Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of content about people playing padel, and it turns out this sport is really popular among influencers, selebgrams, and even celebrities.
If you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit, padel might be a great option. This racket sport, similar to tennis, is popular in Europe. Padel is often a social activity that Europeans choose to spend time with friends or colleagues.
Curious about how to play it? Read on in my article below.
What is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that, at first glance, resembles tennis, but with a touch of squash. Padel is played on a glass-walled court, which is smaller than a tennis court, and it’s always played in pairs (doubles).
This sport has actually been around for a while, first originating in Mexico in 1969. It then boomed in Spain and Argentina, and now it’s spreading to Asia, including Indonesia. Its popularity has skyrocketed because padel is fun, easy to learn, and can be played by anyone, from children to seniors.
What’s the Difference Between Padel, Tennis, and Squash?
Many people still think that padel is just a smaller version of tennis, but padel actually has its own unique characteristics that can’t be equated with tennis. Here are some key differences you need to know:
Aspect | Padel | Tennis | Squash |
Court Size | Smaller, with glass walls | Large, no walls | Indoor, fully enclosed |
Racket | Stringless, solid shape | Strung like a badminton racket | Stringless, specific for squash |
Playing System | Always doubles (2 vs 2) | Can be singles/doubles | Singles/doubles |
Wall Interaction | Allowed to bounce off walls | Not allowed | Must bounce off walls |
Game Style | More strategic and reflexive | More about stroke power | Fast & intense |
Padel Rules You Need to Know
Although it looks like miniature tennis, padel has its own rules. Here are some important points:
- Number of Players: Only played in doubles format (2 vs 2).
- Scoring System: Similar to tennis: 15, 30, 40, and game.
- Serve: Must be done underhand, and the ball must bounce once before being hit.
- Bounces: The ball is allowed to hit the glass wall after bouncing on the court, but it cannot directly hit the wall first.
- Change Sides: Players switch sides of the court after every odd number of games.
These unique rules make padel exciting, full of strategy, and challenging without being frustrating.
Health Benefits of Playing Padel
Don’t be mistaken, even though it looks fun, padel still offers a myriad of health benefits:
1. Heart Health and Stamina
Playing padel for 1 hour can help improve your cardiovascular performance and stamina, making your body and heart stronger and less prone to fatigue. So, being active, moving positions, and quick responses prepare you for daily activities and reduce the risk of illness.
2. Burn Calories Without Noticing
According to LTA Padel, the average calories burned while playing padel is around 400–600 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the game. The fun part is, you won’t even feel like you’re doing a strenuous workout.
This helps you maintain an ideal body weight and prevents obesity. Furthermore, this sport keeps your metabolism active and increases fat burning efficiently.
3. Sharper Coordination and Reflexes
The ball bouncing off the walls demands players to think quickly and be agile. This is excellent for training reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and agility.
4. Mental & Social Well-being
Since it’s played in pairs, padel builds teamwork, communication, and can strengthen friendships. Like other sports, padel can also release endorphins, which help you relieve stress and promote a calm and better mood than before.
Who is Padel Suitable For?
This sport is suitable for everyone!
- Beginners: The movements are simple; it doesn’t require complex techniques like tennis.
- Children: Fun and can be an active outdoor activity.
- Seniors: Lower risk of injury, suitable for those who want to stay active in a fun way.
- Those bored with the treadmill: Padel can be an enjoyable escape that still burns calories.
Conclusion: Let’s Try Padel Today!
Padel isn’t just a trend; it’s a fun exercise solution that still has a big impact on your body and mind. Whether you want to lose weight, maintain fitness, or just want to move actively while laughing with friends, padel is the answer.
So, Fit People, are you interested in trying padel?