What is Padel Tennis: A Sport That Is Capturing the Heart of Canadians
Blog article updated in 2025.
Tenniszon introduces padel tennis, a racket sport that is rapidly growing in popularity across Europe and Latin America, attracting more and more players, sometimes even making pickleball an afterthought. Often compared to tennis, padel stands out for its unique rules, its enclosed court with surrounding walls, its doubles-based gameplay, and its accessibility. In this article, discover what padel is, how to play it, its rules, and how it differs from tennis.
What is padel tennis?
Padel is a dynamic and entertaining racquet sport that originated in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico. Its inventor, Enrique Corcuera, a passionate Mexican businessman in sports, aimed to create a more accessible racquet game than tennis while providing a high level of competitiveness and enjoyment. Enrique Corcuera designed padel by drawing inspiration from various existing sports, including tennis, squash, and badminton.
What are the rules of padel?
To learn how to play padel, here's a summary of the rules:
Player Positions
Padel is primarily played in doubles. The receiving player can position themselves anywhere in their court, as can their partner who is not receiving the service. The server's partner can also position themselves wherever they wish in their court. Only the server must be behind the baseline, either to the left or the right of the centerline. The receiver positions themselves diagonally across from the server.
Scoring
The scoring is similar to tennis: "15", "30", "40". At 40-all, the "decisive point" rule may apply depending on the competition. Matches are typically played in three sets (the first to win two sets wins the match). A set is usually won with a two-game lead, although this may vary depending on the competition format.
Service
The serve is done "underhand", with two possible attempts. The ball first bounces behind the server's service line and is then hit below the waist. The ball must bounce in the opposite service box before being returned. Specific rules apply if the ball touches the fencing or other surfaces before its first or second bounce.
Exchange and Bounce
Except for the serve and its return, the ball can be volleyed. The ball is allowed only one bounce on the ground. After this bounce, it can touch any surface except the ground of the side that struck it. The fencing, walls, and even the door handle are part of the court. If the ball bounces a second time on the ground, the point is lost. The ball can be played even outside the court as long as it hasn't bounced a second time. Once in play, all balls crossing the net must first touch the ground before touching a wall. Just like in tennis, the ball can only bounce once in your court, and it can only be hit once.
What differentiates padel from other racquet based sports?
Court and Walls
The padel court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 10 meters wide by 20 meters long. In comparison, a standard tennis court measures about 24 meters in length. Unlike tennis and squash, the padel court is surrounded by walls, usually made of glass or concrete, which allow the balls to bounce off after hitting the walls. This adds a strategic dimension to the game.
Balls and Racquets
Padel balls are generally smaller and less bouncy than tennis balls, making the game more controllable. Padel racquets are perforated and typically stringless. They are shorter and lighter than tennis racquets, making them easier to maneuver and allowing for quick movements.
Ball Touches
Padel is unlike tennis, where balls can be played after a single bounce, and squash, where balls are played after a single bounce on the floor. In padel, balls can bounce off the walls after the initial bounce on the floor before being played.
Strategy
Due to the walls, exchanges in padel can be longer and more varied in terms of ball trajectories. Padel strategy often involves skillful use of the walls to surprise opponents, sending the ball along the walls for challenging angles.
Doubles Play
Padel particularly favors doubles play, with court dimensions and rules that encourage collaboration and coordination between partners.
The Evolution and Popularity of Padel
The evolution and popularity of padel have followed an incredible trajectory since its creation in the 1960s. Here's how this sport has evolved and gained popularity over the decades:
1960-1980: Origins and Development
- Padel was created in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico. It initially gained popularity among affluent social circles and private sports complexes.
1970s: Expansion in Spain
- Padel gained massive popularity in Spain in the 1970s, becoming a widespread and accessible sport to a broad audience, thanks to Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe. Driven by his passion for the sport, the prince decided to open a padel club in Marbella.
- Padel clubs began to develop throughout the country, offering modern facilities for practicing the sport.
1990s-2000s: International Growth
- Padel started spreading beyond Spain, reaching other European and Latin American countries.
- National padel federations were established to organize competitions and establish standardized rules.
2000s-2010s: Global Expansion
- Padel continued its globalization, gaining popularity in Asia, North America, and other regions.
- Professional tournaments and international padel championships emerged, attracting high-level players and strengthening the sport's visibility.
2010s-2020s: Increasing Notoriety
- Padel became one of the world's fastest-growing sports, with thousands of clubs and courts scattered across over 100 countries.
- The development of padel facilities also contributed to the sport's growth in places where it wasn't traditionally practiced.
- Social media and streaming platforms enabled the broadcasting of padel tournaments to a global audience.
Present and Future: Pursuit of Olympic Recognition
- Padel's popularity keeps growing and attracts players of all ages and skill levels.
- Efforts have been made to have padel recognized as an Olympic sport, which could potentially further enhance its global visibility.
Why Learn Padel Tennis?
Accessibility
Padel is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The smaller court size and use of walls make it easier for beginners to get into the game, even for novices.
Social Interaction
Padel is often played in doubles, fostering a social atmosphere. It's an excellent way to spend time with friends or make new connections both on and off the court.
Fast-Paced Action
The smaller court dimensions and wall usage result in rapid exchanges and exciting rallies. The dynamic nature of the game keeps players engaged and energized.
Tactical Challenges
Padel combines elements of tennis and squash with unique wall strategies.
Players must think creatively and strategically to outmaneuver their opponents.
Less Impact on Joints
The smaller court size and forgiving ball make padel a sport that is gentler on the joints compared to sports like tennis, making it a suitable option for individuals with joint issues.
Community
Padel communities are growing worldwide. Joining a padel club or group allows you to connect with others who share your interests.
Adaptable for All Skill Levels
Whether you're a casual player or seeking a competitive challenge, padel can be adjusted to your skill level and preferences.
Unique Experience
The combination of court layout, wall dynamics, and gameplay creates a distinctive experience that sets padel apart from other racquet sports.
How to play padel-tennis in Canada?
As the sport becomes more and more popular, padel-tennis clubs have been opening up throughout the country. The international padel federation has created a list of clubs in which to play padel-tennis. Notably, this list includes T10 in Vaughan Ontario, Club Padel in Montreal, Lake Country Padel in British Columbia and more.
Padel vs Tennis: What Are the Differences?
Although padel is often compared to tennis, these two racket sports have several important differences in terms of the court, equipment, and style of play. Understanding these differences helps explain why padel has become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide.
The Court
A padel court is smaller than a tennis court and is fully enclosed by walls, usually made of glass. These walls are an essential part of the game, as the ball can rebound off them after hitting the ground. In contrast, tennis is played on a larger, open court with no surrounding walls.
The Racket
Padel rackets are shorter, solid, and perforated, with no strings. This design provides greater control and maneuverability, making padel easier to pick up for new players. Tennis rackets are longer and strung, which allows for more power but requires greater technical skill.
Bounce and Rallies
In padel, the ball can rebound off the walls after the first bounce on the court, extending rallies and adding a unique strategic element. In tennis, the ball must stay within the court boundaries without any wall contact.
Style of Play
Padel is played almost exclusively as a doubles game, making it a highly social racket sport. Rallies tend to be longer and focus more on positioning, teamwork, and tactics rather than raw power. Tennis can be played in singles or doubles and typically demands more physical strength and endurance.
Accessibility
Thanks to its smaller court, enclosed playing area, and simple rules, padel is considered more accessible for beginners than tennis. At the same time, it offers a high level of technical and tactical depth for advanced players.
Padel vs Tennis: Comparison Table
| Criteria | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Type of sport | Racket sport played primarily in doubles | Racket sport played in singles or doubles |
| Court | Smaller court fully enclosed by walls (usually glass) | Larger open court with no surrounding walls |
| Use of walls | Walls are part of play after the ball bounces on the court | No wall involvement in play |
| Racket | Shorter, solid racket with no strings and perforated face | Longer racket with strings |
| Ball | Similar to a tennis ball but slightly less pressurized | Standard tennis ball |
| Bounce | Ball can rebound off the walls after the first bounce | Ball must remain within court boundaries |
| Style of play | Focused on strategy, placement, and teamwork | Focused on power, speed, and endurance |
| Accessibility | Very accessible for beginners | Steeper learning curve |
| Social aspect | Highly social, doubles-only format | Variable (singles or doubles) |
| Popularity | Rapidly growing in Europe, Latin America, and Canada | Well-established global sport |
Shop Padel at Tenniszon
Whether you’re discovering padel for the first time or looking to upgrade your gear, Tenniszon supports you every step of the way. Find everything you need to enjoy this fast-growing racket sport, from choosing the right racket to essential accessories.
Padel Equipment
Explore our complete padel selection, featuring the latest products and gear suited for players of all levels.
Padel Rackets
The racket is the key piece of equipment to start strong and improve your game. Tenniszon offers a wide range of padel rackets designed for control, power, and maneuverability, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player.
Need help choosing? Check out our detailed guide: How to choose the best padel racket
Padel Balls
Padel balls are designed to deliver a more controlled bounce and longer rallies, including play that involves rebounds off the glass walls.
Padel Bags
Carry your gear easily with our selection of padel bags, designed to hold rackets, balls, and accessories.
Padel Shoes
Padel shoes provide stability, grip, and comfort on an enclosed court with surrounding walls, allowing for quick and confident movement.
Guides for Beginners
Want to learn more before getting started? Our guides help you understand the basics of the game, the rules, and the recommended equipment for a sport that is accessible for beginners.
Padel has established itself as a must-play racket sport, appreciated for its simple rules, enclosed court, and strong social aspect. Accessible for beginners yet engaging for experienced players, padel stands out for its fast pace, doubles-focused gameplay, and unique strategic depth. Whether you’re discovering a new sport or looking to take your game further, padel offers a complete and enjoyable experience that is now firmly established in Canada.