What Is Padel? Rules, Origins & Beginner FAQs

Introduction

Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the UK, and it is easy to see why. It is social, quick to pick up and usually played as doubles, making it popular with beginners, families, club players and people coming from tennis, squash or other racket sports.

At first glance, padel can look a bit like tennis on a smaller court, or even a mix between tennis and squash. But padel has its own rules, equipment and style of play. The court is enclosed by glass walls, the serve is underarm, and players use solid padel rackets rather than strung tennis rackets.

In this guide, we’ll explain what padel is, how the basic rules work, where the sport came from, how it compares with tennis and pickleball, whether padel can be played as singles, and what equipment you need to start playing. If you are completely new to the sport, our guide on How to Choose a Padel Racket: is also a useful place to start once you understand the basics.

What Is Padel?

Padel is a racket sport usually played in doubles on an enclosed court with glass walls and metal fencing. It is played over a net, like tennis, but the court is smaller and the walls are part of the game.

Players use solid padel rackets rather than strung tennis rackets, and the ball can be played after it bounces off the glass. This helps create longer rallies and makes the game feel more forgiving for beginners.

Although padel is easy to start, it becomes more tactical as players improve. Good positioning, teamwork, shot selection and control are often more important than simply hitting the ball hard. This is one reason padel has become so popular with both new players and experienced racket sport players.

Why Is Padel So Popular?

Padel has become popular because it is easy to start, social and enjoyable from the first few games. The underarm serve, smaller court and use of the glass walls make rallies easier to build than in tennis, so beginners can get involved quickly.

It is also usually played as doubles, which makes it more social and less physically demanding than some racket sports. At the same time, padel still offers plenty of depth as players improve, with tactics, positioning, lobs, volleys and teamwork becoming increasingly important. That balance of accessibility and competitiveness is a big part of its appeal.

Where Did Padel Originate and Who Invented It?

Padel originated in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969 and was invented by Enrique Corcuera. He wanted a tennis-style game at his home but did not have enough space for a full-size tennis court, so he created a smaller enclosed court with surrounding walls.

Those walls became one of padel’s defining features, allowing the ball to stay in play after bouncing off the glass. The sport later spread to Spain and Argentina, where it grew rapidly before becoming popular across Europe and the UK.

What Are the Basic Rules of Padel?

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis, with points going 15, 30, 40 and game. Matches are usually played as doubles, with two players on each side of the net.

The serve is underarm and must be hit after the ball bounces once behind the service line. The ball must land diagonally into the opponent’s service box.

During a rally, the ball must bounce on the opponent’s side before it can hit the glass or fencing. After the ball bounces once, players can let it rebound off the glass and still return it. The ball can also be volleyed before it bounces, as long as it has already crossed the net.

The walls are what make padel different from tennis, helping to create longer rallies and more tactical points. 

Is Padel the Same as Tennis?

Padel and tennis share some similarities, including the scoring system and the use of a net, but they are not the same sport.

Padel is played on a smaller enclosed court, usually as doubles, with glass walls that are part of the game. The serve is underarm, and players use solid padel rackets rather than strung tennis rackets.

Tennis generally rewards power, serve speed and baseline hitting more heavily. Padel places greater emphasis on control, positioning, teamwork and using the walls effectively. For beginners, this often makes padel easier to start, especially if you choose a forgiving racket.

Is Padel the Same as Tennis?

Padel and tennis share some similarities, including the scoring system and the use of a net, but they are not the same sport.

Padel is played on a smaller enclosed court, usually as doubles, with glass walls that are part of the game. The serve is underarm, and players use solid padel rackets rather than strung tennis rackets.

Tennis generally rewards power, serve speed and baseline hitting more heavily. Padel places greater emphasis on control, positioning, teamwork and using the walls effectively. For beginners, this often makes padel easier to start, especially if you choose a comfortable, forgiving racket. Our Best Beginner Padel Rackets guide covers easy-to-play options for new players.