Is singles padel fun?

Is Singles Padel Fun?

Let’s get straight to the point—yes, singles padel can absolutely be fun. It’s different from the more popular doubles format, but that’s part of its unique appeal. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, get a killer workout, or just enjoy some one-on-one competitive action, singles padel can deliver an experience unlike any other. But, is it for everyone? Not quite. Let’s dive into why singles padel might just be your new favorite thing, or why it could be the loneliest court session you’ve ever had.

Why Singles Padel Can Be Enjoyable

Being the only player on your side of the court has a certain undeniable thrill. You're the boss of every point—every shot is your responsibility. There’s no “I got it, you take it” moments. You’re out there on an island, and that makes the game feel deeply personal and intense. This can be either incredibly satisfying or, for some, a bit overwhelming. But for those who love the grind of a solo sport, singles padel offers all the adrenaline you could want.

You’ll also find yourself handling a lot more of the ball than in doubles. In fact, all of the ball. In doubles, you share touches with a partner, but in singles, every shot is yours. This extra time with the ball gives you more room to practice and hone your technique. Whether it’s working on your slice, nailing those precise angles, or even just making fewer errors, singles padel helps you sharpen your game faster. And since there’s no one to blame for your mistakes, the accountability makes your progress feel even more rewarding.

The game feels faster and more strategic because you have to cover the entire court yourself. It’s not just physical but a mental challenge, too. You’ll need to think ahead, plan your shots, and anticipate your opponent’s moves—no relying on a partner to cover your weak spots. If you’re someone who loves to strategize on the fly, singles padel will keep your brain just as busy as your legs.

And let’s not downplay the fitness aspect. If you’re in it for the workout, singles padel will make you sweat. Big time. Covering the court solo means more running, more quick shifts in direction, and more full-body engagement than doubles ever demands. It’s a fantastic cardio workout that engages muscles you didn’t even know you had. By the end of a good singles match, you’ll be wiped—but in the best possible way.

The Challenges of Singles Padel

Here’s where it gets tricky. Singles padel isn’t just a physical test; it’s a mental one, too. Covering the entire court on your own can feel, well, exhausting. If you’re used to doubles, where you only need to cover half the space, singles will feel like a shock to your system. Suddenly, you’ll realize just how much ground you have to cover when you don’t have a partner to lean on. You’ll run more, sweat more, and—let’s be honest—probably get tired a lot faster.

Singles padel also changes the strategy of the game significantly. In doubles, rushing to the net and attacking with volleys is often the way to win points. But in singles, controlling the whole court by yourself forces you to think differently. You’ll need to stay back more often, rely on your defense, and focus on carefully placed shots rather than aggressive net play. It’s a game of patience and precision, not just power.

The one thing singles padel takes away is the social element. Doubles padel is known for its fun, social dynamic. You’re in it with a partner, there’s banter, you can laugh off mistakes, and there’s something uniquely bonding about playing as a team. In singles, that’s all gone. It’s just you and your opponent. For some, this isolation can make singles padel feel a bit lonely. But for others—especially those who love the thrill of solo competition—this one-on-one format is exactly what makes it exciting.

Social or Solo?

Ah, the eternal debate: is padel better as a social game or a solo grind? One of the best parts of doubles padel is the camaraderie. You’re working as a team, and every point is a shared effort. That social aspect is a huge draw for a lot of players. Whether it’s chatting with your partner between points or celebrating a killer shot together, doubles padel is often as much about the experience as it is about the competition.

In singles, that dynamic shifts dramatically. It’s just you and your opponent. No partner to laugh with, no one to high-five after a winning point, and no one to share the blame when things go wrong. For some players, this can make singles feel a bit isolated. But here’s the flip side: that solitude also means there’s no one to get in your way. You don’t have to rely on—or compensate for—anyone else’s skills. You’re in total control of your game. For players who thrive on independence, this is pure gold.

Singles padel is also a fantastic alternative when you can’t find enough players for a doubles match. Instead of cancelling a game, you can still play, just with fewer people. And let’s face it, sometimes it’s easier to organize a one-on-one than to wrangle four people’s schedules.

Strategy: How Singles Changes the Game

Strategy in singles padel is a whole new world. In doubles, you have a partner to help cover the court, allowing you to attack more confidently at the net. But in singles, it’s a different ballgame. You’re responsible for every inch of the court, which means you’ll spend more time defending than attacking. Rushing to the net can leave you vulnerable to lobs or passing shots, so singles padel requires more caution.

You’ll also need to play smarter, not harder. Precision and placement become far more important than power. Instead of going for big, aggressive shots, you’ll want to focus on hitting the ball in places where your opponent struggles to return it—down the line, into the corners, or with tricky spins. Patience is key. It’s less about dominating the point and more about outlasting your opponent.

Fitness Factor: The Hidden Benefit of Singles Padel

Let’s not sugarcoat it—singles padel is tough on the body. While doubles gives you a partner to share the physical burden, singles puts the whole court on your shoulders. You’ll be running a lot, making sharp, quick movements, and shifting between offensive and defensive plays in a matter of seconds. It’s a killer workout, not just for your legs, but for your core, arms, and overall endurance.

In fact, singles padel could arguably be one of the best ways to get in shape on a court. You’re constantly on the move, covering more ground than you would in doubles, and that means more calories burned, more muscles engaged, and more stamina built. For anyone looking to mix up their fitness routine, singles padel offers a full-body workout wrapped in a fun, competitive package.

So, Is It Really Fun?

Here’s the bottom line: if you enjoy pushing yourself—physically, mentally, and strategically—singles padel can be an absolute blast. It’s a game of endurance, precision, and clever tactics. It forces you to adapt, stay on your toes, and think a few shots ahead. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to improve your skills quickly since you’re handling every shot yourself.

But if you’re someone who plays padel for the social interaction, for the team effort, or just for a more relaxed time on the court, you might miss the dynamics of doubles. Singles is intense, solitary, and can feel a bit more like a grind. It’s all about what you want from the game.

At the end of the day, singles padel is a totally different beast than doubles. It’s not better or worse—it’s just different. For those who thrive on the challenge of a solo sport and don’t mind covering a lot of ground, it’s a ton of fun. But if you’re all about the social, team-oriented side of padel, you might prefer sticking with doubles. Either way, singles padel is worth a try—you might just surprise yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions about Singles Padel