Padel Tennis: A Game of Walls and Strategy
Padel tennis, also known as just “padel”, is a thrilling racket sport that puts a unique twist on traditional tennis. The main difference? Padel allows the ball to bounce off the surrounding walls during rallies.
There are estimated to be around 20 million people playing padel tennis worldwide (as of 2024), there are over 7 million active players in Spain alone. Hong Kong has been a little slower to the court, but we are sure the game will have a large following here in no time.
Find out more About Padel Tennis
The Court:
Padel is played on a smaller, enclosed court, typically around 20ft wide by 40ft long. The court is enclosed by high, wire mesh walls on all four sides.
Serving & Rallying:
To start a point, one player serves the ball diagonally into the opponent’s side of the court. After the serve, players can then hit the ball before it bounces (a “volley”) or after it bounces once on their side (a “groundstroke”).
The key twist is that players can also use the surrounding walls to strategically return the ball – the ball is allowed to bounce off the walls during the rally. This adds an extra element of play and forces players to think creatively about their shots.
The rally continues back and forth until one side fails to successfully return the ball over the net.
Scoring:
Padel uses the standard tennis scoring system – games, sets, and matches.
- The first player/team to win 4 points in a game wins that game.
- The first player/team to win 6 games in a set wins that set.
- Matches are typically played as the best-of-3 or best-of-5 sets.
Key Skills:
- Precise paddle control to hit accurate volleys and groundstrokes
- Quick reflexes and footwork to react to balls bouncing off the walls
- Strategic thinking to use the court geometry and walls to your advantage
Padel tennis is an engaging, fast-paced sport that rewards technical skill, athletic ability, and tactical awareness. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, the unique wall-bouncing element makes every padel match an exciting challenge.
Where to Play Padel Tennis in Hong Kong
Padel+
Location: 4A Wang Kong Tsuen, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Website: www.padelplus.com.hk
PADEL+ is a premier padel tennis destination dedicated to elevating the sport and offering an unparalleled experience in a welcoming, inclusive environment where players of all levels can thrive. Boasting a team of 4 expert coaches and meticulously designed courts, PADEL+ is committed to delivering the highest standards of instruction and play. From focused training to exhilarating social sessions, PADEL+ promises an unforgettable padel journey that will leave you craving more.
Padel Tour 2024 Taikoo Place
Dates: 10 May – 19 July 2024, 10am – 8pm
Location: One Island East, Taikoo Place
Costs: Refundable court booking deposit (1 hr/ session): HK$100 per session
Booking: book via Taikoo Place App
Get ready for an exhilarating padel experience in heart of Hong Kong’s bustling Taikoo Place. From May 10th to July 19th, the Padel Tour 2024 will bring a state-of-the-art, full-scale professional padel court to the One Island East office tower. The limited-time facility will be the first professional padel court built inside a Global Business District and the only one available in downtown Hong Kong. The experienced team from PADEL+ will be present during weekdays in May to offer tailored coaching support, whether you’re a seasoned padel pro or picking up a paddle for the first time.
Images: images courtesy of Taikoo Place Padel Tour 2024
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