A quick introduction
Padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court, slightly smaller than a tennis court. Scoring is the same as normal tennis and the balls used are similar but with a little less pressure. The main differences are that the court has walls and the balls can be played off them (like in squash), and that solid, stringless racquets are used. The height of the ball being served must be at, or below, waist level.
The sport was invented in Acapulco, Mexico, by Enrique Corcuera in 1969. It is currently most popular in Hispanic American countries such as Argentina and Mexico as well as in Spain and Andorra, although it is now beginning to spread rapidly across Europe and other continents.
To get a feel for what Padel is all about, check out this video (best-watched in full screen!)…