The beginner's guide

What is padel?

Padel (say “PA-del”) is a racquet sport that mixes the best parts of tennis and squash. It's played on a small enclosed court with glass walls, always in doubles, with solid stringless racquets and a ball that looks like a slightly softer tennis ball. It's the fastest-growing sport in the world — over 25 million people play — and it has finally arrived in Ontario.

Why is it so popular?

Because it's easy on day one and fun forever. The court is small, the racquet is short, and serves are underhand — so complete beginners can have real rallies in their first session. But the walls add a layer of strategy that keeps advanced players hooked: like squash, the ball can bounce off the glass and stay in play, which leads to long, creative points.

How the game works

• Court: about a third the size of a tennis court, enclosed by glass walls and mesh fencing. Always doubles — 2 vs 2.
• Scoring: exactly like tennis — 15, 30, 40, game; six games win a set; best of three sets.
• Serve: underhand, bounced first, hit at or below waist height. No smash serves.
• The walls: the ball must bounce on the floor first, then it may rebound off the glass and stay in play. Hitting the ball into a wall on the fly (before the floor) loses the point.
• Equipment: a solid perforated racquet (no strings) and low-pressure tennis-style balls. Most clubs rent everything.

Padel vs. pickleball vs. tennis

People mix these up constantly. The short version:

• Padel — enclosed glass court, doubles, tennis scoring, walls in play. Feels like tennis-meets-squash.
• Pickleball — open badminton-size court, plastic ball with holes, its own scoring. Slower ball, no walls.
• Tennis — big open court, strung racquets, overhand serves, no walls.

Do I need lessons?

No — most people can rally within 20 minutes. That said, nearly every club in our directory offers a beginner intro or “open play” session, which is the easiest way to meet other players at your level. Racquet rental is usually a few dollars, and court time is typically split four ways, so it's an inexpensive night out.

What should I wear?

Regular gym clothes and court or tennis shoes. Indoor courts are climate-controlled year-round — a big deal in an Ontario winter.