What is padel as a sport? History, origins, and tips

Padel, also called “padel tennis”, is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is fun, social, and easy to learn. That’s why both beginners and experienced players love it. But what is padel sport? Let’s dive into its origins, explore its popularity, and offer some helpful beginner’s tips to get started.

Where did padel originate?

Let’s learn some padel history! Its journey began in Mexico in the late 1960s. It quickly went from a backyard game to a sport known around the world. The game is simple and social, which helped it gain popularity in many countries. It is especially popular in Spain.

Who invented padel tennis?

It was invented by Enrique Corcuera in 1969. He built the first court at his home in Acapulco, Mexico, combining tennis and squash elements. Corcuera’s new way of playing started the sport we know today. Over time, it grew thanks to passionate players and the creation of official rules and organizations.

Padel vs tennis

The main difference between padel and tennis lies in the court and the way the ball is played. Padel is played on a smaller court surrounded by walls, which allow the ball to bounce off them, adding a unique twist to the game. Unlike tennis, where players use rackets with strings, padel rackets are solid and have holes. This makes it easier to control the ball.

Another big difference is the serve. In padel, serves are underhand and must bounce in the service box, whereas tennis serves are typically overhand. These distinctions create a more social, accessible experience, making it a perfect option for beginners.

Why is padel so popular?

It offers an easy learning curve, requires less physical strain than tennis, and can be played indoors or outdoors. The social nature of the game, typically played in doubles, encourages interaction and fun. Additionally, padel courts take up less space than tennis courts, making them more accessible in urban areas.

Basic rules

You can find more about the basic padel rules in this article, but here's a quick overview:

• Scoring: It uses the same scoring system as tennis, with points going from 15 to 30 to 40. A match is usually played in sets, with the first team to win six games taking the set.

• Serving: You get two chances to serve correctly. The ball must bounce in the other side's service box. Each player on the team takes turns serving.

• Walls: They are part of the playing area. The ball can bounce off the walls, but it has to stay within the court boundaries. If the ball lands outside the playing area or does not make it over the net, it’s considered out.

Beginner tips to play

If you’re new to the sport, here are some beginner tips to help you get started:

• Focus on control over power: control your shots and place the ball in the gaps your opponents leave open in the court.

• Get comfortable with the walls: Use the walls to your advantage! Practicing how to bounce the ball off the walls can really help your game.

• Work on your serve: A good serve is important to start the point right. Practice your underhand serve to make sure it lands in the right spot and stays low.

• Communicate with your partner: This is a doubles game, so communication with your teammate is essential. Always talk and move as a team.

• Keep your feet light: Quick movements help you get in position to hit the ball and react faster. Stay agile and ready for anything!

Now that you know all about padel, it’s time to hit the court! Whether you're a total beginner or have played other racket sports, you’ll have fun. And don’t forget, Playtomic is the perfect app to find a court near you, book a class, or meet new people to play with. Start today!