Padel tennis

Padel, also known as Padel tennis, is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton. It is played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, with glass or mesh walls and a solid floor. The game is usually played in doubles, with teams of two players on each side.

The equipment used in Padel includes a solid paddle, which is smaller and solid-faced compared to a tennis racquet, and a pressurized ball similar to a tennis ball but slightly smaller. The game’s objective is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in a way that makes it difficult for them to return.

The scoring system in Padel is similar to tennis, with games, sets, and matches. Padel has unique rules, such as allowing the ball to bounce off the walls and be played back into the court, creating more dynamic and strategic gameplay. The walls are considered in play, so players can use them to their advantage by bouncing the ball off them to create angles and unexpected shots.

Padel has gained significant popularity recently, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and parts of Europe. It is known for being a social and inclusive sport, suitable for players of different ages and skill levels. Padel is often played in clubs and facilities specifically designed for the sport, and it has its professional tournaments and governing bodies.

The difference between Padel and Tennis

Padel and tennis are both racquet sports, but they have several key differences:

• Court Size: The court size is one of the most noticeable differences between Padel and tennis. A padel court is smaller, 20 meters long, and 10 meters wide, while a tennis court is larger, 23.77 meters long, and 8.23 meters wide for singles matches. The smaller padel court makes covering the entire playing area easier and adds a different dynamic to the game.

• Enclosed Court: Padel is played on an enclosed court with walls made of glass or mesh, while tennis is played on an open court with no walls. The walls in Padel are considered in play, allowing players to use them to rebound the ball back into the court. This feature adds an element of strategy and provides unique shots that are impossible in tennis.

• Scoring System: While both sports use a similar scoring system, there are some differences. In tennis, the scoring is based on a combination of points (15, 30, 40) and games, with sets and matches determining the overall winner. Padel uses the same point system as tennis but follows a “no-advantage” scoring system, meaning the next point wins the game at 40-40 (deuce).

• Equipment: Padel and tennis use different types of racquets and balls. Padel racquets are solid-faced and smaller than tennis racquets, with no strings, while tennis racquets have strings and are more extensive. The padel ball is similar to a tennis ball but slightly smaller and less pressurized, giving it a slower pace and less bounce.

• Gameplay: Padel and tennis have distinct gameplay styles. Padel emphasizes teamwork as it is primarily played in doubles, whereas tennis can be played in singles or doubles. Padel allows the ball to bounce off the walls, leading to longer rallies and strategic shots. Tennis focuses on powerful serves, volleys, and precise shot placement.

• Popularity: Tennis has a long history and wider global popularity than Padel. Tennis is played at amateur and professional levels, with numerous prestigious tournaments such as the Grand Slam events. On the other hand, Padel has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and parts of Europe, but tennis still needs to be more widespread.

Overall, Padel and tennis have similarities to racquet sports. Still, the court size, enclosed nature of the padel court, scoring system, equipment, and gameplay differences distinguish them as separate sports with unique characteristics.

Padel Tennis at Prested Hall near Colchester

Our services include premium court bookings, matchmaking, corporate packages, private or semi-private coaching, tournaments, and group or junior training.

We are more than just a Padel club – we are a community of individuals who share a love for competition, fun, and socializing. Our club provides ample opportunities to network and connect with new people.

Padel is a contemporary health club exclusively for members. It boasts a 20-meter indoor heated pool, a gym with over 40 stations, two real tennis courts, two lawn tennis courts, a power plate room, a sauna, and a steam room.

Since 1999, Prested has introduced numerous players to real tennis. They are extending the same opportunity to try Padel and would love for you to participate.

In addition to providing Padel playing facilities, Prested is an ideal spot to unwind with friends. It boasts a bistro that serves delectable food and a range of beverages, complimentary on-site parking, and a well-stocked Pro shop where you can purchase all Padel-related items.

Whether you’re a seasoned tennis or squash player or a newcomer to racket sports, we invite you to try out the UK’s fastest-growing sport.