Lesson 1: What Is Padel and What Is the Objective?

**Padel** is a racket sport played almost exclusively as **doubles** — two pairs of players, four people total, on the same court. It combines elements of tennis and squash, making it exciting and fast-paced even for beginners. **The main objective** is simple: - Hit the ball over the net so the opposing pair **cannot return it legally** before it bounces twice on their side. - If the ball bounces twice on your side before you return it, you lose the point. A match is normally the **best of three sets**, meaning the first pair to win **two sets** wins the match. Padel is governed internationally by the **International Padel Federation (FIP)**, and the current rules apply from **01 January 2026**. The sport is very social and beginner-friendly because the enclosed court keeps the ball in play longer, giving you more time to react and enjoy rallies from your very first game.