Everything you need to know about it

Are you hearing more and more about padel tennis but don’t know exactly what it is and are curious to find out? Padel tennis is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It offers you the opportunity to combine activity with fun and sociability. It’s great for players of all ages and abilities as it’s easy and quick to learn. If you are a beginner and want to get started in this exciting sport, you have come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about padel tennis, from its origins and rules to equipment and basic techniques. By the end of this article, you will be ready to step onto the padel court with confidence and enjoy your new hobby.

Padel is a simple and fun sport

It’s time for your new hobby

What exactly is padel tennis?

Padel is a racket-based ball sport that could be described as a mix of squash and tennis. It generally follows the rules of tennis, but like squash, it has four walls, which makes it different. You play on a fenced court, so there are fewer limits to where you can hit the ball. Doubles games are usually common, but singles games are also possible. Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world in terms of the number of players. According to the International Padel Federation (FIP), padel is currently played by around 25 million people worldwide. The game enjoys great popularity at both grassroots and professional levels in countries such as Mexico, Argentina and Spain, but is also gaining popularity in Europe.

Padel is a great way to stay active while socializing

History of padel tennis

Padel tennis was born in Mexico in the mid-1960s. Enrique Corcuera, a Mexican businessman, is credited with inventing the game. He designed the first padel tennis court in Acapulco, looking for a sport that would be accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Corcuera built a court at his home in Acapulco for a racquet-based ball game, although due to property restrictions it was slightly smaller than a tennis court. He discovered that if tennis balls were hit too far, they would fly everywhere and into neighboring houses, so he surrounded the court with walls on all sides. Padel was initially played on his private property but quickly gained popularity among his friends and family.

Enrique Corcuera is the “father” of padel

The spread of padel beyond Mexico began in the 1970s when Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a Spanish prince, discovered the sport during a visit to Corcuera’s estate. Impressed by the game’s accessibility and fun factor, he introduced it in Spain. In Spain, padel tennis quickly caught on and became a hit with the Spanish elite and the general public. Padel tennis continued to spread internationally, and today padel is played in over 80 countries and has a strong presence in Europe and South America.

Padel may be part of the Olympic Games in the future

Equipment needed

To enjoy a game of padel tennis, you need the right equipment. The good news is that the equipment is simple and not too expensive. The first thing that is important is the padel racket. The padel racket has been specially developed for this sport. It is smaller than a tennis racket and has no strings. When choosing a racket, make sure that it fits well in the hand and suits your playing style. The next point is the balls. Padel tennis uses special balls designed for this sport. They are similar in size to tennis balls but have less pressure and are therefore slower and easier to control. Wear comfortable sportswear that allows you to move freely around the court. Moisture-wicking materials can help keep you cool and dry during play.

To play padel you only need three simple things

Padel court

The padel court is a unique playing field designed specifically for this sport. A padel tennis court is smaller than a normal tennis court. It measures 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width, including the playing area and surrounding walls. The most striking feature of a padel tennis court are the surrounding walls. The space is surrounded on all sides by walls, usually made of glass or solid materials. The walls are an essential part of the game as players can use them to hit the ball strategically. Like tennis, there are two service boxes on each side of the net. When serving, the ball must be hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box.

The padel court is a little different than the tennis court

Rules and basic techniques for beginners

The rules of padel are similar to those of tennis in many ways, but there are differences here too. Padel is played on a small field surrounded by walls. The scoring is similar to tennis, but there are 15, 30, 40 and then “advantage” if there is a tie at 40. When you serve, you stand behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally to your opponent’s side. The serve should be made with the underhand and bounce in the service box before the opponent hits it. After serving, the ball must bounce once on each side before you can hit it without letting it bounce (volley). You can hit the ball against the glass wall in your own half of the court before it reaches the opponent’s half of the court, but you cannot hit the ball against the fence on your own side.

Padel is a sport that combines exercise with fun and social interaction

There are some basic techniques that can help you master your game. Hold the club with both hands as if you were shaking hands. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hit the balls softly and with wrist control, focusing more on placement than power. Hit the ball up to defend it over the opponent’s head. Collaborate with your doubles partner by calling out “my” or “your” to avoid confusion. Coordinate with your partner’s positions – one at the net and one in defense. Practice regularly to improve your serve, volley and placement.

Padel is a great sport for players of all ages and abilities

Padel tennis is an exciting sport that offers a unique mix of athleticism and strategy. Whether you’re looking for a new way to stay active, meet up with friends or compete at a higher level, padel has something to offer. With the knowledge and tips in this article, you will be well equipped to start your padel tennis journey with confidence and enthusiasm. So grab your racket, find a spot and start enjoying the exciting world of padel tennis today!

Padel is a mixture of tennis, table tennis and squash