Rallying for Fitness: An Introduction to Padel Tennis

As padel tennis gains popularity across the globe, this sport has emerged as a beacon of fun and fitness, offering a fusion of both leisure and health benefits that cater to both the body and soul. And nestled in the heart of our golf resort and community at Apes Hill, we have four floodlit padel courts, with four more that are set to open soon alongside our brand new racquet centre. We pride ourselves on the sociable nature of the Apes Hill community, and the introduction of padel tennis isn’t just about playing another sport. It's about connecting with others, fostering a sense of camaraderie, and nurturing the community spirit that makes living and staying at Apes Hill unlike anywhere else. And though it might seem akin to tennis in its compact form, padel stands out with its unique characteristics, offering an alternative to traditional racquet sports, with a myriad of health benefits.

A fusion of tennis, squash, badminton, and even elements of volleyball, padel tennis has recently surged in popularity, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. 

The set-up? 
A padel court is 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, with walls on all sides. The back walls can be solid or glass, and the side walls may be a combination of solid material such as glass, and mesh fencing. 
It’s a game played in doubles, and unlike traditional tennis, padel has solid, stringless racquets, and a lighter fiberglass ball.

The rules? 
The serve must be underhand, and the ball must bounce once on the server's side before being hit below waist level. Like in regular tennis, the serve has to land diagonally in the opponent’s service box.
The ball can bounce once on the ground, and players can hit it before or after the bounce. After the bounce, the ball can touch the walls (side or back) before being returned. And there’s a catch - the ball cannot be directly hit over the net if it has already bounced off a wall on your side.
It sounds complicated, but that’s the beauty of padel - with an emphasis on skill and strategy over power - it’s a game fit for all physical capabilities.

The first way in which padel notably distinguishes itself from other racquet sports is by its low impact on the joints. Unlike its racquet sport counterparts, padel tennis is predominantly a doubles game. This shared court responsibility means that two players cover the space typically managed by one in singles matches, which means less sprinting and diving for each player, so your joints and back get a break. The softer balls and lighter racquets also means hitting the ball requires less force, reducing the shock and impact transmitted through the arm and into the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. Playing padel is more about strategic placement and less about power and so it offers a low-impact alternative to usual racquet sports. Essentially, you get all the fun and strategy of hitting balls across a net, but without the next-day aches and pains. It’s perfect for anyone and everyone, no matter your age or fitness level. 

And, much like golf, or regular tennis, the mental acuity and concentration that playing padel tennis requires means that it’s a workout for your brain, too. Padel's fast-paced action keeps you on your toes, making your brain work overtime - making split-second decisions, strategising, and fine-tuning your reflexes. So, whether you're 18 or 80, picking up a padel racquet could be your secret to keeping your brain youthful, sharp, and ready for whatever life throws your way.

Getting into a game of padel means rounding up three more friends for some doubles fun, making it a fantastic way to socialise. And, the beauty of it is also that it's welcoming to players of all abilities, where the level and intensity of the game is determined by you, letting everyone play at a pace that feels right. And when you play at Apes Hill, it isn’t just about the game; it’s about soaking in the spectacular views and enjoying the incredible Barbados weather too. It's the kind of setting where every serve comes with a side of breathtaking scenery and every match is played under sunny skies. So, whether you’re a pro or just picking up a racquet for the first time, padel at Apes Hill offers the perfect blend of sport, scenery, and sunshine.

Whether you want to try out a new sport, improve your skills, make happy memories with loved ones, or get up and move in the fresh air … padel tennis is the answer! And at Apes Hill, we welcome all of our community members to play with us - whatever level you are - and however seriously you want to take the game. We offer both individual and group private lessons, community introductory padel clinics and run a social padel tournament for our members. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.