Paddle Tennis

Paddle tennis is a fun sport that is similar to tennis but played on a smaller court. Players use solid paddles instead of strung rackets. The ball bounces off glass walls, adding an extra element of fun.

How to Play

Paddle tennis is usually played as doubles, with two players on each side. The court is smaller than a tennis court and is surrounded by walls and fencing. Players serve underhand and hit the ball over a net.

What makes paddle tennis special is that the ball can bounce off the walls and still be in play, kind of like squash. Players can hit the ball after it bounces off the wall. This leads to long, exciting rallies.

Where It Is Popular

Paddle tennis is extremely popular in Spain, Argentina, and Mexico. In those countries, it is called "padel." It is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

More and more paddle tennis courts are being built in the United States and other countries. The sport is easy to learn and lots of fun. Kids and adults love it because you can start having great rallies right away.

Fun Facts

• Padel is the second most popular sport in Spain, after soccer.
• The sport was invented in Mexico in 1969.
• Padel courts have glass walls that the ball can bounce off.

Did You Know?

Padel was invented by a Mexican businessman who built a small court in his backyard because he did not have enough room for a full tennis court!