Let’s start with the similarities- Both racket sports can be played on day-one due to the underhand serve and easier control of the ball (compared to tennis). In both games, the ball can only bounce once off the ground before returning.

A Padel court is a little larger than pickleball court. The biggest difference in Padel is the enclosed court. This allows for dynamic play off the back and side walls and increases the athleticism and tactics in winning a point.

Unlike Pickleball, Padel must be played in doubles (two versus two).

Here’s a quick rundown on Padel rules. If you forget, our staff is there to help you out.

 

1. The Serve: Start by serving underhand (below hip level). The ball must bounce once on the ground before you serve, and it has to land in the opposite service box. If the ball hits the fence on the serve, that’s a fault. You get two attempts, just like tennis.
2. The Rally: Once the serve is in, it’s game on! The ball must first bounce on the court before it can hit the walls. You can use the glass walls to your advantage, hitting it off them to keep the rally alive. You win the point if the ball bounces twice on your opponent’s side or if they hit the ball into your wall directly.
3. Scoring: Padel scoring is just like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game! Win six games to take the set, and best of three sets wins the match.
4. Doubles Only: Padel is a team game-always played in doubles (2 vs. 2). So you’ll need to communicate with your partner to cover the court and set up those winning shots.

Here’s the lowdown on padel essentials:

• The Court: A padel court is enclosed in specially made glass and metal mesh walls, giving it a unique feature compared to other racket sports. The surface is synthetic turf, perfect for quick sprints and slicing a shot back to your opponent.
• The Racquet: No strings here! Padel racquets are solid and made from either carbon or fiberglass. They’re smaller and lighter, offering great control and maneuverability during fast-paced games. They also pack some punch for a game-winning slam.
• The Balls: They look like tennis balls, but padel balls have a little less bounce, making them perfect for those wall rebounds and tactical rallies. No gear? No worries! We’ll rent you a cool perforated racquet and balls, and you’ll be set for some fun padel action!

Getting ready for Padel? Here’s what you’ll need to wear for comfort and performance:

1. Breathable Sportswear: Opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes, like shorts, leggings, or a comfortable t-shirt. Pockets are great for your second-serve ball. You’ll want to stay cool and have full range of motion for those quick moves.
2. Court Shoes: We recommend court shoes specifically designed for padel or tennis. These have better grip and lateral support, which is important for the side-to-side movement during the game.
3. Headgear: If you’re playing outdoors, a cap or visor can protect you from the sun, and a sweatband can help keep the sweat out of your eyes during intense rallies.

The story of padel is a fun mix of happy accidents and international flavor!

It all started in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, when Enrique and his wife Viviana Corcuera were vacationing at their holiday home. Enrique found himself filled with boredom but without the space for a full tennis court. So, he built a smaller court surrounded by walls to keep the ball from flying into his neighbor’s yard. He called it “pádel” and just like that, a new sport was born!

Fast forward to the 1970s, and Enrique’s friend, Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, visited and fell in love with the game. He took it to Spain, where it exploded in popularity, especially in Marbella. Soon, the Spaniards were hooked on padel, adding their own tweaks to the rules and spreading the game across Europe.

Then, in the 1980s, Argentina jumped on board. The sport took off like wildfire there, becoming one of the country’s favorite pastimes.

In the last 5 years, Padel has become the fastest growing sport in the World with courts popping up in greater Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. With Professional leagues emerging, celebrity appeal, and over 30+ million players globally, Padel has a clear path to the Olympics as well as major sports markets like the United States.

So, from a backyard experiment in Mexico to a worldwide sporting craze, Padel has come a long way… and the journey is still just beginning.

Yes, the Playtomic app is your home for all things Padel. You can book your court, find partners, schedule lessons and events. It’ll even give you your Padel level for even-competitive matches.

Booking with Playtomic is as easy as finding your club, choosing the date/time. reviewing the cost and booking for your party.