Your Complete Beginner's Guide to Padel

What Is Padel?

Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is played on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, surrounded by glass walls and metal fencing. The walls are in play, meaning you can hit the ball off them just like in squash, which adds a unique strategic dimension to every rally.

The sport is always played as doubles (2 vs. 2) and uses solid, perforated rackets (no strings) and low-pressure tennis-style balls. Padel originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has exploded in popularity across Europe, Latin America, and now North America.

Padel is known for being highly social and accessible. Because the court is smaller and the racket is easier to handle, beginners can enjoy competitive rallies from their very first session.

Basic Rules

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis — 15, 30, 40, game — and is played as best of 3 sets. The key differences from tennis:

• The serve is underhand and must bounce before hitting the wall behind.
• The ball can bounce off the walls and still be in play — this is the key strategic element.
• You can exit the court through the gate and still play the ball from outside if it exits over the wall.
• Always played as doubles — 2 vs. 2.

What Gear Do You Need?

Find a Court in the DMV

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