Padel is the fastest-growing racket sport in the world with over 35 million players across 90+ countries. It is played on an enclosed court (20m x 10m) with glass walls and metallic mesh, using a stringless paddle with holes and a depressurized ball. Padel is always played in doubles (2 vs 2), and the walls are used strategically as part of the game, similar to squash. It was invented in Mexico in 1969 and is now hugely popular in Spain, Argentina, and across Europe.

What are the basic rules of padel?

Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed court. The serve must be underhand, below waist height, and diagonal. Scoring follows tennis rules (15, 30, 40, game, with deuce and advantage). The ball must bounce on the ground before hitting any wall. After bouncing, the ball can rebound off walls and remain in play. Double bounce loses the point. Matches are best of 3 sets with tie-break at 6-6.

What is the difference between padel and pickleball?

Padel is played on a 20m x 10m enclosed court with glass walls, using a stringless paddle with holes and depressurized balls. Pickleball uses a 13.4m x 6.1m open court with a solid paddle and perforated plastic ball. Padel is always doubles; pickleball allows singles. Padel uses tennis scoring; pickleball scores to 11 (only server scores). The key difference is padel's wall play, which adds a unique strategic dimension similar to squash.

How do I improve my padel volley?

To improve your padel volley: keep your racket up at chest height and always be ready, bend your knees and step forward when hitting, use short controlled strokes rather than long swings, aim at the center between opponents to create confusion, and keep a firm wrist on impact. Practice volley drills against the glass wall for consistency.

What is the bandeja shot in padel?

The bandeja is a defensive overhead shot in padel. It's hit with a short slicing motion, bringing the racket behind your head and cutting under the ball. The goal is to make the ball bounce low near the opponent's back wall, keeping you at the net. Don't jump when hitting — keep feet on the ground for better control. It's used when the ball comes between waist and head height.

How much does online padel coaching cost?

At PadelProAnswers, online padel coaching starts at $9.99 per question for a single expert answer with video analysis. The monthly Pro subscription is $29/month and includes 4 detailed questions with priority response and video review. All answers come from certified padel coaches with professional experience.

How can I find padel near me?

To find padel courts near you, search for 'padel courts' or 'padel clubs' in your area on Google Maps, or check platforms like Playtomic, Padel Manager, or local sports directories. Padel is growing rapidly worldwide with new courts opening weekly in major cities across Europe, the Americas, Middle East, and Asia. While you look for courts, you can start improving your game with online coaching at PadelProAnswers.

Is padel good for beginners?

Padel is one of the most beginner-friendly racket sports. The enclosed court keeps the ball in play longer, creating enjoyable rallies from the start. The underhand serve is easier than tennis. The smaller court and slower ball make it less physically demanding. Most beginners can enjoy competitive games after just 2-3 sessions. Our coaches at PadelProAnswers tailor advice specifically for beginners.

What padel racket should I buy?

Padel rackets (palas) come in three shapes: Round (best for beginners — maximum control), Teardrop (balanced between control and power), and Diamond (for advanced players — maximum power). Beginners should start with a round shape, medium weight (360-375g), and soft EVA core. Popular brands include Bullpadel, Head, Babolat, Wilson, and Adidas. Ask our coaches for personalized racket recommendations based on your level.

What is the padel serve technique?

The padel serve must be hit underhand, below waist height. Bounce the ball behind the service line and hit it diagonally to the opponent's service box. Keep at least one foot on the ground. Aim for placement over power — try to hit deep and towards the side wall. You get two attempts (first and second serve). A let occurs if the ball touches the net and lands in the correct box.

How do I use the walls in padel?

Wall play is what makes padel unique. Key tips: let the ball bounce off the back wall and hit after the rebound, read the angle (ball exits at same angle it enters), practice back wall exit drills, don't be afraid to let the ball pass you to play it off the wall. The double wall bounce (back + side) is essential for defense. Our coaches can analyze your wall play technique with video.

What is the best padel doubles strategy?

Key padel doubles strategies: always move as a pair (both up or both back), communicate constantly during points, use lobs to get past opponents and gain the net, aim shots at the center to create confusion, control the net position (the team at the net usually wins), the stronger player typically plays the backhand side. Ask our coaches for personalized doubles tactics.

Can I send a video of my padel match for analysis?

Yes! You can upload videos directly from your phone (up to 100MB) or share links from YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Our certified coaches will review your gameplay and provide specific tips on technique, positioning, shot selection, and strategy within 24-48 hours.

What padel drills can I practice alone?

Solo padel drills include: back wall rebounds (10 min, 3 sets), serve practice (50 serves per box focusing on placement), glass volley drills at different heights, lateral footwork sprints between walls, bandeja practice against the wall, and shadow footwork for positioning. Our coaches can create a personalized training plan for your level.

How is padel different from tennis?

Key differences: padel uses an enclosed court with glass walls (20x10m vs tennis 23.7x10.9m), stringless rackets instead of strung rackets, depressurized balls, is always played in doubles, uses underhand serve, and incorporates wall play. Scoring is the same (15, 30, 40). Padel is generally easier to learn, more social, and creates longer rallies. Many tennis players enjoy transitioning to padel.

How do I hit a padel smash?

For a padel smash: rotate your shoulders and raise your elbow before hitting, use topspin or slice to control where the ball goes after bouncing, aim for corners to make returns difficult. Advanced techniques include the 'por 3' smash (exits through side glass) and the 'víbora' (sliced smash that bounces low and changes direction). Practice with a coach for personalized feedback.

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What is Padel?

Padel is the fastest-growing racket sport in the world with over 35 million players globally. It is played on an enclosed court with glass walls using a stringless paddle and a low-pressure ball. Padel is always played in doubles (2 vs 2) and the walls are used strategically as part of the game.

Padel vs Pickleball vs Tennis

Unlike tennis, padel courts are smaller and enclosed with glass walls. Unlike pickleball, padel uses the walls as part of the game. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash for a unique sporting experience enjoyed by beginners and advanced players alike.

Basic Padel Rules

Padel is played in doubles. The serve is underhand. Scoring is the same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game). The ball can bounce off the walls but must hit the ground first. Matches are best of 3 sets.

Padel Tips & Techniques

Padel Volley: Keep your racket up, knees bent, and step into the ball
Padel Bandeja: Defensive overhead shot with short, controlled motion
Padel Smash: Rotate shoulders, raise elbow, hit with spin
Court Positioning: Move as a team, both up or both back
Using the Walls: Let the ball bounce and play after the rebound
Doubles Strategy: Communicate, use lobs, aim for the center

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is padel?: Padel is the fastest-growing racket sport with 35+ million players across 90+ countries. Played on an enclosed 20x10m court with glass walls, using a stringless paddle. Always doubles.
What are the basic rules of padel?: Doubles on enclosed court. Underhand serve below waist. Tennis scoring. Ball must bounce before hitting wall. After bounce, walls are in play. Best of 3 sets.
What is the difference between padel and pickleball?: Padel: enclosed 20x10m court, glass walls, stringless paddle with holes. Pickleball: open 13.4x6.1m court, solid paddle, plastic ball. Key difference: padel uses walls strategically.
How do I improve my padel volley?: Keep racket at chest height, bend knees, step forward, use short controlled strokes, aim at center between opponents, firm wrist on impact.
What is the bandeja shot?: A defensive overhead with short slicing motion. Ball should bounce low near opponent's back wall. Keep feet on ground for control.
How much does online padel coaching cost?: From $9.99 per question or $29/month for 4 questions with video analysis. All from certified coaches.
How can I find padel near me?: Search Google Maps for padel courts, check Playtomic or Padel Manager. New courts opening weekly worldwide.
Is padel good for beginners?: Very beginner-friendly. Enclosed court keeps ball in play. Underhand serve is easy. Most enjoy competitive games after 2-3 sessions.
What padel racket should I buy?: Round shape for beginners (control), teardrop for intermediate (balanced), diamond for advanced (power). Start with 360-375g, soft EVA core.
What is the padel serve technique?: Underhand serve below waist height. Bounce behind service line, hit diagonally. Aim for placement over power. Two attempts per point. Let if ball touches net and lands correctly.
How do I use the walls in padel?: Let ball bounce off back wall, hit after rebound. Ball exits at same angle it enters. Double wall bounce essential for defense.
What is the best doubles strategy?: Move as a pair, communicate constantly, use lobs to gain net, aim at center, control the net position.
Can I send a video for analysis?: Upload from your phone (up to 100MB) or share YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox links. Coaches respond in 24-48h.
What padel drills can I practice alone?: Back wall rebounds, serve practice, glass volley drills, lateral footwork, bandeja practice, shadow positioning.
How is padel different from tennis?: Enclosed court with walls, stringless rackets, depressurized balls, always doubles, underhand serve. Easier to learn, more social.
How do I hit a padel smash?: Rotate shoulders, raise elbow, use topspin or slice. Aim for corners. Advanced: 'por 3' smash and 'vibora' technique.