Welcome to the fastest-growing sport in the UK! Padel is a dynamic, fast-paced racquet sport that ingeniously blends the best elements of tennis and squash. It's played exclusively in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, making it incredibly fun and easy to pick up for all ages and abilities.

The court is surrounded by glass and mesh walls which are an integral part of the game. After the ball bounces on the court, you can play it off the walls, leading to longer, more exciting rallies and a greater emphasis on strategy over sheer power. The smaller court size and doubles format mean you're always involved in the action, creating a wonderfully social and engaging atmosphere.

Originating in Mexico in the 1960s, padel has exploded in popularity across Europe. It's loved for its simplicity, its low impact on the body, and most of all, the community spirit it fosters. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned tennis player looking for a new challenge, you'll be hooked from the very first game.

Getting started in padel is easy because the rules are straightforward. Here are the absolute basics you need to know for your first game:

The Serve:

• The serve is always hit underhand at or below waist level.

• You must bounce the ball once behind the service line before hitting it diagonally into the opponent's service box.

• The ball must land in the service box before touching any walls. You get two attempts, just like in tennis.

The Rally:

• During a rally, a player can hit the ball after it has bounced once on their side of the court.

• You can volley the ball (hit it before it bounces), except when returning a serve.

• Players can hit the ball onto the glass walls on their own side of the court to return it to the opponent’s side.

Scoring:

• The scoring system is identical to tennis: 15, 30, 40, Deuce, Advantage, and Game.

• Typically, matches are played as the best of three sets, with each set consisting of six games.

While sharing a scoring system, padel and tennis are very different sports. If you're coming from a tennis background, understanding these distinctions is key to enjoying your first game.

• The Court: A padel court (20m x 10m) is smaller than a tennis court and is enclosed by glass and mesh walls, which are in play.

• The Racket: A padel racket is a solid, stringless "batta" made of foam and fibreglass or carbon fibre. It's shorter and easier to handle than a tennis racquet.

• The Ball: Padel balls are similar to tennis balls but have slightly less pressure, which makes them less bouncy and easier to control.

• The Serve: Padel serves are always underhand, making them much easier to learn and return than a powerful overhead tennis serve.

• The Strategy: Padel is less about power and more about strategy, patience, and shot placement. Using the walls to your advantage is a fundamental part of the game.

Many people find padel easier to learn than tennis, with beginners able to enjoy fun rallies from their very first session.