Padel vs. Tennis

Isn't padel the same as tennis?

That was a question that went through our minds when friends first told us about padel. And it's a question we get asked again and again when we talk about our favorite sport.

And we like to answer it every time - and always the same: "Yes" it's a bit like tennis and "no!!" is not the same at all!

The only thing padel has in common with tennis is that you play the ball over the net on a court. Oh yes, and you also need rackets. And you count the points "15, 30, 40" like in tennis. But that's it for the similarities.

What are the differences?

The most important difference is that playing padel is much more fun!! But of course, as padel fans, we say that with total bias and a big twinkle in our eyes. Find out for yourself!

The fact is that the padel court is much smaller than a tennis court. And that the padel court is surrounded by walls from which the ball bounces back into the court.  

The back walls may be hit. If the ball bounces back from there, the game continues and you have to try to get the ball back over the net - which makes you spin, demands all your space-ball-hand coordination, and is just incredibly fun! 

Another difference that we liked, especially as girls: a lot of power in padel doesn't mean a lot of points! It's more about presence of mind, because the ball hits you differently every time, and how you and your partner play together and react to each rally. 

The smaller padel court, the walls that "play along", and the fact that you always play in pairs and against two opponents makes padel a sport that you can play without needing a lot of technique or stamina, so you can really enjoy the game right from the start.