What is padel?

Padel is a racket sport that blends the core elements of tennis and squash. It's played primarily in doubles on an enclosed court smaller than a tennis court, surrounded by glass or mesh walls that can be used in gameplay.

Players use solid paddles (with no strings) and a low-compression ball similar to tennis. The combination of accessible rules, strategic depth, and the use of walls makes the sport both engaging and fun for players of all levels. For a deeper dive, check out Padel on Wikipedia.

Brief history of padel

Padel was invented in Mexico in the 1960s and quickly spread to Spain and Latin America, especially Argentina. Over the past decade, it has become one of the most played sports in Spain.

Today, the sport is expanding rapidly across Europe and into the U.S., thanks to its social appeal and easy learning curve. The United States is now home to a growing number of padel clubs and leagues, fuelled by urban professionals and former tennis players.

How is padel played?

Padel is played on a 10m × 20m court, enclosed with glass and wire mesh. The game is always played in doubles and follows the same scoring system as tennis.

• The serve must be underhand and bounce once before hitting
• The ball can hit the glass after bouncing
• Players can use walls strategically for returns and defense
• Points are lost when the ball bounces twice or hits the net or fencing

Padel equipment

To start playing, you need minimal gear:

• Padel racket — solid and perforated, no strings
• Padel balls — slightly less pressure than tennis balls
• Shoes — with good grip, especially for glass surfaces
• Comfortable clothing — like any racquet sport attire

How padel differs from other racket sports

Padel is often compared to tennis, squash, and pickleball, but it has clear differences:

• Court: 10m × 20m, enclosed — versus full-size open (tennis) or small open (pickleball)
• Racket: Solid stringless paddle — versus strung racket (tennis) or hard paddle (pickleball)
• Serve: Underhand, bounce first — versus overhand (tennis) or underhand (pickleball)
• Use of walls: Yes in padel — not used in tennis or pickleball
• Gameplay focus: Strategic, long rallies — versus power/baseline (tennis) or fast volley-heavy (pickleball)

Who can play padel?

Everyone. Padel's ease of entry makes it ideal for:

• Families and kids
• Former athletes or tennis players
• Corporate groups and business teams
• Seniors looking for low-impact activity

Why padel is gaining popularity in the U.S.

The sport's quick learning curve, short match times, and social vibe have made it a hit in major metro areas. At Epic Padel, we're proud to be at the forefront of this trend with premium clubs in:

• Charlotte
• Virginia
• Utah

How to get started

Starting padel is simple — and exciting. Here's what to do:

1. Find a local court: Check our locations in Charlotte, Virginia, or Utah
2. Book a beginner class: Most clubs offer intro lessons
3. Bring a friend: Padel is social, and playing with someone you know makes learning fun
4. Invest in gear: Start with rentals, then upgrade your racket and shoes