Have you heard about the sport that’s taking the world by storm? It is rapidly becoming a global sensation, captivating millions with its combination of tennis, squash, and ping-pong. Padel is energy-fuelled, social, and highly addictive. The best thing about it is that you don’t have to be a professional athlete to play it, it can be played by anyone regardless of age or fitness level.
But what makes Padel so irresistible? Why are celebrities and everyday sports enthusiasts alike flocking to padel courts? The answer lies in the accessibility of the game for everyone, but mainly, the fun it brings to every player, regardless of his or her skills. Padel has a pretty stunning story ranging from its humble beginnings to its present status of becoming the world’s fastest growing sport.
Origins in Mexico
Padel, the most rapidly growing racquet sport, has an interesting origin story that started in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969. One wealthy businessman from Mexico, Enrique Corcuera, is credited with having come up with the idea of this sport. He wanted a version of tennis played inside a space-challenged property in his vacation home.
Key Figures in Padel’s Development
Name | Contribution |
---|---|
Enrique Corcuera | Invented padel in 1969 |
Alfonso de Hohenlohe | Introduced padel to Spain in 1974 |
Julio Menditengui | Helped popularize padel in Argentina |
Spread to Spain and Argentina
Others who played with Corcuera found the sport to be delightfully inspiring, and one of those is Alfonso de Hohenlohe, who found the sport so wonderful that he took it under his wing, and in 1974, introduced padel in Spain. He had the first two courts built out in Marbella Club; thus beginning the European odyssey of Padel.
Around the same time, a friend of Corcuera’s, Julio Menditengui, took the game over to Argentina. This sport was enthusiastically embraced, leading to rapid development across South America.
What are the rules of padel?
Basic Court Layout
Padel is played on a unique court that combines elements of tennis and squash. Here’s a breakdown of the court dimensions and key features:
Feature | Dimensions/Description |
---|---|
Court size | 20m x 10m |
Walls | Glass/mesh surrounding the court |
Net height | 88cm in the center, 92cm at the sides |
Service lines | 6.95m from the net on each side |
The court’s enclosed nature and smaller size compared to tennis contribute to the fast-paced and exciting gameplay that has made Padel so popular.
Scoring System
Padel follows a scoring system similar to tennis:
- Games are won by the first team to reach 6 points (with a 2-point lead)
- Sets are won by the first team to win 6 games (with a 2-game lead)
- Matches are typically best of 3 sets
Key Playing Rules
- Serving:
- Underhand serves only
- The ball must bounce once before crossing the net
- The server gets two attempts
- Rallies:
- The ball can be played off the walls after bouncing once
- Volleys allowed, except on serve returns
- Out-of-bounds if the ball hits the wall before the ground
- Teamwork:
- Players rotate serving duties within their team
- Partners can communicate and strategize during play
These unique rules contribute to Padel’s accessibility and appeal to players of all skill levels.
So, Why is Padel So Popular?
Padel is gaining traction mainly because it’s incredibly simple and enjoyable to play. You don’t need to have professional skills to have fun; the smaller court also means it’s less exhausting, which is fantastic for anyone looking to remain active without overdoing it. It’s a sport that encourages social interaction, as it’s usually played in doubles, allowing you to engage with friends or family while playing.
The game’s quick pace and the incorporation of walls make it thrilling to play and watch. With Padel’s increasing appearance on television and online platforms, catching a match has become more accessible than ever, letting you experience the excitement firsthand.
People Are Investing in Padel
Padel’s rise in popularity is partly thanks to some celebrities who are getting involved. These sports stars not only enjoy playing padel but are also helping the sport expand in various ways. David Beckham, the former soccer player, owns padel courts in Miami, which encourages more people to give it a try. Rafael Nadal, the tennis legend, has included padel facilities at his tennis academy, drawing in fans of tennis and padel. Zinedine Zidane, once a top soccer player, is an enthusiastic player and supporter, helping spread the word to his audience. Jurgen Klopp, a well-known soccer manager, has even added padel courts at Liverpool FC’s training ground, offering the team a fun way to engage with the sport.
Conclusion
Padel is taking the world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a fun, accessible sport that’s perfect for people of all ages and skill levels. With its rapid global growth, professional leagues, and increasing investment, padel is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, have fun with friends and family, or become a serious player, Padel is the sport to try. Grab a racket, hit the court, and see for yourself why Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world!