What is Padel? The 5-Minute Beginner's Guide
Discover what padel is, how it's played and why it's the world's fastest-growing racket sport.
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Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash and platform tennis — and it's the fastest-growing sport in the world. Originally developed in Mexico in the 1960s and made famous in Spain and Argentina, padel has exploded globally in the last five years and finally arrived in Thailand. If you're curious about what padel is and whether you'd enjoy it, this guide covers everything you need to know in five minutes.
How is padel played?
Padel is always played in doubles on a 20m × 10m enclosed court. The court is roughly a third the size of a tennis court and surrounded by glass walls and metallic mesh — and yes, the walls are part of the game.
You serve underhand (much easier than tennis), points start by bouncing the ball before serving, and rallies tend to last much longer than tennis because of the walls and shorter distances. The scoring system is identical to tennis: 15, 30, 40, game.
Why is padel so popular?
Three reasons: it's easy to learn, intensely social and incredibly addictive. Most beginners are rallying confidently within their first 20 minutes — far faster than tennis. Because it's always doubles, you're always playing with three other people, which makes it the most social racket sport on the planet.
Then there's the addiction. Once you discover the joy of using the back wall to set up a perfect smash, you'll be back tomorrow.
Where can I try padel in Thailand?
Padel has exploded in Bangkok and is rapidly spreading across the country. In Koh Samui, Padel Tropical is the island's first dedicated padel club — five professional courts, expert coaches, and a beginner-friendly atmosphere that turns curious tourists into obsessed players in a single session.
If you've been wondering what padel is, the best way to find out is to try it. Book a beginner padel lesson, grab a friend, and 90 minutes later you'll understand why everyone is talking about this sport.
Padel Tropical is the home of padel in Koh Samui. Book a beginner-friendly padel lesson in Koh Samui with a certified coach, or reserve a slot directly through our padel court rental in Koh Samui page. Looking for community? Join one of our weekly padel tournaments.