Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court with glass walls. It combines the strategy of tennis with the wall-play of squash — but it's much easier to pick up than either. From Spain and Argentina, padel has spread across Europe and the Middle East, with over 25 million players worldwide.
How padel is played
A padel court measures 20 metres by 10 metres, surrounded by glass and metal mesh. Two teams of two players rally a low-pressure ball over a net using solid, stringless rackets. The ball can be played off the walls after it bounces — that's what makes the sport so dynamic.
Scoring
Padel uses the same scoring as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Matches are usually best of three sets, with a tiebreak at 6-6.
Equipment
- Racket — solid surface, perforated, no strings. Around 360–390g.
- Ball — looks like a tennis ball but with slightly lower pressure.
- Shoes — padel-specific or clay-court tennis shoes with herringbone soles.
Why everyone is talking about padel
It's social, low-impact, and easy to learn. Most beginners are rallying within their first hour. Because it's always doubles, padel is as much about communication as it is about skill.
Frequently asked questions
What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed 20m x 10m court with glass walls. It blends elements of tennis and squash and uses a solid, perforated racket and a low-pressure ball.
Is padel the same as paddle tennis or pickleball?
No. Padel is its own sport with walls in play, a smaller court than tennis, and underarm serves. Pickleball uses a plastic ball on a badminton-sized court with no walls.
Is padel easy to learn?
Yes. Most beginners can rally within their first session. The smaller court, walls, and slower ball make padel far more accessible than tennis.
What equipment do I need?
A padel racket (solid, no strings), padel balls, court shoes with good lateral grip, and comfortable sportswear. Rackets are available to rent at Long Beach Padel Club.
Where can I play padel in Alanya?
Long Beach Padel Club in Alanya, Antalya offers modern courts, lessons, and open play sessions for all levels.
Ready to try it? Book a court at Long Beach Padel Club in Alanya.