The Origins of Padel: From a Mexican Backyard to Global Craze
Padel was invented in 1969 by Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera, who transformed his backyard into a hybrid court combining elements of tennis and squash. By replacing open boundaries with walls and simplifying rules, he created a sport accessible to all. Padel quickly spread across Latin America and became a national obsession in Spain during the 1990s. Today, over 25 million players worldwide enjoy padel, and the International Padel Federation (FIP) is pushing for its inclusion in the Olympics.
Padel Court Size & Design: Why Walls Matter
A regulation padel court measures 20m x 10m (one-third the size of a tennis court), enclosed by 3m-high glass or concrete walls. The surface is typically artificial turf or sand, with a net height of 88cm (center) to 92cm (ends). The walls allow balls to rebound, adding strategic depth—this “wall play” is a hallmark of padel.
How to Play Padel: Rules, Scoring & Tactics
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Doubles Focus: Padel is primarily played 2v2, requiring quick teamwork.
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Underhand Serve: The ball must bounce once before hitting, and the rebound cannot exceed waist height.
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Scoring: Same as tennis (15/30/40/Game), but you can hit the ball after one wall rebound.
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Winning Tactics: Use walls for angled shots or smash volleys to pressure opponents.
Why Padel is Perfect for Urban Lifestyles
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Easy to Learn: Compact courts and simple rules let beginners play within 20 minutes.
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Social Fun: Doubles format fosters teamwork—ideal for friends or corporate events.
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Fatigue-Burning: Fast-paced rallies burn 500+ calories per hour.
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Space-Saving: Courts fit indoors, outdoors, rooftops, or repurposed parking lots.
Ready to Try Padel?
Whether you are a professional tennis player or an amateur, padel tennis is an addictive fun game. Contact LDK to build your own court.