Welcome to the world of padel! Are you a sports enthusiast looking to try something new or a total beginner to this exciting sport? Padel has it all; it is a quick and fast-paced sport with its own unique strategy. Players from all levels can enjoy it completely.
So, in this beginner's guide, we will cover everything you should know to get started.
What is Padel?
Padel is a fast-paced racquet sport that derives from tennis and squash and is played on a court with walls. You play with strategy and agility, trying to hit precise shots. Padel can be played in both singles and doubles (though primarily doubles) and is suitable to be played by all ages.
Padel Fundamentals
Equipment & Padel Raquettes:
These rackets are solid, not strings like in a tennis racket and are perforated to give players more control and spin.
Recommended raquettes:
Padel Balls:
The balls look similar to a tennis ball but are slightly softer and tend to slow down the speed of the game. With a padel ball, the rallies will usually be longer.
Padel Court:
The court, as we mentioned, has walls. It is much smaller than a tennis court: around 20m in length and 10m in width. The court has a glass around its side walls. The surface is of artificial grass.
Padel Clothing:
Any activewear will work. Imagine you're playing tennis. Be sure to remember to wear something with pockets to hold a few balls! We love our Players Tee - light, breathable, fashionable and functional! Take a look
Rules and Scoring
Serving:
The serve must be underarm and must be directed diagonally into the opponents' court. The ball is allowed to touch the wall after the bounce.
Scoring:
Padel uses the same terms that tennis uses: points, games, and sets. A game is played as the best out of three sets.
Get Started
Find a Padel Court:
Padel is hugely popular in Mexico (where it was invented), Latin America and Spain, though there are plenty in the US, UK and the rest of Europe where the sport is fast-growing. Check your local area for clubs and courts that offer padel facilities.
Take Padel Lessons:
As with most sports, learning from a certified padel instructor is a great idea. Join a small group or get some private coaching to really understand the intricate nuances of the sports. Have fun while you learn!
Practice, practice, practice:
Practice makes perfect. Work on your groundstrokes, footwork, court strategy, serves, and smashes. Practice and repetition is key when learning this sport.
Conclusion
Padel is an extremely fun racquet sport. Whether you're playing for fun or for competition go out and give it a shot. It's a lot like playing a game of squash but in a less intimidating environment. I assure you, it's a lot of fun and you'll want to come back for more. Not to mention the social aspect that comes with it. So grab some friends and head off to your local court to see what all the fuss is about!
