What is Padel Tennis? Everything You Need to Know
Padel tennis is an exciting racquet sport that has been gaining popularity around the world in recent years. Also, sometimes called paddle tennis, it is a mixture of tennis and squash played in an enclosed glass court with the walls helping players keep rallies going. While it may look and sound similar to tennis at first, some key differences in how the game is played make it unique. This guide will answer the question "What is padel tennis?" and explain the basic rules, techniques, and equipment needed. Let’s find out why many players find it such an enjoyable sport to pick up!
A Brief History of Padel Tennis
Padel originated in Mexico City in the late 1960s. Looking for a recreational game to play in their backyards, a group of tennis players created a padel by enclosing a portion of their tennis court with glass walls. This created an indoor-outdoor space similar to a squash court but using a strung tennis racquet.
The game soon spread throughout South America, and Spain, in particular, embraced Padel in the 1970s. It has since become enormously popular in Spain, with over five million players today. Padel is also growing rapidly across Europe and North America as more dedicated padel courts are built, and people discover the fun of this unique racquet sport.
What is Padel Sport?
Now that we know a bit about where padel originated let's discuss the basics of how the game is played:
Court Size and Layout: A padel court is similar in size to a doubles badminton court, measuring 20 feet wide by 40 feet long and fully enclosed by glass walls on all sides. There is a non-volley zone at the baseline measured 3 feet back from the wall.
Players and Scoring: Like tennis, padel is played with two players (or teams of two) on each side of the net. Points are scored in the same way - love (0), 15, 30, 40, with the first to reach 4 points (and lead by 2 points) winning the game. The best of 3 or 5 sets is typical for matches.
Equipment: Padel rackets are smaller than tennis rackets typically made of graphite or composite materials for control. Balls are similar to tennis balls but smaller, darker, and heavier to bounce reliably off the walls.
Serving: Serves must bounce before the service box, and the returner must let the first serve bounce before returning. No volleying the serve allowed.
Basic Motion: The swing and stroke motion is similar to tennis, but players are encouraged to use more topspin to get lifts off the walls. Good control and anticipation of wall bounces are key.
Scoring a Point: To score, you must get the ball past your opponent to the back of their service box, and they cannot return it before it bounces twice. If it hits the floor once first, your opponent can still reach to return.
As you can see, while based on tennis, padel introduces elements of strategy and rallying needed due to the enclosed space and ability to use the walls. Mastering placement, spin, and reading wall bounces becomes paramount. This makes for highly competitive and fast-paced matches!
What is a Padel Racket?
When starting in Padel tennis, one of the first things you need to buy will be a Padel racket. Unlike a tennis racket, padel rackets have a smaller head size and design optimized for playing in tighter quarters against the walls. Let's cover the key features of a typical padel racket:
Head Size: Most padel racket heads range from 235-270 square centimeters in size, smaller than the typical tennis racket. This makes it easier to maneuver around the court.
Material: Most recreational and entry-level rackets will have graphite or composite frames for control, while more expensive pro models utilize materials like Kevlar or graphene for added power.
Weight: Padel rackets weigh between 235-300 grams, lighter than tennis rackets to help with rapid swing speed and wall coverage. Heavier heads provide more power.
Grip Size: Grips are smaller than tennis, around 4 1/8 inches, for easier handling close to the body in tight quarters. Overgripping can reduce swing speed.
Strings: Synthetic gut or multi-filament strings are common in the 18-23 kg tension range for crisp ball control off the faster walls.
How to Play Padel Tennis
Now that we understand the basics of padel Tennis, like court, equipment, and scoring, let's look at some key techniques involved in actually playing the game:
Forehand Drive: The main offensive shot. Take the racket back early and accelerate through impact using topspin to lift off the wall for an angled winner.
Backhand Drive: Similar to forehand, but keep racket more closed through contact for control. Topspin is still key.
Lob: When forced to defensive positions, use a high topspin lob to bounce deep and force your opponent back. Accuracy is important for placement.
Volley: Come into the net when chances arise and put away short returns with crisp volleys using your agility and quick wrists.
Wall Bounce: Develop an instinct for wall bounces and anticipate ricochets to either attack openings or defend your zone efficiently. Communication with your partner is also important.
Drop Shot: A sneakier offensive shot is a low, short-angled drop to catch your opponent out of position and win the point. Takes touch and feel to execute.
Slice Serve: Slice backspin serves along the lines can be difficult to attack and help you gain free points. Placement is everything here.
Those are some of the most important shots and techniques used in padel tennis matches. As with any racquet sport, the key is developing feel and timing through regular practice and match play to master placements off the faster padel walls. With experience, you'll find yourself successfully attacking and counter-attacking with either forehand or backhand.
ISM Sports: Your Padel Tennis Academy
If you have tried Padel and want to take your game to the next level, consider joining a Padel tennis academy for regular coaching and training. At ISM Sports, our mission is to help both beginners and experienced players sharpen their technique and teamwork through specialized training.
Whether your motivation is to have fun, get exercise, or compete at a higher level, we provide a variety of programs for players of all ages and skill levels, from beginner programs to advanced training sessions. Our experienced coaches will help you improve your technique, develop your strategy, and increase your fitness level. We also offer league play, tournaments, and social events to help you connect with other players and stay engaged with the sport.
Whether you're new to Padel or a seasoned player, we invite you to join our community and take your game to the next level.
Conclusion
Padel tennis has taken the world by storm as a highly accessible, dynamic racquet sport enjoyed by players of all ages and abilities. Combining elements of tennis, squash, and handball within compact glass-walled courts, padel delivers an unmatched speed and energy level in both participation and spectating. Whether you enjoy paddling with friends at your local club, joining a training group to sharpen up fundamentals, or aspiring to compete in high-level matches, padel tennis will surprise you with its synergistic fusion of sports.
If you are looking to have fun, get exercise, or compete at a higher level, ISM Sports provides everything players need with our specialized programs and supportive community. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing a supportive and motivating environment to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to get started on your padel journey!