Padel 101

Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, padel uses solid, perforated rackets and depressurised tennis balls. The glass walls are in play, making rallies longer and the game more social and exciting. It is always played in doubles, making it one of the most social sports you can play.

A padel court is 20m long and 10m wide, enclosed by walls of glass and metallic mesh. The net divides the court, and service boxes are marked on each side. The enclosed design means the ball can bounce off the walls and remain in play, similar to squash. This creates a unique, fast-paced dynamic that rewards strategy over raw power.

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. Matches are typically best of three sets, with a tiebreak at 6-6. The serve must be underhand and hit below waist height, bouncing in the opposite service box. This makes serving accessible to all skill levels.

To get started you need a padel racket, padel balls (slightly lower pressure than tennis balls), and comfortable court shoes with a herringbone sole for grip. Rackets come in three shapes: round (control), teardrop (all-round), and diamond (power). Beginners typically start with a round or teardrop shape for easier control.

Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and Zambia is catching on fast. New courts are opening across Lusaka and the Copperbelt, and the social nature of the sport makes it perfect for the Zambian community spirit. Whether you are a former tennis player, squash enthusiast, or completely new to racquet sports, padel welcomes everyone.