The new sport on the block at The Cliffs at Mountain Park
Padel, a fast-growing sport originating from Mexico, blends elements of tennis and squash. Played primarily as doubles, it’s an engaging and dynamic game that combines skill, strategy, and teamwork. By understanding the basics of padel, implementing effective strategies, and practicing, you’ll quickly elevate your game, all while having a great time. Padel will be a brand-new addition to The Cliffs at Mountain Park in the summer of 2025, featured at its newest amenity, The Sports Pavilion. Learn more about The Sports Pavilion here.
Adri Atkinson, Mountain Region Racquets Sports Director, shares the basics of padel below and is here to help you master the game.
The Padel Court, Equipment, and Dimensions
Padel Rackets
Smaller than tennis rackets, padel rackets are solid, perforated, and designed for better control and maneuverability.
Padel Balls
The balls used in the game are similar to tennis balls but with less pressure, providing a slightly softer bounce.
Padel Scoring vs. Tennis
Essential Techniques in Padel
Each sport has some fundamental techniques used, and here are a few for padel.
Grip and Stance
The continental grip or hammer grip is commonly used in padel and is similar to the grip used in tennis serves and volleys. The ready position involves keeping the knees slightly bent and weight evenly distributed with the racket up and ready to react to the incoming ball.
Basic Strokes
- Forehand – Swing the racket from the back to the front, palm facing forward, with the open side of the racket.
- Backhand – Hit the ball with the closed side of the racket, or the back of the hand, swinging from back to front.
- Volleys – Volleys are played close to the net, without letting the ball bounce. Volleys are a great way to finish off a rally and win the point.
- Smashes – Powerful overhead shots used to finish points, executed by hitting the ball with downward force onto the opponent’s side.
- Lobs – A strategic shot to move opponents backward and change the game’s rhythm, allowing you and your partner to take a more offensive position. This shot is vital in padel.
Strategies and Tactics in Padel
Court Positioning
In padel, effective court positioning is key to gaining an advantage over your opponent. Players should aim to stay centrally in their half of the court, ready to cover their side and anticipate incoming shots. At the back of the court, position yourself just behind the service line, giving you enough space to react to your opponent’s shots. When at the net, stand just slightly in front of the second post line, allowing you to cut off volleys and control the game. If you’re feeling more aggressive, moving closer to the net can be a powerful tactic–but be cautious of high lobs. Just like in tennis, you don’t want to get stuck in “no man’s land”, the dangerous area between the baseline and the net, where you’re too far to react quickly to both offensive and defensive shots.
Use a mix of shots to keep your opponent off balance. Beginners often focus on power, but controlling the ball is key. Learn to vary shot speeds, and practice strategic shots such as cross-court and drop shots to keep your opponents guessing.
Padel is commonly played as a doubles game, and communication with your partner is essential. To cover the court effectively, it’s important to strategize and coordinate with your teammate, moving as a unified force. Just like in tennis, successful doubles play relies on anticipating each other’s moves and maintaining a seamless flow. Open dialogue about tactics and strategy helps you stay on the same page, ensuring you’re both ready for any challenge and maximizing your chances of winning.
Join the Padel Community at Mountain Park
Padel is about more than just a game – it’s a fantastic way to make friends, stay active, and enjoy the social aspects of the sport. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your game to the next level, Mountain Park offers a welcoming community where you can learn, compete, and have fun. Come join the new padel community at Mountain Park. Contact us to learn more.
