Padel is taking over the world - no doubt about it!
But what is padel and how do you play?
What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and racquetball. It is played on a smaller court than tennis, with walls around the perimeter that are used to keep the ball in play. The game is played in doubles, but singles are also possible. The objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent's side of the court, using the walls to keep the ball in play.
Padel is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires quick reflexes, agility, and stamina (as well as a padel racket!). It is played by millions of people around the world, particularly in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, and is gaining popularity in other parts of the world as well.
Where did padel originate?
The game of padel was first introduced in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera, who was inspired by the game of tennis and wanted to create a sport that was more accessible to everyone. He designed the first padel court in his backyard, and the game quickly gained popularity in Mexico and throughout Latin America.
Padel made its way to Spain in the early 1970s, where it exploded in popularity. Padel became the second most popular sport in Spain, behind soccer, and is now played by millions of people around the world. Padel is particularly popular in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, but it is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world.
How do you play Padel?
The game is played on a court that is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, with walls around the perimeter that are used to keep the ball in play. The net is located in the middle of the court and is 0.88 meters high at the center and 0.92 meters at the posts. The game can be played in singles or doubles, but doubles is the most common format.
The game begins with a serve, which must be made underhand and hit diagonally across the court. The serve must land in the opposite service box, and if it hits the walls, it is still in play. The receiver can either let the ball bounce or hit it on the fly. Once the ball is in play, the objective is to hit it over the net and into the opponent's side of the court. The ball can be hit off the walls, and rallies can be long and exciting.
The game is won by the first team to reach six games, with a two-game lead. If the score is tied at 5-5, the game goes into a tie-breaker. In the tie-breaker, the first team to reach seven points, with a two-point lead, wins the game. Each player serves two points in the tie-breaker, starting with the player who served the last point in the previous game.
What do you need to play padel?
To play padel, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment. The most important item is a padel racket, which is similar to a tennis racket but has a shorter handle and a smaller head.
New to padel? Check out our guide on the best padel rackets for beginners here.
The ball used in padel is also different from a tennis ball, as it is slightly smaller and has a lower bounce.
In addition to a racket and ball, you will also need appropriate footwear. Padel shoes have a non-marking sole that is designed to provide excellent traction on the court. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of movement.
Check out Padel Market for a range of top quality Padel gear.
But why should you play padel?
There are many reasons why you should consider playing padel. For starters, it is a fun and exciting sport that provides a great workout. Padel requires quick reflexes, agility, and stamina, making it an excellent cardiovascular exercise.
In addition to the physical benefits, padel is also a social sport that can be played with friends or family members. It is a great way to meet new people and build friendships while getting some exercise.
Finally, padel is a sport that is easy to learn, but difficult to master. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there is always room for improvement. The game is constantly evolving, and there is always a new strategy or technique to learn.
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