Padel Equipment: What You Need to Play

The padel racket (also called a paddle or pala) is the most distinctive piece of equipment. Unlike tennis or squash rackets, it has no strings — instead it features a solid hitting surface made of carbon fibre or fibreglass, perforated with holes to reduce air resistance. Rackets are 45-46cm long and weigh 340-395g.

Padel rackets come in three main shapes: round (best for control, popular with beginners and defensive players), diamond (best for power, favoured by advanced attackers), and teardrop (a balance of both). The core material (EVA foam or FOAM) affects the feel — softer cores give more control, harder cores give more power.

Padel balls look like tennis balls but are slightly smaller and have lower internal pressure, which produces a lower, slower bounce suited to the enclosed court. Official balls must conform to FIP specifications: 6.35-6.77cm diameter and 56-59.4g weight.

Footwear is important: padel-specific shoes (or clay court tennis shoes) with herringbone or omni soles provide the right grip for artificial turf surfaces. Running shoes and hard-court tennis shoes are not recommended as they can grip too aggressively and risk ankle injuries.

Other useful items include an overgrip (for sweat absorption and comfort), a wrist leash (required in competition — the racket must have a wrist cord), and padel-specific bags for carrying your kit.