What Is Padel and Why You Should Consider It as Your New Sport

If you’ve never heard of padel, you’re not alone—but you’ll want to know about it. We have a new Padel court open near us in Mansfield and it got me intrigued! So, what is padel and why might you enjoy it? This fast-growing sport blends elements of tennis and squash for a fun, fast-paced activity that’s sweeping across the globe.

This post will explain what padel is, why it’s gaining popularity, and how you can get started with the sport—even if you’ve never set foot on a padel court before.

What Is Padel?

Padel (pronounced “pah-del”) is a racket sport that’s often described as a cross between tennis and squash. It’s typically played in doubles on an enclosed court that’s about a third the size of a tennis court. Unlike tennis, the walls are used as part of the game, similar to squash, adding an exciting twist to the gameplay.

Here are some basics of the sport to help paint the picture:

• Court Size: Padel courts are 20m long by 10m wide, surrounded by glass and metal-mesh walls. The court is divided by a net, just like tennis.
• Scoring: Scoring in padel is the same as in tennis (love, 15, 30, 40, game), so anyone familiar with tennis has a head start.
• Equipment: You use a stringless padel racket—often made from carbon fibre or composite materials—and a low-compression padel ball that’s similar to a tennis ball but slightly softer.

Padel is designed to be easy to pick up and play, making it accessible to people of all ages and athletic abilities.

Why Is Padel Becoming so Popular?

Padel is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Here’s why it’s taking off and why you might want to join the movement.

Accessible and Beginner-Friendly

Unlike some other sports that demand years of practice just to keep the ball in play (we’re looking at you, tennis), padel has a gentler learning curve. The smaller court size and use of walls make it easier to keep the ball in play, which means longer rallies and more fun—even for beginners.

Additionally, because matches are usually played in doubles, padel is naturally social. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to enjoy a good game, making it perfect for casual players who want a mix of mild competition and laughs with friends.

A Great Workout for Body and Mind

One of the most appealing aspects of padel is its ability to provide a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like a chore. The fast-paced nature of the game keeps you moving, which improves cardio health, agility, and coordination.

Plus, the strategic use of walls and smart positioning keeps your brain engaged—putting a new spin (literally) on problem-solving under pressure.

Social and Inclusive

Padel removes barriers that often exist in sports. You can play it regardless of your age or fitness level, making it a fantastic activity for families, friends, and co-workers. Many clubs even host mixed-gender matches, which adds to the fun and inclusivity. So if your friend or colleague asks you what is padel you can ask them to join you and they can try it, no experience needed!

Global Growth and Appeal

From Spain to Sweden, and Argentina to the UK, padel is exploding in popularity. There are now over 25 million players worldwide, and the number of padel courts is expanding rapidly. Fun fact—it’s so popular in Spain that it’s second only to football in terms of participation!

How to Get Started with Padel

If you’re curious to try, here’s how to get going with padel.

1. Find a Local Padel Court

Padel courts are often part of larger sports or tennis clubs. A quick search online or on local sports apps can help you locate one nearby. With padel growing in popularity, there are likely more options than you think.

2. Gear Up with Padel Equipment

You don’t need loads of fancy equipment to get started. Most clubs will rent out rackets and balls, so you can test the waters before investing in your own gear.

When you’re ready to buy your own padel equipment, focus on the essentials:

• Padel Racket: Look for one that’s lightweight and easy to handle if you’re a beginner.
• Padel Balls: These are slightly softer and less bouncy than tennis balls, designed for slower, controlled gameplay.
• Apparel: Comfortable clothing and non-marking court shoes with good grip will keep you moving safely.

3. Learn the Rules

While padel is quick to learn, it’s worth understanding the rules to avoid confusion mid-game. Here are some key elements:

• The ball must bounce on the ground before hitting any walls.
• You can use the walls to return a shot, adding to the strategy.
• Matches are almost always played in doubles, so teamwork is crucial.

4. Join a Group or Class

Most clubs offer padel lessons or beginner-friendly group matches. Joining one of these is a great way to learn the ropes, find out what is padel like for you, meet fellow players, and improve your skills in a supportive environment.

5. Play (and Enjoy)

The best part? Just get out there and play. Remember, padel is meant to be fun and sociable, so don’t take it too seriously at first.

Common FAQs About Padel

Is padel the same as tennis?

No, although padel is a racket sport like tennis, it has distinct differences. The court is smaller, the walls are used in play, and the gameplay is generally more accessible for beginners.

How is padel different from squash?

Padel is played on an outdoor court with a net, while squash is an indoor sport played in a four-walled court. Padel also uses a specific racket and ball designed for its unique gameplay.

Does padel require a lot of fitness?

Not at all! Padel is accessible for players of all fitness levels and ages. It’s a great way to improve your fitness without feeling like a workout.

Can kids play padel?

Absolutely. Many organisations offer lessons for children, making it a fantastic family-friendly sport. Soon all kids will know about padel and it will become popular with schools even. Whilst now they all ask, what is padel, soon it will be like football with everyone knowing.

Why You Should Add Padel to Your Life

Padel ticks all the boxes for a new sport to pick up—fun, social, inclusive, and a brilliant way to stay active. With its rise in popularity, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never held a racket before or if your athletic peak was chasing the ice cream van as a kid. Grab a racket, step onto a padel court, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. You might just find your new favourite sport. What have you got to lose?