What Is Padel? An Intro to the Sport

Introduction

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports across Europe. As its popularity continues to rise, many tennis academies are recognizing its strong potential by adding padel courts to their facilities and organizing tournaments to promote and develop the sport. As a result, padel is attracting more and more players who are looking for a fun, healthy, and highly social form of exercise.

The History of Padel

Padel is a racket sport similar to tennis that originated in Mexico in the 1960s. It was created in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera and quickly gained popularity. The original version of the game had fewer rules than tennis, making it more accessible and beginner-friendly. Over time, padel evolved, and its rules were refined to form the modern sport we know today.

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During the 1980s, padel experienced explosive growth in Spain, which is now considered the sport’s European hub. The first official tournaments were held in Spain in 1974, and the first padel federation was established in 1988. The rapid growth of the Spanish padel scene, combined with the creation of professional competitions, helped spread the sport to other countries such as Sweden and Italy, which followed a similar development path.

In recent years, padel has expanded globally, attracting new players and fans in countries like Argentina and France. With its strong emphasis on teamwork and social interaction, padel has become a popular choice for both recreational and competitive athletes. This global expansion has laid the foundation for a growing international community of passionate and innovative players.

How to Get Started with Padel

Padel is an accessible sport that appeals to many beginners, and getting started is relatively simple. The first step is to find a padel academy near you. It is important to choose a facility with quality courts and proper infrastructure. Most padel clubs offer court booking services as well as coaching and training programs.

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Another key factor is equipment. To begin, you will need a padel racket and padel balls. It is recommended to try different rackets before investing in one, as the right choice can significantly affect your performance. Additionally, investing in comfortable sportswear and shoes designed specifically for padel will help improve comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment of the game.