Why is Padel, the Fastest-Growing Sport You Need to Try
Have you ever heard of padel? If not, you’re missing out on one of the most exciting, fast-paced, and social sports in the world! Combining elements of tennis and squash, padel is easy to learn, incredibly fun, and exploding in popularity across the globe.
But what exactly is padel, and why is everyone talking about it? Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new way to stay active, this guide will break down everything you need to know about padel—from its origins and rules to why it’s taking the sports world by storm.
What is Padel? A Hybrid of Tennis and Squash
Padel (or pádel in Spanish) is a racket sport played on an enclosed court about 25% smaller than a tennis court. The game is typically played in doubles, making it a highly social and engaging sport. Here’s what makes padel unique:
- Smaller Court with Walls – Unlike tennis, padel courts have walls (like squash), meaning the ball can bounce off them, keeping rallies alive longer.
- Solid, Perforated Padel Rackets – Padel rackets are shorter, solid, and have no strings—instead, they’re made with a perforated surface for better control.
- Underhand Serve – The serve must be underhand (similar to pickleball), making it easier for beginners to pick up.
- Fast-Paced & Strategic – The compact court and wall play create quick, dynamic rallies that require agility, reflexes, and clever shot placement.
Where Did Padel Come From? A Brief History
Padel was invented in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, by Enrique Corcuera. He wanted to create a sport that could be played in a smaller space than tennis, leading to the first padel court. The game quickly spread to Spain and Argentina, where it became a cultural phenomenon.
Today, padel is the second most popular sport in Spain (after soccer) and is rapidly growing in Europe, the Middle East, and even the U.S. The Professional Padel Association (PPA) hosts international tournaments, and top players are becoming global stars.
How to Play Padel: Rules & Basics
If you’ve played tennis or squash, you’ll quickly adapt to padel. Here’s a quick breakdown of the rules:
1. Scoring System (Same as Tennis)
- Points go: 15, 30, 40, game
- Matches are usually best of three sets
- A set is won by the first team to win 6 games (with a 2-game lead)
2. Serving Rules
- Must serve underhand below waist height
- The ball must bounce inside the opposite service box
- Only one serve attempt (no second serve like in tennis)
3. Wall Play (The Best Part!)
- The ball can bounce off the walls after hitting the ground, just like in squash.
- Players can hit the ball off the walls to keep the rally going.
- The ball cannot be volleyed directly off the wall without bouncing first.
4. Winning Points
- The ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side.
- The opponent hits the ball out of bounds (over the walls or fence).
- The opponent fails to return the ball before it bounces twice.
Why is Padel So Popular? 5 Reasons You Should Try It
1. Easy to Learn, Hard to Master
Unlike tennis, which has a steep learning curve, padel is accessible to beginners while still offering depth for advanced players. The underhand serve and smaller court make it less intimidating.
2. Super Social (Doubles-Focused Gameplay)
Since padel is mostly played in doubles, it’s a fantastic social sport. Whether you’re playing with friends or meeting new people, the fast-paced rallies keep everyone engaged.
3. Great Workout Without the High Impact
Padel is a full-body workout—improving agility, reflexes, and cardio—but with less strain on joints than tennis or running.
4. Shorter, More Exciting Matches
A typical padel match lasts 60-90 minutes, making it perfect for a quick but intense session. The wall play ensures longer rallies and more action.
5. Growing Global Community
With new padel clubs opening worldwide, it’s easier than ever to join the trend. Celebrities like Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and Zlatan Ibrahimović are fans, boosting its popularity.
Padel vs. Tennis vs. Pickleball: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Padel | Tennis | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court Size | Small (20m x 10m) | Large (23.77m x 8.23m) | Smallest (13.4m x 6.1m) |
| Racket | Solid, perforated | Strung | Paddle (solid) |
| Serve | Underhand | Overhand | Underhand |
| Walls? | Yes | No | No |
| Ball Type | Low-pressure tennis ball | High-pressure tennis ball | Plastic wiffle ball |
| Best For | Fast-paced, strategic play | Power & endurance | Quick, casual play |
While pickleball is growing in the U.S., padel offers more dynamic movement and strategy due to the walls and larger court.
How to Get Started with Padel
Ready to give padel a try? Here’s how to begin:
- Find a Local Padel Court – Many tennis clubs now have padel courts. Check websites like Padel USA or Global Padel for locations.
- Gear Up – You’ll need a padel racket (starting around $50-$200) and comfortable sports shoes.
- Take a Beginner Class – Most clubs offer introductory lessons to help you learn the basics.
- Play with Friends – Grab three friends and start a doubles match!
Final Thoughts: Is Padel the Next Big Thing?
Absolutely! Padel is fun, social, and addictive—making it the perfect sport for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to stay fit, or just a fun activity with friends, padel delivers.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a racket, hit the court, and see why millions of players worldwide are falling in love with padel!
Have you tried padel yet? Share your experience in the comments! 🎾🔥
