Padel is a racket sport generally played in doubles. It can also be played in singles. It combines elements of tennis and squash. Players use a special racket, called a Padel racket, to hit a ball, slightly different in diameter from a tennis ball, onto a court surrounded by transparent glass and grills.

The Padel racket is similar to a tennis racket, but is smaller and has no strings. It is generally perforated to improve control and maneuverability. The shape of the racket is specific and can vary slightly, with a shorter handle than a traditional tennis racket.

Play takes place on a court measuring 10 meters wide by 20 meters long. The Padel court is divided in two by a net. It has four service squares and two back courts. Players must hit the ball diagonally, into the opposite service square. In Padel, the walls of the court are in play, meaning that the ball remains in play when it bounces against the glass.

Padel is a very popular sport, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Appreciated for its social aspect, its fun factor and the fact that it’s easy to learn, it’s currently gaining in popularity in many countries around the world.