What Is Padel? The Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)
Everything you need to know about padel — rules, equipment, court layout, and why it's the fastest-growing sport in the world. Start playing today.
What Is Padel?
Padel (also called padel tennis) is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It's played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, with glass walls and metallic mesh that are in play — meaning the ball can bounce off the walls, adding a unique tactical dimension.
Originally invented in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera, padel has exploded in popularity across Spain, Argentina, and now the rest of the world. It's estimated that over 25 million people play padel globally, and the US market is growing rapidly with new courts opening every month.
Padel Court Layout
A padel court measures 20 meters long by 10 meters wide (about 66 × 33 feet). The court is enclosed by walls — typically 3 meters of glass on the back walls and sides, with metallic mesh above. The net is slightly lower than a tennis net (88cm at the center vs 91.4cm in tennis).
The court is divided into service boxes similar to tennis. The serving area is behind the service line, and serves must be underhand.
Basic Rules of Padel
- Always doubles: Padel is almost exclusively played as doubles (2 vs 2)
- Underhand serve: The ball must bounce once before being hit underhand below waist height
- Walls are in play: After the ball bounces on your side, you can let it hit the wall before returning it
- Scoring: Same as tennis — 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage
- No overhead serve: Unlike tennis, there's no powerful overhead serve, making rallies longer and more enjoyable
- You can exit the court: In some situations, you can run outside the court through the side doors to return a lob
What Equipment Do You Need?
The equipment for padel is minimal:
- Padel racket: Solid (no strings), with holes for aerodynamics. Shorter than a tennis racket. Prices range from $50 for beginners to $300+ for competitive rackets.
- Padel balls: Similar to tennis balls but slightly less pressurized for slower, more controlled play.
- Court shoes: Any tennis or court shoes with good lateral support. Padel-specific shoes offer herringbone soles optimized for artificial turf.
Most padel facilities offer racket rentals for $5–$10, so you don't need to buy equipment to try the sport.
Why Is Padel Growing So Fast?
Several factors drive padel's explosive growth:
- Easy to learn: Most people can rally within 20 minutes of picking up a racket
- Social sport: Always doubles means you're playing with friends
- Less physical: The smaller court means less running than tennis
- Longer rallies: No overpowering serves means more fun, competitive points
- Celebrity endorsement: Athletes and celebrities are investing in padel facilities across the US
Find a Padel Court Near You
Ready to try padel? Browse padel courts by state on CourtFinder. Every listing includes GPS coordinates, live weather, amenities, and directions to help you find the perfect court near you.