Complete Beginner Guide to the Fastest Growing Sport
Padel tennis has rapidly become one of the most popular racket sports in the world. From Europe to the Middle East, millions of players are discovering the excitement of this fast-paced and social sport. If you are wondering what is padel tennis and why it is growing so quickly, you are not alone.
Often described as a mix between tennis and squash, padel tennis is played on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls that allow the ball to bounce during rallies. The sport is easy to learn, fun to play, and suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
In cities like Dubai, the number of padel courts and academies is increasing every year, as more people look for exciting ways to stay active and social.
In this beginner guide, we will explain everything you need to know about padel tennis, including how the game works, padel tennis rules, how to get started, and the key differences between padel vs tennis.
What is Padel Tennis?
So, what is padel tennis exactly?
Padel tennis is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is played on a smaller court enclosed by glass walls, and players can use these walls as part of the gameplay.
The sport was invented in Mexico in the late 1960s and quickly became extremely popular in Spain and Latin America. Today, padel tennis is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with millions of players globally.
Unlike traditional tennis, padel is usually played in doubles, making it a highly social and enjoyable activity.
Key Features of Padel Tennis
Some of the characteristics that make padel tennis unique include:
- Smaller enclosed court
- Glass walls that are part of the game
- Played mostly in doubles
- Uses solid padel rackets without strings
- Uses a low-pressure tennis ball
These features make padel easier to learn than tennis while still offering strategic and competitive gameplay.
Padel Tennis Rules
Understanding padel tennis rules is essential for beginners. The basic structure of the game is similar to tennis, but there are several key differences.
Serving
The serve in padel must be underhand. The player serves the ball after bouncing it on the ground, hitting it below waist height.
The ball must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box, similar to tennis.
Ball in Play
One of the most unique aspects of padel tennis rules is the use of walls.
Players can allow the ball to bounce off the glass walls after it hits the ground. This creates longer rallies and adds strategic elements to the game.
Scoring System
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:
- 15
- 30
- 40
- Game
Matches are usually played in best of three sets.
Doubles Gameplay
The best padel academy Dubai should offer a variety of training programs designed for different skill levels.
Typical programs may include:
How to Play Padel Tennis
If you are wondering how to play padel tennis, the good news is that it is much easier to learn than traditional tennis.
Step 1: Learn the Basic Strokes
Players start by learning fundamental shots such as:
- Forehand
- Backhand
- Volley
- Smash
- Lob
These shots help players control rallies and create scoring opportunities.
Step 2: Use the Walls Strategically
One of the most important skills in padel is learning how to use the glass walls.
Instead of hitting every ball directly back, players often allow the ball to bounce off the wall before returning it.
Step 3: Positioning and Teamwork
Since padel is played in doubles, communication and positioning are extremely important.
Players often move forward to the net to control rallies and apply pressure on opponents.
Step 4: Practice Regularly
Joining a padel academy or training program can help beginners improve quickly. Professional coaching allows players to develop proper technique and strategy.
You can meet experienced coaches here:
https://fmpadelacademy.ae/coaches/
Padel vs Tennis: What’s the Difference?
Many people compare padel vs tennis, but the two sports are quite different.
Court Size
A padel court is smaller than a tennis court and enclosed by glass walls.
Gameplay Style
Tennis focuses more on power and speed, while padel emphasizes strategy, positioning, and wall rebounds.
Learning Curve
Padel is easier for beginners because the smaller court makes it easier to keep the ball in play.
Social Experience
Padel is usually played in doubles, which makes it more social and interactive.
Because of these differences, many beginners find padel to be more accessible and enjoyable when starting out.
Why Padel Tennis is Growing So Fast
Padel tennis has experienced incredible growth worldwide in recent years.
There are several reasons why this sport is becoming so popular.
Easy for Beginners
Unlike tennis, padel is easier to learn because the court is smaller and rallies last longer.
Social Sport
Padel is typically played in doubles, making it a great activity for friends, families, and colleagues.
Great Workout
Padel provides excellent cardiovascular exercise while still being fun and engaging.
Growing Sports Infrastructure
Cities like Dubai are investing heavily in padel courts, academies, and tournaments, helping the sport grow even faster.
FM Padel Academy Locations Across the UAE
If you want to experience padel tennis, FM Padel Academy offers multiple locations where players can train and enjoy the sport.
Padel Courts in Dubai
Our Dubai locations include:
- FM Padel Academy – King School
- German International School Dubai
- Brighton College Dubai
- FM Padel Academy – Al Quoz
- PLAYCE
These facilities provide modern courts designed to deliver an excellent playing experience.
Padel Courts in Abu Dhabi
Players in Abu Dhabi can also access professional padel courts through our partner locations.
Available venues include:
- Padelist – Al Rawadhat
- Emirates Padel
- Padelae Abu Dhabi – Musaffah
These locations offer high-quality courts suitable for both casual players and competitive matches.
Padel Court in Sharjah
Players in Sharjah can access padel courts at:
- Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa
This premium location combines excellent facilities with a great playing experience.
Community and Playing Environment
Another factor that makes a padel club Dubai great is the community atmosphere.
Padel is known as a social sport, and many clubs organize:
- Social tournaments
- Group training sessions
- Friendly matches
A strong community helps players enjoy the sport while meeting new people who share the same passion.
Why Choose FM Padel Academy
FM Padel Academy has become one of the leading destinations for padel training Dubai because of its high-quality facilities and professional coaching programs.
Players choose FM Padel Academy because it offers:
- Professional coaching staff
- Multiple court locations
- Structured training programs
- A welcoming and active padel community
Whether you are new to the sport or looking to improve your skills, FM Padel Academy provides the perfect environment for learning and playing padel.
Book Your Padel Session
If you are looking for professional indoor padel courts in Dubai, FM Padel Academy offers some of the best facilities across the UAE.
Whether you want to practice, play friendly matches, or join coaching sessions, our courts provide a welcoming environment for players of all levels.
Our modern courts and experienced coaching staff ensure that every session is enjoyable and productive.
Book your padel session here:
Start playing today and discover why padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.