Padel Rackets

The trend sport padel tennis is often referred to as a mix between tennis and squash. The name of the popular sport comes from the paddle-like appearance of the rackets used to play padel.

Padel is commonly played in doubles on a court similar to a tennis court but smaller and fenced. The padel game rules are the same as those of tennis with two exceptions: the serve is an underhand stroke and the walls are strategically included in the game, similar to squash, so you can play over the gang. Padel is characterized by longer rallies than tennis, which increases playing time and increases the fun factor. While technique and strength often play a major role in tennis, padel is a faster and more dynamic sport in which strategy plays a crucial role.

Not only the different rules of the game and differences to tennis make Padel a specialty. The popular alternative to tennis also scores with the following arguments, because Padel guarantees:

• Less potential for frustration for beginners
• Easier handling of ball and racket
• Less effort, but more tactics and dynamics
• Longer rallies
• More gaming time
• More fun and action

Gone are the days when padel rackets were made of wood. Nowadays, the flexible rackets made of plastic or carbon fibers are convincing. The hitting surface of padel rackets is smaller than that of tennis rackets and not strung, but made of an elastic material with holes to reduce drag and weight. The handle of a padel racquet is a lot shorter than that of a tennis racquet, which makes the racquet easier to control and makes it easier for beginners to get into the game of padel than for those who are new to tennis. Padel racquets, unlike tennis racquets, have a strap or band at the end of the handle as a loop for the player's wrist.

Basically, a padel racket consists of three basic elements:

• Frame: The frame is located around the face and provides sufficient stability.
• Face: The face of padel racquets affects the feel and performance of a racquet.
• Racket neck: The racket neck provides sufficient grip for a good hold in the hand.

Padel rackets for children , like padel rackets for beginners, should be larger and lighter. The wider shape makes it easier to return the ball as this shape is more forgiving than others. Padel rackets for children should also score points with a low weight (maximum 380 grams) for good handling. It is also advisable to choose suitable balls. Balls with a large diameter are ideal for children and beginners.

Padel rackets for adults differ mainly in terms of their weight: Usually the rackets for men are a little heavier than the rackets for women. Since the minimal weight difference of the rackets only varies between 20 and 30 grams, women can also play with men's rackets without hesitation - and vice versa.

In order to choose a padel racket that suits you, you should be aware of your level of play, because the level of play is decisive and determines the shape of the racket. In addition, your padel racket should be made of a suitable, durable material and be easy to control due to its light weight.

The construction and materials of the hitting surface essentially determine the hardness of the padel racket and thus the impact performance. Basically, a soft racquet has more elasticity and therefore a higher rebound, which allows for more powerful shots.

Soft racquets offer you stronger shots, but less ball control. Due to the very soft material, soft bats are often not convincing in terms of longevity.

Hard racquets have less rebound than soft racquets and therefore deliver less power. The reduced power transmission must therefore be compensated for by stronger punches and the appropriate technique. Hard racquets offer you better control over the shots in addition to greater durability.

Padel rackets come in three different shapes depending on the level of play. Round rackets are suitable for beginners, teardrop-shaped rackets for advanced users and rackets in the shape of a diamond for padel experts.

• Round: These racquets have the lowest balance point. The main weight must be carried by the wrist. The racket is easier to control and you don't have to use a lot of force.
• Teardrop: Teardrop-shaped racquets represent a compromise between a round and a diamond-shaped racquet. The balance point here is in the middle.
• Diamond: The balance point is here in the club head. This makes the racquet harder to control, but it allows for more powerful shots. Unlike teardrop-shaped padel racquets, diamond-shaped padel racquets are for experts.

Unlike a tennis or squash racket, the padel racket has a solid hitting surface and is not strung with strings. Padel rackets are always made of several materials, so that the racket handle and the hitting surface ensure optimal grip and rebound.

• Twin-Tube Carbon: Carbon-quality double-tube frame increases stiffness, reduces torsion and offers more power.
• Carbon: Braided carbon fibers are lightweight and durable.
• Black EVA: High-density EVA foam for better precision and high performance on powerful shots.
• Rough Surface: A rough surface provides more game variation.
• Head Protector: Head protector made of lightweight TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) protects the racquet from hard hits.

Weight is an important factor affecting feel. Padel rackets that weigh less than 375 grams fall into the class of the rather light racket, everything above that is considered a heavy padel racket. Light padel rackets have the advantage of making the strokes easier and, above all, faster, but the use of force with light rackets is higher than with heavy padel rackets. Heavier padel rackets produce a significantly stronger rebound of the ball, but the execution and movement is often very sluggish.

DECATHLON not only offers you a large range, but also attractive prices. In addition to padel rackets for women, men and children, we also offer you the right accessories such as balls , bags and much more. Browse the online shop or a branch of your choice and be inspired by the variety.