What is padel? All you need to know!

Okay, have you heard about padel yet? No? Buckle up, because you’re about to discover your new favorite sport. Think of it as the lovechild of tennis and squash, but with way more fun and way less pressure. It’s fast, it’s social, and it’s so easy to pick up that even your uncoordinated friend (you know the one) can totally crush it on the court.

But padel isn’t just a sport; it’s an experience. It’s played on smaller courts with walls you can bounce the ball off of (yes, walls are in play), and it’s usually doubles. So, not only are you working on your swing, but you’re also laughing, strategizing, and maybe even trash-talking with your teammates. It’s like a workout disguised as a hangout session—genius, right?

Basically, if you’ve ever wished sports were more about fun and less about stress, padel is calling your name. Keep reading, because we’re about to discover all the reasons why this game is taking over the world—and why you should totally jump on the bandwagon. Spoiler: you’re gonna love it.

The origins of padel

In 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico. A guy named Enrique Corcuera wants to play tennis but doesn't have enough space for a full court. Instead of giving up, he gets creative and combines elements of tennis and squash to fit his backyard. Boom—padel is born!

Fast forward a few years, and padel catches the eye of Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a Spanish aristocrat visiting Mexico. He loves the game so much that he brought it back to Spain, building the first padel courts in Marbella in 1974. From there, padel's popularity exploded across Spain and Argentina, becoming a favourite pastime.

Today, padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, with millions of players and courts popping up everywhere. Its blend of accessibility, social interaction, and sheer fun has turned it into a global phenomenon.

Source: Pexels

The basics of padel

Alright, let’s break it down: what exactly is padel, and how do you play it? Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. In fact, that’s part of its charm—it’s super beginner-friendly! Here’s everything you need to know to sound like a pro (even if you’ve never set foot on a court).

The court and equipment

Padel is played on a smaller court than tennis, surrounded by glass and metal walls. Yep, those walls are fair game, so get ready for some wild bounces and strategic shots. The court is divided by a net, and it’s always played in doubles. So, grab your bestie or recruit a teammate, because this sport is all about teamwork.

• Court dimensions:
• The court is 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, roughly one-third the size of a tennis court.
• It’s enclosed with glass and mesh walls, making them part of the game.
• Equipment:
• Padel racket: A solid, stringless racket with perforated holes for better control and speed.
• Padel ball: Looks like a tennis ball but has slightly less pressure to allow for longer rallies.

How the game works

If you’ve played tennis, you’ll catch on quickly. The scoring system is the same—love, 15, 30, 40, game—but the gameplay has its quirks. You serve underhand, which is way less intimidating than tennis’s power serve. And remember those walls? You can use them to bounce shots back into play, adding a whole new layer of strategy. Here are some quick-hit rules:

• Serving:
• Always done underhand, with the ball bouncing behind the service line before hitting it.
• Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box, similar to tennis.
• Rallies:
• The ball must bounce on the ground before hitting a wall or fence.
• You can use the walls to rebound the ball back into play.
• Scoring:
• The same scoring system as tennis: love, 15, 30, 40, game.
• Matches are typically best of three or five sets, with six games needed to win a set.
• Winning points:
• Points are lost if the ball bounces twice on your side, if it hits a wall before bouncing on the ground, or if it’s hit out of bounds.

Who can play?

Spoiler alert: anyone! One of the best things about padel is how accessible it is. You don’t need to be a pro athlete or have years of experience. Whether you’re 8 or 80, this sport welcomes everyone. Plus, since it’s less physically demanding than tennis, it’s perfect for a casual weekend match or a friendly tournament.

Source: HelloDavidPradoPerucha on Freepik

Why padel is so popular

If you’re wondering why everyone and their grandma seems to be obsessed with padel lately, let me break it down for you. This sport isn’t just trending; it’s become a full-on global phenomenon—and for good reason. Here’s why padel has captured hearts (and courts) worldwide:

1. It’s ridiculously easy to learn

Padel doesn’t require years of practice to get the hang of it. Unlike some sports that can be intimidating for beginners (looking at you, tennis), padel is super beginner-friendly.

With an underhand serve and a focus on strategy over power, you can start having fun from your very first game. Whether you’re an athletic pro or haven’t picked up a racket in your life, padel welcomes everyone with open arms.

2. The social factor

Here’s the thing: padel is played in doubles, which makes it the ultimate social sport. It’s not just about winning—it’s about laughing, strategizing, and bonding with your partner. Whether you’re teaming up with friends, family, or strangers, padel is a great way to connect with people while having a blast. Think of it as cardio with a side of socializing.

3. It’s accessible for all ages

From kids to retirees, padel truly is a sport for everyone. The smaller court and lower physical demands mean you don’t have to be super fit to enjoy it. Plus, the game’s pace is adjustable—it can be as laid-back or as intense as you want. This makes it a perfect family activity or a go-to for people looking for a fun and manageable workout.

4. The perfect balance of fitness and fun

Let’s be real: finding a workout that doesn’t feel like a chore is rare. That’s where padel comes in. It’s a fantastic way to stay active, improve your reflexes, and work on coordination—all while genuinely enjoying yourself. It’s a sport where you’re so focused on the game and the laughs that you don’t even realize you’re burning calories.

5. Strategic gameplay keeps things interesting

What makes padel stand out is its mix of skill, strategy, and adaptability. The walls aren’t just there for decoration—they’re part of the game, allowing for creative shots and strategic plays. Whether you’re aiming for a precise placement or a wild rebound, every match feels fresh and exciting.

6. It’s taking over the world

Let’s not forget: padel’s global rise has made it easier than ever to find courts and communities. From Europe to the Americas, Asia, and beyond, padel fever is spreading like wildfire. Professional tournaments, social leagues, and even celebrity endorsements have pushed this sport into the spotlight. People aren’t just playing padel—they’re making it a lifestyle.

Here at Rezerv, we’ve seen this surge firsthand. It feels like everyone’s building a padel court business nowadays—and for good reason! With its growing popularity, there’s never been a better time to invest in the sport.

So, if you’re planning to start a padel court business or already own one, don’t forget the secret weapon to managing it all: an all-in-one padel court management software like Rezerv. From scheduling bookings to handling payments and marketing campaigns, Rezerv has everything you need to run your business smoothly. Let us take care of the admin so you can focus on growing your business!

Source: HelloDavidPradoPerucha on Freepik

Padel tips for starters

So, you’re ready to hit the padel court? Awesome! But before you grab your racket and start swinging, here are some simple tips to help you kick off your padel journey like a pro (or at least look like one).

1. Master the basics first

Don’t worry about fancy trick shots just yet. Focus on the fundamentals:

• Positioning: Stay near the middle of the court when you’re not hitting the ball. This gives you the best chance to cover ground quickly.
• Grips: Use the continental grip (holding the racket like you’re shaking hands with it)—it’s versatile and works for most shots.
• The serve: Remember, serves are underhand in padel. Start simple, aim for consistency, and avoid overthinking it.

2. Let the walls be your friend

Unlike tennis, the walls in padel are part of the game. At first, it might feel tricky to time your shots, but practice makes perfect. Watch how the ball bounces off the wall and adjust your positioning. Soon, you’ll be using the walls to your advantage to make unpredictable returns.

3. Work with your partner

Padel is all about teamwork. Communication is key!

• Call out who’s taking each shot to avoid awkward moments (and collisions).
• Position yourselves strategically—one player closer to the net and the other slightly back to cover the court effectively.
• Support each other and have fun—it’s a team sport, not a solo mission.

4. Play smart, not hard

You don’t need to smash every ball like you’re playing in the finals of a Grand Slam. In padel, placement often beats power. Focus on hitting the ball where your opponents aren’t, making them run and setting up opportunities for easy points.

5. Invest in the right gear

Having the right equipment can make a huge difference:

• Racket: Get a beginner-friendly racket with a larger sweet spot. It’s forgiving and helps with control.
• Shoes: Wear court-specific shoes with good grip to avoid slipping.
• Clothing: Go for breathable, comfortable sportswear to keep you moving freely.

6. Join the community

One of the best ways to learn padel is by playing with others. Join a local club, take a few lessons, or team up with friends. You’ll not only improve your game but also make new connections in the process.

7. Practice, practice, practice

You don’t need to be perfect right away (spoiler: no one is!). Dedicate time to practicing your serves, volleys, and rebounds. The more you play, the more natural the game will feel.

8. Have fun!

At the end of the day, padel is all about having a good time. Don’t stress over mistakes or compare yourself to more experienced players. Laugh at the misses, celebrate the wins, and enjoy every rally.

Conclusion

By now, you’ve probably realized that padel isn’t just another sport—it’s a full-blown movement. From its humble beginnings in a backyard in Mexico to becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, padel has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the fitness, the fun, or the chance to make new friends, there’s no better time to jump in and start playing.

The best part? Padel is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new weekend activity—you can pick up a racket, hit the court, and be part of this exciting, inclusive community.

And for all the entrepreneurs out there—if you’re thinking about starting or already running a padel court business, don’t forget to set yourself up for success with Rezerv. With our all-in-one padel court management software, you’ll have everything you need to manage bookings, handle payments, and grow your business seamlessly.

So, what are you waiting for? The padel court is calling, and it’s time to answer. Grab your gear, gather your squad, and experience the sport everyone’s talking about. Whether you’re playing for fun or chasing your dreams, padel is here to bring a whole lot of joy—and maybe even a few epic rallies—to your life. See you on the court!

Cheers,

Friska 🐨

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