Padel has quickly gained popularity in Romania and around the world. It is an accessible, fun sport and ideal for both beginners and those with experience in racket sports. If you are curious about how to play padel, what rules you need to follow, how to choose the right racket and how it differs from tennis, read on.
How is padel played?
Padel is played in teams of two players (doubles), on a smaller court than a tennis court, surrounded by glass walls and metal grilles. The game starts with a low serve, the ball must touch the ground before being hit and must be sent diagonally, into the opponent’s court.
After the ball has been served, the game continues as in tennis, but with one important difference: the ball can hit the walls after touching the ground, and the game continues. This adds a new dimension and more dynamism. The score is kept as in tennis (15, 30, 40, games).
Essential rules in padel
Although padel is easy to learn, it has some specific rules:
– The service is made from the side, with a low blow, after the ball is dropped once on the ground.
– The ball must hit the ground before touching the wall or fence.
– It is played only in doubles, so four players on the court.
– The walls can be used strategically: the ball can bounce off the wall and remain in play, if it touched the ground first.
– The score is identical to that in tennis, and sets are played up to 6 games (with a difference of two games or tie-break at 6-6).
How do you choose a padel racket?
The padel racket is very different from the tennis one. It is shorter, has no strings and is full, with holes for aerodynamics. Choosing the right racket depends on your level of play:
– Beginners – should choose a lightweight racket with a round shape for more control.
– Intermediate – you can opt for a teardrop shape, which offers a good balance between power and control.
– Advanced – can choose diamond-shaped rackets, which offer maximum power but require good technique.
Also important are the weight (usually between 340 and 390 g), the materials (carbon, fiberglass) and the handle, which should fit the size of your hand. A racket that is too heavy or too stiff can affect your game and even cause injuries.
Differences between padel and tennis
Although padel and tennis may seem similar at first glance, in reality they are two quite different sports, both in terms of rules and dynamics.
First of all, the padel court is smaller than the tennis court and is surrounded by glass walls and metal grilles. These walls are part of the game – the ball can bounce off them, which adds an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability. In tennis, the court is open, and the ball must remain in the playing space without touching anything other than the ground.
Another important aspect is the way it is served. In padel, the serve is mandatory from below, after the ball has been allowed to touch the ground. In tennis, the serve is looser and is usually done from above, over the shoulder, with much more force.
In terms of equipment, the rackets are completely different. The padel racket is smaller, has no strings and is made of a solid material, perforated with holes for aerodynamics. The tennis racket has strings and is much more flexible, which also influences the style of play.
It should also be noted that padel is played only in doubles format – that is, two players against two others – while tennis also allows singles matches (one against one). This makes padel a more social and collaborative sport.
Last but not least, the differences are also felt in the rhythm of the game. Padel is less physically demanding, but it requires good positioning and quick thinking, thanks to the walls that keep the ball in play for longer. Tennis, on the other hand, is faster and more physically demanding, relying heavily on strength and speed.
If you are tempted to try padel, you don’t need much: a suitable racket, adapted sports shoes and three other friends who want to move. It’s played exclusively in teams of two, so the fun comes with team spirit. After just a few matches, you might find you’ve found your new favorite sport.
