Padel is not just an ordinary racket sport; It’s played and loved by millions for its simple rules, exciting gameplay, and wacky regulations. But how did it all start and why did it become so popular? Let’s take a closer look at the somewhat improbable history of Padel, from its humble beginnings in the backyard of a Mexican family home to becoming a global sport everyone loves to play.
How Padel Started?
In Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969, Enrique Corcuera, an athlete for whom tennis has been a lifelong passion, lives. However, there weren’t any proper courts in the area, so Mr Corcuera decided to get creative and put walls around the smaller court he built. He started using paddles with friends, and integrated wall into the scheme, and the project quickly gained popularity.
In the 1980s, Padel began to professionalize. Proper rules were drawn, and better equipment was made. Spain formed its first national Padel federation in 1988 and a couple of years later, in 1991, the International Padel Federation was formed. This helped the game reach more nations and organized tournaments started happening.
Padel is now a massive sport. There are over 20 million players in 57 countries! It is played in all kinds of sports clubs and professional tournaments are held in front of large crowds. Even major sports brands and television channels are getting in on the action. This makes the sport even more famous!
The Rules? Not So Complicated
Everyone knows that Padel is a game that isn’t too difficult to pick up. It’s mostly played in doubles, which means there are four players on a small court surrounded by four walls. The game is similar to tennis, except that it’s got walls, which means you can chuck the ball off them. Scoring, however, is tennis-like scoring. Nonetheless, the game will be quick because the court is smaller and the ball can be bounced off walls.
It’s worth mentioning too that those who aren’t very physically active will also enjoy the sport. Even those who are very comfortable and not in the best of shape, will still be able to grab a paddle and have a blast.
Where It’s Super Popular
Spain and Argentina are crazy about Padel. In Spain, it’s the second most played sport after football. Almost every town has padel courts like Padel, and people of all ages are playing Padel.
But now, there are countries like Brazil, Italy, and even the USA that are getting into it too. It is growing everywhere because it is fun to play, sociable and simple. Padel Dubai is also becoming very popular among fans.
Why People Love Padel?
Among the reasons why people play Padel has become a favorite among many people is the fact that it is easy to learn. For example, there is no need to be a professional to participate in the game. The playing area is smaller than that of a tennis court so while the running is reduced, it is still an intensive game. And since the ball can bounce around the court walls, points are longer thereby increasing the chances of controlled mayhem occurring. What else? It packs a very powerful social punch. You are always on doubles so you will always be with someone, teaming up, joking, and enjoying yourselves. Often, friends or families go out to play padel, and one does not have to possess extraordinary skills to enjoy the game.
Padel Goes Professional
In recent years, padel has become a proper professional sport. There are big tournaments like the World Padel Tour, where players from all over the world play Padel and compete. Watching these pros is amazing because they make incredible shots and use the walls in ways that seem impossible. Fans get inspired, and more people want to play when they see how exciting it can be.
What’s in store for Padel in the Future?
There has also been word that Padel may, at some point, enter the Olympic Games. About how it’s been growing, more and more countries are getting into the sport, and thus more people are becoming acquainted with the thrill of a game.
So if you are among that select few who haven’t tried Padel yet, get a couple of friends together and go down to the nearest court like Padel Dubai. You’ll see exactly why it’s such a popular sport after one shot.
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