Padel

What is Padel? – Vortex's Padel Guide

Padel was born in Mexico. A racket sport derived from tennis, it is played on a smaller court, surrounded by glass and fencing.

The score is calculated as in tennis. Another similarity is that the balls have identical exteriors but with slightly less pressure to prevent them from bouncing too quickly. This is a team sport, as it is played in doubles according to the official rules. However, it is possible to see some smaller courts, suitable for singles play.

Its main difference is that balls can be played after bouncing off glass or against fences . However, the main rule is that the ball must be on the ground before it can be played after bouncing off one of the walls. Despite this, non-bouncing shots such as net volleys or smashes are common in the game.

The sport takes the codes of tennis and adds a spectacular touch. In padel, it's possible to exit through the side doors to play a ball that bounces off the back glass, which results in magical points.

THE GROUND

The pitch is 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, surrounded by fences and glass on the sides.

A net and two service boxes constitute the playing surface (no lane lines, no baselines).

A rear window topped with a grid closes the court across its entire width.

THE SERVICE

Easier than in tennis, the engagement is made from below after the ball bounces on the ground (without hitting the ball higher than the waist). It must be crossed, always starting from the right to the left (as in tennis).

A serve that touches the net is also considered a fault if it brushes the net and then touches the net after only one bounce.

However, the serve that hits the glass after the bounce is considered "valid" and the exchange can then continue.

As in tennis, a ball that hits the net and then bounces twice in the opponent's service box is considered a "let" and therefore allows two more serves.

EXCHANGES

In the exchange, after bouncing on the ground, the ball can touch any other surface multiple times (except the ground). Thus, the door handle, the fences, the walls... everything is part of the field and reserves unexpected trajectories.

The second bounce on the ground scores the loss of the point for the receivers. Likewise, a ball that, after a first bounce on the ground, goes out of the crease. A ball that, after bouncing off a wall, returns to the striker's court also scores a point. On the other hand, after crossing the net, any ball that first touches a surface other than the ground is a "fault" for the sender.

Points are counted as in tennis (15, 30, 40, game, set, match).

WHO IS PADEL FOR?

Padel is intended for:

for beginners in racket sports , because it is fun and accessible to all, quickly providing pleasure
to friends and couples who are looking for a new, “modern and fun” sport. The proximity of the 4 players on the court makes Padel a very friendly and fun sport.
to tennis players and former players , in search of new sensations and challenges
for teenagers and adults, young or old, looking to combine sport, tactics, teamwork, performance and fun
to athletes , motivated by physical, technical, tactical and psychological performance.

At Vortex Padel , we believe that the right equipment makes all the difference. A racket that's suited to your level and playing style will help you progress quickly, gain comfort, and maximize your enjoyment on the court.

Beginner or experienced? Discover our guide to choosing the right padel racket for you .