What is Padel Tennis?

Padel tennis is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton.

It's usually played in doubles on a small, enclosed court with walls used as part of the game, and is known for its simplicity and the level of strategy you can apply to score in the game.

The sport uses rackets and a ball, much like tennis, but there are several key differences between the classic game of tennis and the up-and-coming sport of Padel which we'll cover below.

It's a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity globally due to its fun, fast-paced nature and the social aspect of doubles play.

Now that you know what Padel tennis is, let's talk about one of the sport's most distinguishing features: the Padel court.

It's simply a smaller version of a standard tennis court, spanning 20m x 10m and surrounded on all sides by walls. These walls are typically made of glass and metallic mesh.

The net in the middle divides the court into two halves, just like in tennis, and the service lines are clearly visible, but with slightly modified serving regulations.

A padel court is 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. The International Padel Federation (FIP) specifies these dimensions. 

Dimensions
The padel court is divided in half by a net. The net is 10 meters long and 0.88 meters high at the center, rising to 0.92 meters at the ends.

The back wall and sidewalls are 3 meters high, and the rest of the court is enclosed with mesh wire that is also 3 meters high.

Padel rackets distinguish the sport from other racket sports, as they don't feature strings like you'd find on tennis, badminton, and squash rackets.

Instead, they are strong and firm with holes distributed across the racket face to deliver performance characteristics of power and control.

Padel shoes are designed for the movements and surface of padel, while tennis shoes are designed for the movements and surface of tennis.

Padel shoes are better suited for the fast-paced, high-intensity nature of padel. 

Padel balls are slightly smaller and lighter than tennis balls, and have slightly less pressure.

This difference in pressure gives the Padel ball a unique bounce, perfect for the enclosed court and wall plays of Padel tennis.

When combined with the unique racket, padel shoes and padel clothing, it provides a gameplay experience that's engaging, dynamic, and, above all, enjoyable.

When it comes to padel vs pickleball, padel is played on a walled court, incorporating rebounds, while pickleball takes place on an open court with no walls.

Finally, padel uses a low-compression ball similar to tennis and solid rackets, whereas pickleball features a lightweight, perforated plastic ball and paddles.

Padel courts are typically made of artificial turf or concrete. Artificial turf is the most common surface for both indoor and outdoor courts. 

Padel rackets are made from a variety of materials, including carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, and EVA foam. The materials used affect the racket's weight, durability, and performance.

Unlike its tennis counterpart, the Padel racket is solid without strings, usually made of a composite like carbon fiber, and has holes throughout.

The racket is designed to be compact and lightweight. This is to make maneuvering and control easier.

The lack of strings, however, means that spinning the ball requires more skill from the player, adding an exciting challenge to the game.

Padel tennis is a captivating racket sport with a unique court structure that brings a fresh perspective to traditional tennis.

It's a game that rewards strategy, cooperation, and a bit of creativity. With its increasing popularity, especially in England, it's clear that Padel tennis is a sport that's here to stay.

So, whether you're a seasoned player or a total newbie, the Padel court awaits you. Pick up a Padel racket, invite your friends, and enjoy the thrill that is Padel tennis!