When choosing a sport can feel like committing to a long-term relationship, Padel walks in fashionably late, steals the show, and leaves you wondering why you ever considered anything else. Bringing a blend of squash and tennis to the party, Padel is the racquet sport that's the hottest gossip in town. Move over boring workouts, Padel is will have you rallying, volleying and sprinting across the court.
Taking place on a court with walls made of glass or mesh, Padel is a sport that revolves around doubles matches. And, requires the ball to bounce once on each side before being sent over the net. Points are scored similarly to tennis, with matches typically played in sets.
Something that isn't similar to tennis, however, is the Padel racquets. Unlike tennis racquets, Padel racquets are designed with a slightly shorter handle and a honeycomb-shaped core. The racquet ensures optimal shock absorption, sparing players from the jarring impact. All while executing those game-winning smashes. Lightweight yet robust, see the Padel racquet as an extension of your arm, a racquet that has the ability to translate intentions into swift, controlled shots.
There's a reason why Padel is taking off in 2024 - that's because it's accessible for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone in search of a novel physical pursuit, Padel stands out as the ideal choice for those yearning for a change in their usual workout routines.
In fact, Padel is causing so much of a stir in the workout world that even fitness professionals are getting in on the action. Abigail Roberts, Sports Nutritionist at Bulk says:
"As the world becomes increasingly health-conscious, this sport is making waves for not only its entertainment value but also its numerous health benefits. Padel is emerging as the go-to-choice for individuals looking to enhance their physical fitness and overall well-being in 2024.
"From improving cardiovascular health to enhancing reflexes and fostering a sense of community, playing Padel offers a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Embracing Padel in 2024 is not just a choice for fun but a conscious decision to invest in your physical and mental health.
"Many local sports centres will have a Padel or squash court as well as racquets available to rent for a session, but they are also available to purchase for under £30 for those ready to commit."
What are the benefits of playing Padel?
Cardiovascular fitness
Padel serves as an exceptional cardio workout due to due to its fast-paced nature. The continuous movement and quick bursts of energy are inherent in the game, and they contribute towards improved heart health and enhanced circulation.
Improved reflexes and coordination
Padel's court design, coupled with the need for swift reactions to the ball, improves players' reflexes and coordination. These honed skills not only enhance gameplay, but also means regular players can take heightened agility into their daily activities.
Weight management
Padel proves to be a calorie-burning activity that supports weight management. Playing the game regularly will help to burn calories, and it might help with motivation as it's an enjoyable way to attain a healthy weight.
Muscle strength and endurance
Involving a combination of running, jumping and hitting, Padel engages various muscle groups. Consistent play contributes towards increased muscle strength, especially in the legs, arms and core.
Social and mental health benefits
The social aspect of Padel shouldn't be ignored. The game is often played in doubles, which fosters connections and friendly competition (we say friendly). The positive social interactions yield significant mental health benefits, as it builds a sense of belonging and community.
What are the rules of Padel?
There's no need to worry about looking like a newbie when heading to your first Padel session. Here is the secret code you need to know before heading off on your racquet-swinging party.
Court dimensions: In Padel they measure 20 metres in length and 10 metres in width, and they're surrounded by glass or mesh walls.
Scoring: The scoring mirrors that of tennis, with points accumulating in sets of 15. To win a game, a team must reach 40 points with a lead of at least 2 points.
Serve: Padel always kicks off with an underhand serve diagonally to the opponent's service box. The server, stationed behind the baseline, executes the serve underarm.
Double bounce rule: This rule adds a little bit of a twist. Both teams must allow the Padel or tennis ball to bounce once after the serve before unleashing their volleys - to ensure fair play.
Out of bounds: If the ball goes out of bounds, or makes contact with the wire mesh, it scores a point for the opposing team.
Rotation: Players must rotate positions after each point, adhering to the serving sequence.
Padel power
Padel, with its unique court design and double bounce rules, has certainly taken the sports world by storm. So whether you're a Padel pro, or you've just learned that it's not a typo for 'paddle', grab your gear and join the Padel party. Here's to 2024: the year of Padel, the game-changer that made us rethink the court and redefine our sporting adventures.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness Writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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