Padel, sometimes called Padel Tennis, has recently seen a surge in popularity, but the fastest-growing sport in Europe has been around longer than you might realise.
Thought to originate in 1969 when Mexican, Enrique Cocuera, modified his squash court to incorporate elements of tennis, the game was initially played by the Mexican elite. Then, when a friend, Alfonso De Hohenlohe, who’d fallen in love with Padel, built two Padel courts in Marbella, the wheels were set in motion for a European roll-out. Soon, King Juan Carlos and former Wimbledon champion Manolo Santana were promoting the new sport, which quickly gained mass appeal across Spain.
A Pro Padel Circuit was created in 2005, and more countries began taking interest, particularly Sweden. Simultaneously, the sport’s popularity along the Costa Del Sol and Algarve also meant that many British tourists who’d been exposed to the game were beginning to play it when they got home. The rest, as they say, is history, with more and more people worldwide discovering the inclusive, fun-filled game.
Padel: A Great Game for the Family
Padel is great to play with friends and family because it’s not power dominant. Games are won through teamwork and strategy, not by strength. So, whether the group comprises mixed ages or abilities doesn’t matter. Because Padel is easy to learn, kids love it too.
Not to mention that it’s great for heart health, burning calories, increasing stamina and focus, concentration, and motor skills. This fast, energetic, highly sociable game will have you moving around the court, exercising your competitive muscle whilst genuinely laughing and enjoying bonding time together.
What is Padel?
Padel is an interactive, family-friendly game that’s a cross between tennis and squash.
It’s played in a doubles format on an enclosed court, usually made of glass and metal mesh that’s about a third of the size of a tennis court.
So, what equipment do you need to play a game of Padel?
Cocuera, the original founder, used wooden paddles, hence the name, which were smaller racquets than those used for tennis. Nowadays, the racquet is made from a composite material without strings but with a perforated, holey surface instead. The racquets come in different shapes, round, diamond, and teardrop, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Of course, you’ll need a ball; whilst it may look like a tennis ball, you’ll find it softer and with less pressure. Check out padelpadelpadel for loads of hints and tips on how to play Padel, the equipment you’ll need, what to wear and where you can find a Padel court near you.
Rules of Padel
Like tennis, you get two attempts at serve, but you must serve underhand at or below waist level.
Just as in tennis, the ball may only bounce once on your side and be hit once. The key difference is that the ball is allowed to bounce off the walls of the court. For example, you can return by hitting the ball into the wall on your side of the court and it then bounces into the other side of the court.
Padel follows the same points scoring system as tennis, except that in 2020, the World Padel Tour introduced a ‘Gold’ or ‘Golden’ point. This only occurs when the score reaches deuce during any game. The receiving team then chooses whether the service will come from the right or left of the court. Whichever team wins that one single point wins the game. Whilst the golden point is played in professional Padel, it’s optional in the amateur game.
To win a game, you must be two points ahead, and to win a set, you must be two games ahead. If the set levels at 6-6, then a tiebreak is played, like tennis, up to 7 and must be won by two points.
Where to Play Padel
Padel enthusiasts everywhere can get their fix of this fantastic sport. Specialised purpose-built courts are springing up around the country and many multi-purpose providers are jumping on board and accommodating Padel and its players.
Click here to find out where there might be a Padel court near you. You really need to get involved with this superb new sport that’s sure to keep you fit, healthy and most importantly, having fun with your friends and family.