What Is Padel? Rules, Court, Scoring & Equipment Explained
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, but what exactly is it, and why has it exploded in popularity across Europe and beyond?
In this guide, we break down what padel is, how it’s played, the rules, court dimensions, scoring system, and the equipment you need to get started.
What Is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is always played in doubles (2 vs 2) on an enclosed court, using solid rackets and a slightly depressurised ball.
What makes padel unique is its accessibility. The sport is easy to pick up for beginners, yet highly tactical at advanced levels. Instead of raw power, padel rewards positioning, patience, communication, and smart decision-making.
That balance between performance and mindset is exactly why padel has evolved into more than just a sport, it’s a culture.
The Padel Court Explained
A standard padel court measures 20 metres long by 10 metres wide, making it smaller than a tennis court. The court is fully enclosed with glass walls and metal mesh, all of which are part of the game.
Key features of a padel court:
Enclosed glass walls that can be used during rallies
Net height similar to tennis
Always played in doubles
Symmetrical layout for fast-paced exchanges
The walls completely change how the game is played. Instead of finishing points quickly, padel encourages longer rallies, defensive play, and tactical construction of points — a game of intelligence rather than brute force.
Padel Rules & Scoring System
Padel follows the same scoring system as tennis:
15 – 30 – 40 – game
Matches are usually best of 3 sets
Tie-break played at 6–6
One key difference is how the court design affects the flow of the game. Because rallies last longer, mental focus and consistency often matter more than strength or speed.
In padel, knowing when not to attack is just as important as hitting winners.
Padel Equipment: What You Need to Play
Padel Racket
Padel rackets are solid (no strings) and feature holes to reduce air resistance. They are shorter than tennis rackets and designed for control rather than power.
Padel Ball
The ball looks similar to a tennis ball but has lower internal pressure, resulting in slightly slower play and longer rallies.
Shoes
Padel-specific or clay-court shoes are recommended, offering better grip and lateral stability for quick direction changes.
Choosing the right equipment enhances performance, but padel is ultimately about how you play, not what you overpower.
Why Is Padel So Popular?
Padel’s global growth isn’t accidental. The sport offers a rare mix of:
Easy learning curve for beginners
Strong social and community aspect
Strategic depth that keeps players hooked
Inclusive culture across ages and skill levels
Padel isn’t about hitting harder.
It’s about thinking better, playing smarter, and connecting with your partner.
That mindset sits at the core of modern padel culture, and at the heart of One Bounce, a brand built around the idea that padel is not a trend, but a way of playing and living the game.
