Padel emerged in Mexico in the late 1960s. This fun sport soon found its way to Spain, Argentina, and later to all Spanish-speaking South American countries. Padel is currently the second-most played sport in Spain, behind football but ahead of tennis. There are eight million players around the world.

Matches are played in teams of two (doubles). Two serves are allowed and must be played underhand, diagonally across the court. One bounce is allowed. The ball must bounce on the floor and can then hit any part of the court. The ball can be hit against a wall after it has bounced (wall only, not the metal fence). The ball can leave the court after bouncing and can be hit back into play from outside the court. The points system is the same as tennis.

For a better start, use balls designed for beginners. They are softer and slower to make learning to control your shots easier. Appropriate shoes will keep you from slipping on padel courts, which are often in artificial grass with sand. Finally, taking classes will help you learn faster and keep you from developing bad habits, such as using the same techniques from tennis or squash.