Padel is the sport that everyone’s talking about—and for good reason. Imagine the intensity of tennis, the walls of squash, and the energy of a group workout all rolled into one. That’s padel.
And the best part? It’s easy to start, tough to quit.
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a former college athlete, or just padel-curious, this guide will get you warmed up.
What Exactly Is Padel?
Padel is a doubles-only sport played on a walled court that’s about one-third the size of a tennis court. Think tennis rules, but the walls? They’re in play. You serve underhand, the ball has less bounce, and your racket has no strings—just a solid, perforated surface that’s weirdly satisfying to hit with.
Coach Rajiv Dutt says it best:
“It’s a control sport. Footwork is everything. And the walls? They’re your best friend.”
🎥 Watch Him break it down—stance, grip, footwork, and more in our exclusive Evolve video below.
Why It’s Different (And More Fun?) Than Other Racket Sports
Already into tennis, squash, badminton, or table tennis? Padel blends elements of each, while offering something totally fresh. Here's how it bridges your current passion with a whole new kind of fun.
Tennis
Padel feels familiar—but tighter and faster. The smaller court and built-in doubles format mean you’re always moving, always reacting. With solid rackets, precision trumps power.
Squash
Yes, walls matter—but only after the bounce. Unlike squash, padel courts are open and airy, giving the game a freer, more fluid rhythm.
Badminton
Think less smash, more strategy. Padel rewards placement and control, making it less about reaction time and more about setting up the perfect point.
Why Padel’s Everywhere Right Now
✔️ You’ll get the hang of it fast—a few rallies in, and you’re hooked.
✔️ The learning curve is friendly—but perfecting your game? That’s a lifelong obsession.
✔️ It’s hella social—you’re always paired with (or against) someone.
✔️ Injury risk is lower than tennis, but the sweat is real.
✔️ Even pros are obsessed—Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all backed the sport.
Final Word: Padel Is the Vibe
Padel isn’t just a trend—it’s the kind of movement that builds community, boosts your fitness, and makes you forget you're even exercising. And the best part? It’s designed for anyone to jump in and feel like they belong.
Find a court. Grab a friend. And let the walls do some of the work.
