What is padel? In short, padel is a racket sport played almost always in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court. It mixes elements of tennis and squash: you score like tennis, serve underarm, and — the part that makes it unique — the glass walls around the court are in play. Rackets are solid and perforated, with no strings, and the ball is similar to a tennis ball but slightly less pressurised. It is easy to pick up, very social, and one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK.
A short history of padel
Padel was born in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969, when Enrique Corcuera adapted a squash-style court at his home with walls and a net. The game was brought to Spain shortly afterwards, where it took root along the Costa del Sol and then spread across the country and into Argentina. Spain remains the sport's heartland, but over the last decade padel has spread rapidly across Europe. In Great Britain, the Lawn Tennis Association took on responsibility for padel in 2019, and courts have been appearing at tennis clubs, leisure centres and dedicated indoor venues ever since.
The court and the equipment
The court
A padel court measures 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, divided by a net. It is enclosed at both ends by walls — usually glass, so spectators can watch — with further glass panels and metal mesh along the sides. The playing surface is most often artificial grass with sand infill, laid in blue, green or other colours. Lines mark the service boxes on each side.
The racket
Padel rackets are short, solid and perforated with holes. They have no strings, and their faces are made from fibreglass or carbon over a foam or EVA rubber core. Rackets come in three main shapes — round, teardrop and diamond — each with a different balance between control and power. Our padel racket guide explains the shapes in detail.
The ball
A padel ball looks very much like a tennis ball but has slightly lower internal pressure, which suits the smaller court and the play off the walls. Balls lose their bounce over time, so regular players open fresh tubes often. You will find suitable options in our padel balls collection.
How padel is played
Doubles first
Padel is designed for four players, two per side. Singles courts exist but are rare; almost every game you join will be doubles. This is a large part of padel's appeal: rallies last longer, you share the court with a partner, and there is always someone to talk to between points.
The serve
The serve is underarm. The server bounces the ball once on the ground behind the service line and strikes it at or below waist height, sending it diagonally into the opponent's service box. The ball must bounce in that box before the receiver plays it. As in tennis, you have two attempts. Because the serve is underarm, it is far less dominant than in tennis, which keeps games competitive between players of different strengths.
The walls
After the ball bounces on your side of the court, it may hit the glass walls and you can still play it on the rebound. You can also play the ball against your own walls to return it, as long as it then crosses the net and lands in your opponents' court before touching any of their walls. A ball that goes straight into the opponents' walls or fence without bouncing first loses the point. Learning to let the ball come off the back glass, rather than rushing to hit it early, is one of the first skills new players develop.
Scoring
Scoring follows tennis: points go 15, 30, 40 and game; six games win a set, usually with a tie-break at six-all; matches are typically best of three sets. Some clubs and competitions use a "golden point" at deuce, where the next point simply decides the game.
A few tactical basics
You do not need to know any tactics to enjoy your first game, but a few ideas will help you understand what experienced players are doing. In padel, the team that holds the net usually controls the point, so players work hard to move forward together after a good shot. The lob is one of the most important shots in the game: lifting the ball over the opponents' heads pushes them back towards the glass and lets your team take the net. Overheads are often played with control rather than full power — a well-placed shot that keeps the opponents pinned at the back is more effective than a smash that rebounds off the glass for an easy return. Finally, partners move as a pair, side by side, so communication matters as much as technique.
Why padel is so popular
Padel's growth comes down to a few simple qualities:
- It is easy to start. The underarm serve, the short racket and the smaller court mean beginners can enjoy rallies in their very first session.
- It is social. Four players on a compact court means plenty of conversation and a natural reason to stay for a drink afterwards.
- It suits many ages and abilities. Tactics and placement often matter more than raw power, so mixed-ability games remain fun.
- It is great exercise. Short bursts of movement, constant footwork and long rallies make for a lively workout.
- It works in British weather. Many venues have covered or indoor courts, so the season does not stop in winter.
How to start playing padel in the UK
The easiest way in is to book a beginner session or a taster class at a local club. Many venues rent rackets, so you can try the sport before buying anything. Once you know you enjoy it, a few essentials make a big difference:
A racket that suits beginners
A round or soft teardrop racket with a forgiving core helps you keep the ball in play while you learn. Our beginner padel rackets are chosen for exactly this.
Proper court shoes
Padel involves quick side-to-side movement on a sandy surface. Court shoes with a herringbone sole give you grip and stability — running shoes do not. See our padel shoes.
Comfortable clothing and a few balls
Breathable sportswear, a tube of balls and a water bottle complete the kit. You do not need anything specialist to start.
Frequently asked questions
Is padel the same as paddle tennis or pickleball?
No. Padel is played on an enclosed court with glass walls that are part of the game. Pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes on an open court, and paddle tennis (in its American form) is a different game again with its own court and rules.
Is padel easier than tennis?
Most people find padel easier to start: the court is smaller, the serve is underarm and the walls keep the ball in play. Like any sport, it takes time to master, and the tactics become surprisingly deep as you improve.
Can you play padel with two people?
Singles padel exists and is played on a narrower court, but such courts are uncommon. Most games are doubles, so if you are two, many clubs run social sessions where you can be paired with others.
Ready to try padel?
Padel is quick to learn, sociable and genuinely good fun — the reasons it is spreading so quickly across the UK. Book a taster session at a club near you and, when you are ready for your own kit, explore our padel rackets. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours, with free Royal Mail delivery in 7–9 working days and 30-day returns.