What is padel?

Padel

Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. The goal is to hit the ball—similar to a tennis ball—over a net using a padel racket. The court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 10 by 20 meters, with a net across the middle. The entire playing area is enclosed by glass walls and fencing. Padel is usually played in doubles (2 vs 2), which the size of the "cage" is designed for. However, there are also single courts available in the Netherlands.

Overview of Single Padel Courts

In padel, the ball is served underhand, diagonally into the opponent’s court. The ball may bounce once and players can use the wall on their side of the court to return the ball. The objective is to prevent the opponent from returning the ball.
Padel is played both recreationally and competitively. Players can join a padel club or association, or play at commercial padel centers. These centers may be affiliated with the KNLTB, but this is not required. The KNLTB is a member of the International Padel Federation (FIP).

History

Padel (also known as padel tennis, paddle tennis, or pádel) is credited to Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera. The story goes that in the late 1960s, he wanted to build a tennis court in his garden but lacked the space. Frustrated by balls flying everywhere, he enclosed the court with walls. His friend, Spanish prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, became enthusiastic and built two courts at the Marbella Club in Spain in 1974. This marked the start of the sport's popularity in Spain. Around the same time, Argentine friends introduced padel in their country. The sport then spread to nearly 90 countries.

In 1991, the International Padel Federation (FIP) was founded. One of its main goals was to unify the rules, as Spain and Argentina had different versions. In 1992, the first World Championship was held with 11 countries participating. Argentina won and became the first world champion. Since then, the championship is held every two years.

Growth in the Netherlands

Rules

The serve must be performed underhand. The ball must bounce behind the baseline first, and then be struck below waist height. The first serve is taken from the right side, alternating sides afterward. The serve must bounce directly into the diagonally opposite service box without touching the net. After bouncing, it may (but doesn't have to) hit the wall. If it hits the fence after the first bounce, it’s a fault.
If the ball touches the net on the first or second serve but still lands in the correct box, the serve is replayed.

Scoring is the same as in tennis: 15, 30, 40, and deuce (40-40). In official matches, the "golden point" is used at deuce—whoever wins that point takes the game. The receiving team decides who will return the serve.

Rules

Techniques

If you want to improve in padel, it’s essential to focus on your technique. Technique means "how you hit the ball." The better your technique, the better your ball placement, efficiency, and injury prevention. Good reasons to practice!

There’s a distinction between basic and advanced techniques:

• Basic techniques include the serve, forehand, backhand, volley, smash, and lob. You can also add forehand or backhand after bouncing off the back wall.
• Advanced techniques include different types of smashes (víbora, kick smash, bandeja), the bajada (downward shot after bouncing off the back wall), the chiquita (a soft, low shot behind the net aimed at the opponent’s feet), the dropshot (a short shot behind the net), and the contrapared (hitting the ball against the back wall so it lands on the opponent's side).

All padel techniques

Tactics

There are various tactics you can use to make things difficult for your opponent. Tactics involve choosing the right type of shot (with or without power), rotation (flat, slice, spin), timing, shot type, and placement. Your own positioning—and that of your partner—are also key.

Here are some tactical tips:

1. Try to take the net position as often as possible. Matches are won at the net. Avoid staying in "no man's land" (between posts 2 and 3), as that makes you vulnerable to low shots at your feet.
2. Use the glass walls. Let powerful shots bounce off the glass to slow them down and give yourself more control.
3. Play smart shots. Padel is about intelligence, not just power. Don’t always go for a hard smash—aim for the corners (víbora), or play a chiquita or dropshot when your opponent is far from the net.
4. Coordinate with your partner. Move together forward and sideways to cover the court and avoid gaps. Communicate clearly about who takes balls through the middle.
5. Keep the ball in play. Don’t take unnecessary risks—build the rally. Avoid unforced errors, especially double faults!
6. Exploit your opponent’s weaknesses. Identify weak spots like backhand or limited mobility and target them. If they’re out of position (e.g., in the corner or no man's land), hit the next shot sharply toward them.