What is padel?
A quick guide to padel — rules, court, and why it's the fastest-growing racket sport in the world.
- Played on a 10×20m enclosed court with glass walls
- Always doubles — 4 players
- Solid (stringless) rackets and a slightly depressurised tennis ball
- Easy to pick up — most players rally in their first session
Easier than tennis to start
A lower technical barrier means new players have fun in their first hour. The walls keep balls in play, so rallies last longer.
Built for social play
Doubles-only format. You always play with three other people, which is why padel clubs feel more like communities than racket clubs.
Playable year-round
Most courts are indoor or covered. Weather isn't a factor, so weekly games actually happen every week.
HELP
Frequently Asked Questions
How is padel different from tennis?
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Padel courts are smaller (10×20m) and enclosed by walls that are part of play. Rackets are solid (no strings), the ball is slightly softer, and scoring is the same as tennis. The result is longer rallies, more strategy, and a much shorter learning curve.
Do I need special equipment to start?
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A padel racket and court shoes are enough. Most clubs rent rackets for your first few sessions, so you can try padel without buying anything.
Is padel the same as pickleball?
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No. Pickleball is played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and a paddle, without walls. Padel uses a tennis ball, has glass walls in play, and is always doubles. The two sports look similar on paper but feel completely different.
How long does a padel match last?
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Most casual matches run 60–90 minutes. Best-of-three sets is standard, with the same scoring as tennis.