to the opponent.
• Ball Bouncing and Wall Use:  In padel, the ball may bounce off a glass wall after first touching the floor. However, if the ball hits the wall and then falls to the floor, the point goes to the opponent. This is one of the basic rules of padel.
• Serving Order and Change: Each player serves in turn. After each team has served one game, a change of sides occurs.
• The Time the Ball Stays in Play: Unlike tennis, rally times are long in padel because the ball can bounce off the wall and continue play.
• Fair Play and Discipline: Padel is a sport based on team spirit. Respect for the opposing player, a quiet playing environment, and communication are crucial within the rules of padel tennis.
• Playing Area and Boundaries: The ball is still in play after it bounces once. However, the player must hit the ball before it bounces a second time.

How to Play Padel Tennis?

Padel tennis is a dynamic and entertaining team sport that requires both strategy and reflexes. The goal is to correctly place the ball in the opponent’s court, following the rules, and to score points from the opponent’s mistakes. Play begins on a court divided into two, from the service areas behind the net. Each team attempts to return the ball to the opponent’s court without bouncing once.

Padel is played as follows:

• The serve is always played from below. The player first bounces the ball once in their own court, then hits it with the racket below waist height.
• The serve must land diagonally (diagonally) from the opposite serve.
• If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct area during the service, it is repeated.
• There are two serves. If a mistake is made on either serve, the point goes to the opponent.

• After the serve, the ball remains in play once it bounces in the opponent’s court.
• The ball may bounce off the back or side wall after touching the floor.
• Players can continue the game by hitting the ball that bounces off the wall.
• If the ball touches the wall first and then the floor, the point goes to the opponent.
• A point is scored if the opponent cannot return the ball without it bouncing twice on the ground.

• A point is also scored if the ball goes directly over the glass wall.
• The scoring system is the same as in classical tennis: 15, 30, 40, games and sets.

• Being patient and keeping the ball in play is the most important strategy in the game.
• Predicting the wall tabs and taking positions according to these tabs provides an advantage.
• Communicating with a partner and sharing space reduces errors.
• Reflexes, coordination and teamwork are constantly tested throughout the game.
• Directing the ball to the right spot is as important as powerful shots.

• Playing smart, not fast, gives you an advantage in long rallies.
• Players must coordinate their position changes clearly.

What are the Most Common Mistakes in Padel Tennis?

As with any sport, some basic mistakes in padel tennis are a natural part of the learning process. However, recognizing and correcting these errors will enhance both a player’s technical development and their enjoyment of the game.

The most common mistakes in padel are as follows ^:

• Misjudging Wall Bounces:  One of the most common mistakes beginner players make is misjudging the speed and direction of the ball’s bounce off a glass or metal wall. This mistake can lead to the ball being caught at the wrong time or missed entirely. Performing reflex exercises during practice that focus solely on balls bouncing off the wall helps improve timing.
• Incorrect Positioning:  Many players get too close to the ball or too far away from it. This can lead to both loss of balance and racket control. Keep your knees slightly bent and your body weight forward. Always anticipate where the ball might bounce.
• Trying Too Strong a Shot:  Hitting the ball too hard, as is common in tennis, can be a disadvantage. Making controlled, soft shots while keeping the racket vertical increases the likelihood of the ball bouncing off the wall and prolongs the rally.
• Serving and Returning Errors: A common mistake is landing the ball in the wrong area or positioning the racket at the wrong angle during the serve. Serving drills should focus on bouncing the ball below waist height and hitting it at the correct angle.

Pade Tips for Beginners

Because it’s played on a smaller court, with shorter rackets and wall bounces than traditional tennis, the margin for error is lower. This feature makes it easier for beginners to quickly adapt to the flow of the game. However, quick reflexes, positioning, and team coordination are crucial for success in padel.

Below, practical advice for padel beginners and basic stroke development methods are explained step by step.

Learn the Basic Stance

During play, your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your knees slightly bent. This position allows you to react easily to the ball from both the front and sides. Balance is the most important factor in padel.

Improve Racket Control

Padel rackets are shorter and more hollow than traditional tennis rackets. Therefore, aim for controlled strokes rather than applying excessive force to the ball. For beginners, keeping your wrist flexible and avoiding a tight grip will help you control the ball’s direction more easily.

Use Wall Tabs

Padel is a game based on wall interaction. Accurately reading wall bounces is one of the game’s most critical skills. During training, watch the ball hit the floor and bounce off the glass wall, and practice timing accordingly. This exercise will significantly improve your reflexes.

Focus on Basic Striking Techniques

The most important techniques for beginners are the forehand and backhand strokes. Forehand strokes, the ball should be received from the front of the body, and the racket should move forward from the front, not up and down. For backhand strokes, the racket should be positioned at shoulder height and the ball should be hit from a sideways angle.

• Practice Suggestion:  Practice hitting balls that bounce off the wall. This improves reflexes and balance.
• Mini Rally Drill:  Try to hit 10 shots with a partner over a short distance without dropping the ball. This improves both timing and communication skills.

Simplify Service Technique

The serve is low on padel, so when hitting the ball, aim for a soft stroke that passes below waist height. Aim to hit the serve, focusing on accuracy rather than ball speed.

Strengthen Communication

Padel is a team game. Constant communication with your partner reduces errors. Short phrases like “It’s mine!” or “Yours!” prevent two people from sharing the same ball.

Be Patient and Strategic

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is hitting the ball too hard. In padel, direction is more important than power. Keeping the ball in play and waiting for your opponent to make a mistake often wins points.

Support with Fitness Exercises

Incorporate stretching, balance, and speed exercises into your routine to improve reflexes. Squats, planks, and coordination ladder exercises  are among the most effective exercises for improving padel performance among fitness movements .

Who is Padel Tennis Suitable For?

It’s one of the most inclusive sports that anyone can play, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. It’s suitable for both adults who want to stay physically active and children who want to develop their motor skills through play. Its fast-paced yet low-impact nature makes it safer than other racket sports. Padel has quickly gained popularity among beginners because it combines fun and performance.

The padel court’s small size, its reliance on short-distance running and the wall-bounce nature of the game allow for less physical exertion on players. This makes it a suitable sport for both young and old alike.