Wondering what is Padel, Difference Between Padel and Tennis, Rules of Padel and others ? Read on to find out here!
Have you heard of padel? This racket sport originated in Mexico in the 1960s, and is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and now’s the time to give it a try! In this article, we’ll explain how it works, how to play, and everything you need to know to get started.
Padel may look similar to tennis, but there are several differences.
For a start, padel is designed to be played in doubles almost all of the time. The court is also around a third smaller than a tennis court. The net height is also lower, at 88 cm compared to 91.4 cm in tennis. A padel court has walls, which means you can play your shots by bouncing the ball off these surfaces, similar to squash. This gives you more freedom than tennis, as you can get creative with your shots. You can also volley the ball during a rally, but if it hits a wall before touching the ground, it will be deemed ‘out’.
Similar to tennis, a set in padel is won when a team wins six games with at least two games difference. Match winners are determined by the best of three sets. While tennis involves smashing the ball with powerful shots over long distances, padel focuses more on quick reflexes and moving in different directions.
Padel also required different equipment. Unlike stringed tennis rackets, padel rackets are made from foam cores and a carbon fiber/fiberglass outer shell, and have a shorter handle. This gives you more control over the ball.
The points system in Padel is the same as tennis, with 6 games per set. However, the rules are slightly different,
Padel is generally played in matches of 2 against 2. Two serves are allowed, and must be played underhand, diagonally across the court. The ball is allowed to bounce off the ground once. It can be bounced off a wall (not a fence), but only after hitting the ground first. If the ball goes outside the court, players can hit it back in and continue playing.
To start playing padel, the first thing you’ll need to look for is a racket. The type of padel racket you choose will impact the way you play and the style of the game, so it’s important that you choose wisely.
Types of Padel Racket:
Round - These rackets offer the best control over the ball, and are ideal for beginners.
Diamond shape - The weight distribution of these rackets is focused in the head, which allows you to generate more power. However, they’re a little more difficult to handle, so are recommended only for advanced players.
Teardrop Shape - These rackets strike the perfect balance between round and diamond shape models. They allow you to generate more power in your shorts without sacrificing control. These rackets are designed for intermediate players
You’ll also need padel balls. While they may look similar to tennis balls and are made from the same materials, they have a lower internal pressure, which gives them less bounce. For the best grip on the court, opt for specially-designed padel shoes, which have a Dual Grip sole for optimum traction on artificial turf. This means you can be agile and dynamic on the court without worrying about slipping or injuring yourself.
Extra accessories include grip tape for padel rackets, and an isothermal padel bag to keep all your gear protected.
If you want to learn more about padel and try it for yourself, there are venues available with active padel communities for you to join.
Bangkok Padel - The best padel courts in Thailand, recommended for a premium padel experience.
Padel Bangkok Thailand by Gio & PadelAsia - Located in Happy Sports Club 18, this club helps to grow the sport in Thailand by spreading awareness.
Padel Phuket - Located between Chalong and Rawai in Phuket.
Padel of Thailand - Located in Hua Hin.
Padel Phangan - The first padel court in Thailand, located on Koh Phangan with accommodation available for dedicated players.
Now that you know the basics of padel, it’s time to give it a try!
At Decathlon Thailand, we’ve got everything you need to get started on your new sports journey. Visit one of our stores to check out our padel products, and our expert sports staff members will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Check out our range of padel products and get ready to play!