Padel is an exciting racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Imagine playing on a smaller court with walls that let the ball bounce off—just like in squash!

The game is usually played in doubles, making it a social and fast-paced experience. Instead of a traditional stringed racquet, we use a solid, perforated paddle to hit a ball over the net. The best part? Padel is easy to pick up, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player!

How Is Padel Different from Tennis?

At first glance, padel might look like tennis, but there are some key differences:

• Smaller court: A padel court is about one-third the size of a tennis court.

• Walls are part of the game: You can bounce the ball off the walls, adding a whole new layer of strategy.

• Different racquet: A padel racquet is shorter, thicker, and has no strings.

• Underhand serves: Unlike tennis, where we serve overhead, padel requires an underhand serve.

• Less power, more technique: Since the court is smaller and the racquet has no strings, padel is more about control and positioning than raw power.

The Origins of Padel

Padel started in the late 1960s in Acapulco, Mexico. A man named Enrique Corcuera built a smaller court at his home, surrounded by walls to prevent balls from flying into his neighbors' yards. Over time, his friends developed rules that included bouncing the ball off walls, which made the game more fun and dynamic. From there, padel spread to Spain and Argentina, where it became one of the most popular sports after soccer!

What Do We Need to Play Padel?

If we're ready to try padel, here's what we'll need:

• A padel court: A 20x10-meter enclosed space with walls made of glass and wire mesh.

• A padel racquet: Unlike a tennis racquet, it's solid with holes and has a short handle.

• Padel balls: They look like tennis balls but are slightly smaller and have lower pressure.

• Comfortable sportswear: Sneakers with good grip are a must since padel involves quick movements.

Padel Rules in a Nutshell

Padel rules are simple, making it a beginner-friendly sport:

1. Scoring is like tennis (15, 30, 40, game).

2. The serve must be underhand and bounce once before hitting the ball.

3. The ball must bounce once before hitting the walls (except on the serve).

4. Hitting off the walls is allowed as long as the ball bounces first.

5. The ball can go outside the court—and we can even chase it down and hit it back in!

Beginner Tips for Playing Padel

Want to get better at padel quickly? Here are some useful tips:

• Keep your racquet up so you're always ready to react.

• Use the walls to your advantage instead of trying to avoid them.

• Communicate with your partner—good teamwork is key!

• Don't focus on power—padel is more about placement and strategy.

• Practice your underhand serve to gain control and accuracy.

Famous Padel Players to Watch

If we want to see padel at its best, we should check out these top players:

• Juan Lebrón (Spain): One of the best in the world, known for his explosive style.

• Alejandro Galán (Spain): A powerful player with amazing control.

• Paula Josemaría (Spain): One of the top female padel players with incredible technique.

• Ari Sánchez (Spain): A rising star who dominates in women's padel.

Why Is Padel Becoming So Popular?

Padel is taking over the world because it's:

• Easy to learn: The smaller court and slower ball speed make it beginner-friendly.

• A social sport: Since it's mainly played in doubles, it's great for making friends.

• Fast and exciting: Rallies are longer than in tennis, keeping the game fun and engaging.

• Accessible: You don't need years of practice to enjoy a match!

Ready to Try Padel?

Lykkers, have you ever played padel before? Or are you thinking of giving it a try? This fast-growing sport is not just fun but also a fantastic way to stay active and meet new people. Let's grab a racquet, find a court, and see what all the hype is about! Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your padel experiences! 🎾😊