WHAT IS PADEL?
Padel is a rapidly growing racket Sport, which is equally exciting, full of energy and social.
The game is played similarly as tennis, however, enclosed in a glass court, the ball can be hit into and off of the walls, creating longer rallies and an increase in speed. Due to being a slightly smaller area than a standard tennis court, shortening the running distance, Padel is welcoming for all ages and all skill levels.
The learning curve is easy therefore anyone can play and have a great time, however mastering the sport can be complex and rewarding. Now being played at a professional level, tournaments are emerging across the globe as the world’s love for Padel continues to grow at staggering rates.
The Growth of Padel has been immense in recent years
With over 25 million players worldwide as of 2024, Padel is quickly becoming a key sport due to it’s social aspect and accessibility.
The game is primarily played in doubles boosting the social aspect, on a smaller court which is great for all ages and fitness levels, with the increased chance of longer rallys.
THE SCORING
Padel is a game primarily played as Doubles and scored the same as Tennis in the fact that
Scoring goes 0 - 15 - 30 - 40.
Followed by 1-0 in games and the first to 6, and then the first to 2 or 3 sets.
If a game is tied at 40 - 40 this is a deuce and an extra point must be won to take the advantage and then the next point after that as well to take the game, otherwise it reverts back to deuce. The game can also be played with just one point needed to win the game after deuce for a more speedier game. This is known as Golden Point.
THE RULES
Serve
The match begins with an underarm serve off a bounce, diagonally across into the box on the opponents side of the court, the same as tennis. Second serves are in play.
The server has to let the ball bounce first before returning. The ball can hit the glass from the serve after a bounce before being returned, as long as it doesn’t bounce again. If the ball hits the fence at any point during the serve the ball is out.
Ball in-play
The ball must bounce on the ground before hitting walls or fences. Players can hit their shot onto the opposition glass and fence, but it must bounce on the ground on the opposition half first.
When using a wall in your own half to return a shot, you must hit it directly onto the glass without bouncing.
Volleys are in play with the exception of the serve.
The ball can only bounce once in your half of the court.
Faults
A fault occurs if the ball hits the glass or fencing without bouncing in the opponents half
Or if the ball bounces twice in your own half of the court
Courtesy and Conduct
Proper conduct and courtesy is to be expected, such as behaving respectfully and using honesty when it comes to judging balls that land in or out or off the glass or floor first.
TOURNAMENTS
The Premier Padel Tour, backed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Qatar Sports Investments, is the leading global circuit. In 2025, it features 24 tournaments across 16 countries, including four Majors and new locations like Miami, Cancún, and Germany.
The World Padel Tour is also expanding globally and features a comprehensive calendar, including opens in Barcelona, Valencia and Buenos Aires.
The Ultimate Padel Tour is focused on emerging markets and offers a platform for rising talents. In 2025, the next notable event is in Lanzarote on April 21-27 which will feature over 200 international players.