Padel is a fast, social racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court. It borrows from tennis and squash, but it is easier to pick up than either, which is a big reason it is one of the fastest-growing sports in Sydney. This guide explains what padel is, how it is played, what you need, and how to try it for the first time.
Last updated: October 2026.
What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport for four players, in two teams of two. You hit the ball over a net, as in tennis, but the court is enclosed by glass and mesh walls, and after the ball has bounced you can play it off those walls, as in squash. Rallies are long, points are won by smart positioning as much as by power, and a good game is as social as it is competitive.
The sport started in Mexico in the 1960s and is hugely popular in Spain and Argentina. It is now growing quickly in Australia, with new clubs opening across Sydney. You can read more about the sport's history and rules on Wikipedia.
How is padel played?
- Doubles only. Games are played by two teams of two players.
- Underarm serve. The serve is hit underarm, at or below waist height, after the ball has bounced.
- Walls are in play. After the ball bounces on your side, you can let it hit the back or side wall and play it on the rebound.
- Tennis scoring. Points are counted 15, 30, 40, game, and matches are played over sets.
The details are simple once you see them. Our guide to padel rules and scoring covers them step by step.
What does a padel court look like?
A padel court is 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, a little smaller than a tennis court, with a low net across the middle. Glass walls sit at the back and mesh fencing runs along the sides, so spectators can see the whole game. Many Sydney clubs, including Padel Point, play indoors, so the weather doesn't cancel your session.
What equipment do you need?
- A padel racket. Padel rackets are solid, with no strings and a perforated face. They come in different shapes and weights. Our guide to choosing a padel racket will help you pick one, or you can browse our padel rackets.
- Padel balls. A padel ball looks like a tennis ball, but it is slightly less pressurised. See padel balls vs tennis balls for the differences.
- Court shoes. Wear flat-soled court shoes with good grip. Look at our padel shoes.
You don't need to buy anything before your first game. Many venues hire rackets. At Padel Point you can hire a racket from $5 and three balls for $3 per session, and you can demo a racket for $25 before you buy. See racket hire and demo.
Why do so many people love padel?
- It's quick to learn. Most beginners can rally in their first session, because the walls keep the ball in play.
- It's social. You always play with a partner and against two opponents, and the court is close, so it is easy to talk and laugh between points.
- It suits many levels. Beginners, regular players and competitive players can all find a game that matches their standard.
If you're deciding between racket sports, read padel vs tennis: what's the difference.
Where can you play padel in Sydney?
There are padel venues across Sydney, from Alexandria and Moore Park to North Ryde, Cromer, Lidcombe and Bankstown. Our guide to padel in Sydney lists them with links to each club. You can also search the Padel Australia courts and clubs directory.
Try padel at Padel Point in Bankstown
Padel Point has four indoor panoramic courts with 13 metre ceilings, climate control fans and AI cameras that record your match highlights. Here are the easiest ways to start:
- Book a court online and play with friends.
- Take a lesson or course with our certified coaches. Group classes are $60 per person per hour.
- Join a social tournament or event, such as our Saturday Americano (register in advance on Playtomic).
- Look at our memberships if you want to play regularly.
After your game, relax at our café and bar. You'll find us at Unit 4/35 Starkie Dr, Bankstown Aerodrome NSW 2198.
Padel for beginners: FAQs
How many players are in a padel game?
Four. Padel is played in doubles, with two players on each side of the net.
Is padel hard to learn?
No. The underarm serve, the smaller court and the walls make it easier to get into long rallies than most racket sports. A lesson in your first week will help you build good habits.
Do I need my own racket?
No. Many clubs hire rackets. At Padel Point, hire starts at $5 for a session (2 hours). See racket hire prices.
How do I find people to play padel with?
You don't need a partner. Join an open match or a social tournament on Playtomic. Our guide explains how to find padel players and partners in Sydney.
Is padel the same as tennis?
No. Padel uses a solid racket without strings, a smaller enclosed court and an underarm serve, and the walls are part of the game. The scoring is the same as tennis.
How long does a padel match take?
A typical match lasts about an hour to an hour and a half. Many venues book courts in 60 or 90 minute slots.
Ready to try it? Book a court at Padel Point, or get in touch and we'll help you find the best way to start.
