Padel Tennis Guide 2026: Origins, Rules, Equipment & Top Players - Corcuera Padel Club

Padel Tennis Guide 2026: Origins, Rules, Equipment & Top Players

Complete guide · Updated 2026

Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed glass-and-mesh court, roughly a third the size of a tennis court. The serve is underarm, glass walls are in play after a bounce, and scoring follows tennis. Originating in Acapulco, Mexico in 1969, padel is now one of the world’s fastest-growing sports with over 1,000 courts in the USA alone and tens of thousands worldwide.

What is padel?

Padel blends elements of tennis and squash. It’s always played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls. The ball can rebound off the walls and remain in play, adding a strategic layer absent from tennis. It’s easier to learn than tennis because the underarm serve has no overhead component, and the enclosed court keeps the ball in play longer.

How padel differs from tennis

  • Court size: 10m × 20m vs 36m × 18m for tennis. Padel fits where tennis cannot.
  • Walls: Glass and mesh walls are part of the game after the ball bounces.
  • Serve: Underarm only in padel. No overhead serve.
  • Format: Always doubles in padel. Singles is rare.
  • Racket: Solid perforated paddle, no strings.

Essential equipment

  • Padel racket: Solid, perforated paddle without strings. Beginners: round shape, soft foam. Advanced: diamond shape, carbon fibre.
  • Padel balls: Similar to tennis balls but slightly less pressure. Not interchangeable.
  • Court shoes: Non-marking with lateral support. Running shoes lack the side-to-side grip padel demands.
  • Clothing: Breathable sportswear with freedom of movement. Browse Corcuera padel clothing.

Basic rules

Padel scoring is identical to tennis — 15, 30, 40, game. Sets to 6, tiebreak at 6-6. The serve is underhand and must bounce in the diagonal service box. After the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the glass wall and stay in play. If the ball hits the glass before bouncing, it’s out.

Top padel players to watch in 2026

Men’s

  1. Agustín Tapia
  2. Arturo Coello
  3. Alejandro Galán

Women’s

  1. Ariana Sánchez
  2. Paula Josemaría
  3. Gemma Triay

Get started with the right kit

Corcuera padel clothing — built for court and clubhouse. Free UK & EU shipping.

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