What is Padel? The Complete Beginner's Guide

Padel players in action on a professional court

If you have been hearing the word "padel" more and more lately, you are not alone. From sports centres in Dublin to clubs in Cork and Galway, padel courts are popping up across Ireland at a remarkable pace. But what exactly is this sport, and why is everyone talking about it?

This guide covers everything you need to know: what padel is, how it works, what makes it different from tennis and pickleball, and how to get started playing in Ireland.

What is Padel?

Padel is a racquet sport played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and metallic mesh. Think of it as a blend of tennis and squash: you hit a ball over a net with a solid racket, but the walls are very much in play.

The sport was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico, who built the first court in his backyard. From there it spread to Spain and Argentina, where it became a national obsession. Today, padel is widely recognised as the world's fastest-growing sport, with more than 25 million players across over 90 countries.

In Ireland, padel has gone from a curiosity to a genuine movement. What started with a handful of courts in 2021 has grown into a thriving scene, with over 120 venues across the country by 2026. Whether you are in a major city or a smaller town, there is a good chance a padel court is not far away.

How Does Padel Work?

Padel is always played in doubles, with two players on each side of the net. The court measures 20 metres long by 10 metres wide, roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. It is enclosed by walls made of glass (at the back and parts of the sides) and metallic mesh (on the upper portions).

Here is how a typical point plays out:

The serve: Every point starts with an underarm serve. The server bounces the ball and hits it below waist height, diagonally into the opponent's service box. No overhead smashes to open the point.
The rally: After the serve, the ball must bounce on the ground before hitting a wall. But once it has bounced, players can let it come off the glass walls before returning it, just like in squash. This creates longer, more tactical rallies.
Scoring: Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage. Matches are typically best of three sets, with a tiebreak at 6-6.

The walls add a completely new dimension to the game. Balls that look like winners can be retrieved off the back glass, turning defence into attack. This makes rallies longer and more exciting, and it rewards clever positioning over raw power.

A standard match lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, making it a perfect activity for a weekday evening or a weekend morning.

Why is Padel So Popular?

Padel's explosive growth is no accident. Several things set it apart from other racquet sports:

It is genuinely social. Because padel is always played in doubles, every session involves four people. There is constant communication, shared celebration, and a team dynamic that solo sports simply cannot replicate. Many players say the social side is what keeps them coming back.

It is easy to pick up. The underarm serve removes one of the biggest barriers in tennis. The smaller court means less ground to cover. And the walls keep the ball in play longer, so even beginners enjoy proper rallies from their very first game. Most people are hooked within 30 minutes.

It is a brilliant workout. Do not let the smaller court fool you. Padel involves constant movement, quick changes of direction, and plenty of lunging and reaching. A one-hour session can burn 400 to 700 calories, and the stop-start nature of the game makes it an effective form of interval training.

It suits all ages and abilities. Because technique and positioning matter more than power, padel brings together players of different ages and fitness levels in a way that few sports can. It is common to see teenagers playing alongside people in their sixties, and everyone having a good time.

Ireland has embraced it wholeheartedly. The Irish padel scene has grown from a handful of courts in 2021 to over 120 venues in 2026. Clubs, leisure centres, and dedicated padel facilities are opening regularly. Leagues, tournaments, and social sessions are now available in most counties. The growth shows no sign of slowing down.

Padel vs Tennis: What is the Difference?

Padel and tennis share some DNA, but they are quite different in practice. Here are the key distinctions:

Court size: A padel court is roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, making it more manageable and less physically demanding to cover.
Walls: Padel courts are enclosed by glass and mesh walls. The ball can be played off these walls, adding a tactical element that does not exist in tennis.
The serve: Padel uses an underarm serve, removing the overhead serve that many recreational tennis players find difficult to master.
Doubles only: Padel is designed for doubles. There is no singles format in standard play.
The racket: A padel racket has no strings. It is a solid face with holes, made from carbon fibre or fibreglass with a foam core. It is shorter and more compact than a tennis racket.
The ball: Padel balls look similar to tennis balls but have slightly less internal pressure, which means they bounce a little lower.

Many tennis players find that padel complements their game beautifully, and vice versa. The two sports share enough fundamentals that skills transfer well in both directions.

For a detailed side-by-side comparison, read our full guide to padel vs tennis.

Padel vs Pickleball: How Do They Compare?

Padel and pickleball are both fast-growing racquet sports, but they are quite different games:

The court: Padel is played on a larger, fully enclosed court with glass walls. Pickleball uses a smaller, open court similar to a badminton court.
The racket: Padel uses a solid racket with a foam core. Pickleball uses a lighter, flat paddle.
The ball: Padel uses a depressurised tennis-style ball. Pickleball uses a perforated polymer ball (similar to a wiffle ball).
The walls: In padel, the walls are a central part of the game. Pickleball has no walls.
Playing format: Padel is strictly doubles. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles.

Both sports are great fun, but they offer very different playing experiences. If you are curious about the finer details, have a look at our padel vs pickleball comparison.

What Equipment Do You Need for Padel?

One of the appealing things about padel is that you do not need much to get started. Here is a rundown of the essentials:

A padel racket. Unlike tennis rackets, padel rackets have no strings. They feature a solid face (usually carbon fibre or fibreglass) with a pattern of holes for aerodynamics, and a foam core that provides the power and feel. Rackets come in three main shapes: round (best for beginners, offering control and a large sweet spot), teardrop (a balance of power and control), and diamond (more power, suited to advanced players). If you are just starting out, a round-shaped racket is the way to go.

Browse our full range of padel rackets, or read our guide to choosing the best padel racket for beginners.

Padel balls. Padel balls look almost identical to tennis balls but are manufactured with slightly less internal pressure. This gives them a lower, more controlled bounce that suits the smaller court. You will typically go through a can of three balls per session.

Pick up a tube from our padel balls collection.

Shoes. Ideally, you want shoes designed for clay court tennis or specifically for padel. These have a herringbone-pattern sole that grips well on the artificial grass or clay surfaces used on most padel courts, while still allowing controlled sliding. That said, any pair of clean, non-marking trainers will do when you are starting out. Avoid running shoes, as the soles are not designed for lateral movement.

Overgrip. A fresh overgrip on your racket handle improves comfort and absorbs sweat. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. Many players change their overgrip every few sessions.

Browse our selection of grips and overgrips.

Everything else, such as court hire, is taken care of at your local venue. Most clubs also offer racket hire if you want to try the sport before investing in your own equipment.

Where to Play Padel in Ireland

Ireland's padel scene has grown dramatically in recent years. From Dublin to Belfast, Cork to Galway, and plenty of places in between, there are now over 120 padel venues across the island.

Major cities have multiple options, including dedicated padel centres, leisure clubs with padel courts, and sports facilities that have added padel to their offering. Smaller towns are catching up quickly, with new courts opening regularly.

Most venues offer pay-and-play sessions, coaching for beginners, organised social nights, and competitive leagues. Many also run introductory sessions specifically designed for people who have never played before, which is a brilliant way to try the sport in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

For a comprehensive overview of where to play, check out our guide to padel in Ireland. If you just want to find your nearest court, head straight to our court finder.

Ready to Play?

Padel is one of those rare sports that is easy to start, hard to master, and fun at every level in between. Whether you are looking for a new way to stay active, a social activity to enjoy with friends, or a competitive outlet, padel delivers.

Here is how to take your next step: