Padel
Padel. A four-letter word that’s sweeping across the globe faster than a blistering forehand down the line. Though still unknown to many, it’s not just a passing fad. Behind those fast-paced rallies and cheerful doubles banter lies a rich world of secrets, surprises, and stories that’ll make even die-hard tennis fans raise an eyebrow.
Let’s dive into the 10 things you didn’t know about Padel, and along the way, we’ll unravel facts that make this racquet sport not only unique but also addictively intriguing.
The Origin of Padel Might Surprise You
Believe it or not, Padel wasn’t born in Europe. It was invented in 1969 in Mexico by a businessman named Enrique Corcuera. Inspired by squash and tennis, he designed a court in his backyard with walls, which later evolved into the modern Padel court.
But here’s the twist — it was a Spanish prince, Alfonso de Hohenlohe, who brought Padel to Spain after visiting Enrique. That chance encounter led to a domino effect. Spain now boasts the most players in the world.
Padel is One of the Fastest Growing Sports Worldwide
Padel’s popularity has exploded. According to the International Padel Federation, more than 25 million people play Padel in over 90 countries. It’s the fastest-growing sport in Europe, with countries like Sweden, Italy, and even the UK witnessing a Padel boom.
Fun fact? Some countries like Egypt and Japan are embracing it with national passion projects — setting up urban Padel courts in shopping malls and rooftops!
The Racket Has No Strings — For a Reason
If you think it’s just a smaller tennis racket, think again. A Padel racket is stringless and made from a composite of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and EVA foam. The perforated surface isn’t just for show — it reduces air resistance and allows for more controlled spins and smashes.
And yes, that signature “pop” sound when hitting the ball? It’s part science, part satisfaction.
The Ball Looks Like a Tennis Ball But Isn’t One
At first glance, a Padel ball resembles a tennis ball. But there’s a key difference: it’s slightly less pressurized, making it slower and bouncier — perfect for those glass-wall rebounds and extended rallies.
This minor tweak radically changes the game’s tempo and makes each point last longer than in tennis.
You Can Use the Glass Walls Strategically
Padel courts are surrounded by walls — and not just for decoration. Players can play the ball off the walls, similar to squash. This adds layers of strategy and demands excellent anticipation skills.
Mastering wall shots can turn a decent player into a devastating one. It’s like chess with sneakers — positioning and prediction matter just as much as power.
You Don’t Serve Overhand — Ever
Serving in Padel isn’t about aces or blazing speeds. In fact, the rules require an underhand serve, and the ball must bounce once before hitting below the waist.
It levels the playing field and makes rallies more frequent and engaging. Players don’t win on serves — they win on smarts.
Top Tennis Pros Are Padel Addicts
Famous tennis legends like Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic have sung Padel’s praises. Nadal even owns several Padel academies in Spain. Many retired tennis pros switch to Padel to stay competitive without the physical toll of singles tennis.
Celebrities like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimović have also been spotted on Padel courts.
Padel Isn’t an Olympic Sport — Yet
Despite its global popularity, Padel still hasn’t made it to the Olympics. The International Padel Federation has been lobbying hard, and with growing recognition and international competition, it’s only a matter of time before we see Padel at the Summer Games.
It’s the Most Social Racket Sport on Earth
Because Padel is always played in doubles, it’s one of the most social sports out there. Friends, families, and co-workers are all getting in on the action. The court’s small size and team play format encourage communication, laughter, and shared wins — making it more than just a workout.
Playing Padel is an Excellent Full-Body Workout
Padel may look like casual fun, but it’s a serious calorie torcher. In just an hour, you can burn between 500 to 700 calories, improve coordination, and build cardiovascular endurance — all while having fun.
Moreover, because it involves lateral movement, quick reflexes, and teamwork, it helps improve both physical fitness and mental focus.
Padel FAQs
Unlikely. Tennis and Padel complement each other. Many athletes enjoy both for different reasons. Padel’s accessibility may attract newcomers, but tennis remains a global giant.
While the names sound similar, they differ significantly in court size, rules, and equipment. Padel is played in enclosed courts with walls and a perforated racket; Paddle Tennis is not.
Not at all. Compared to golf or even tennis, Padel is relatively affordable. Many clubs offer group lessons, and rackets can be found at various price points.
Absolutely! Padel is family-friendly. With scaled-down equipment and low-impact movement, kids as young as five can join the fun.
You’ll need a Padel racket, Padel-specific balls, proper court shoes, and access to a court. Many clubs offer rentals for beginners.
Yes and no. It’s easier to pick up for beginners due to the smaller court and underhand serve, but it involves unique techniques like using walls, which add complexity over time.
Isport Conclusion
Padel isn’t just a sport — it’s a movement. It’s a blend of fun, fitness, and friendship, wrapped up in a surprisingly technical and strategic package. Now that you know these 10 things you didn’t know about Padel, you’re better prepared to appreciate — and perhaps dominate — the game next time you step on the court.
So, whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned paddle-swinging fanatic, there’s always more to learn, laugh about, and love in the world of Padel.
