What is Padel?
Padel is a dynamic racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, played in doubles (four players in total). It is played on a rectangular court enclosed by glass and mesh walls. The game uses balls similar to tennis balls but with slightly lower pressure and is played with perforated padel rackets. Padel is a fun and social sport where strategy and reflexes play a crucial role.
Padel Rules
Padel rules are largely inspired by tennis. Here are the basic rules:
- Serve: Must be hit underhand and below waist height, diagonally like in tennis.
- Scoring system: Same as in tennis (15-30-40-Game).
- Ball bounce: The ball must first bounce on the court; if it hits the wall afterward, play continues.
- Racket contact: The ball can be hit in the air or after bouncing off the ground.
- Scoring: Teams try to prevent opponents from winning points through unforced errors.
History of Padel
The Birth of Padel
The origins of padel date back to the 1960s. Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera built a squash-like playing area in his garden. By using the surrounding walls strategically, he laid the foundation of the sport. His guests found the game intriguing, and it soon became a social activity. Corcuera’s main goal was to create a fun alternative sport, which eventually turned into an international phenomenon.
Corcuera’s idea stemmed from a practical need—his garden lacked enough space for a full-size tennis court. By designing a smaller court and utilizing walls to keep the ball in play, he developed an exciting and fluid game. Initially played among friends, the game soon attracted more interest.
Padel’s Journey to Spain
In 1974, Alfonso de Hohenlohe introduced Corcuera’s game to Spain, building the first padel courts in Marbella. His elite social circle quickly embraced the sport. Padel gained popularity, especially in Spanish resort towns. Friendly matches and tournaments organized by Hohenlohe further increased its visibility.
In Spain, padel became a status symbol in high-class vacation resorts. The wealthy took an interest in the sport, and soon, the local population followed. Marbella clubs began hosting tournaments, turning padel into more than just a summer pastime.
The Big Boom in Argentina
While padel gained traction in Spain, an Argentinian named Julio Menditenguia introduced the sport to South America. By the late 1980s, padel rapidly spread in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires and its surroundings. It soon became the country’s second most popular sport after football. Today, Argentina remains one of the world’s leading nations in padel.
The sport’s accessibility contributed to its rapid expansion in Argentina. Padel courts required less space and were cheaper to construct than tennis courts. Its social nature also made it appealing to families and groups of friends.
The Evolution of Modern Padel
In the 1990s, padel became an officially recognized sport. The International Padel Federation (FIP) was established in 1991, and the first World Championship was held the same year in Seville, Spain. Throughout the 2000s, padel continued to grow in Europe and North America, gaining popularity in countries such as Sweden, Italy, and the UK. The Professional Padel Tour (World Padel Tour) helped the sport achieve global recognition.
Padel’s Popularity Today
Today, padel is one of the fastest-growing sports, particularly in Spain, Argentina, Italy, and Sweden. In Europe, it ranks among the most played sports after football and tennis. In Turkey, the number of padel court is increasing, with clubs and federations actively promoting the sport.
Reasons for Padel’s Popularity
- Easy to learn: Less technical and physically demanding compared to tennis.
- Social sport: Played in doubles, making it ideal for friends and families.
- Dynamic and entertaining: The use of walls keeps the game fast-paced.
- Minimal equipment required: A short-handled racket and padel balls are sufficient.
- Suitable for all ages: From young players to seniors, anyone can enjoy it.
Differences Between Padel and Tennis
| Feature | Padel | Tennis |
| Court Size | 10×20 meters | 11×23.77 meters |
| Racket Type | Perforated, short handle | Strung, long handle |
| Serve Height | Underhand, below waist | Overhead serve |
| Wall Use | Ball can rebound off walls | Contact with walls is out |
| Game Duration | Around 60-90 minutes | 90 minutes or more |
Padel has grown rapidly from its origins to become a globally beloved sport. With its easy-to-learn nature, social atmosphere, and fast-paced gameplay, it appeals to players of all ages. As its popularity continues to rise in Turkey and beyond, padel is an excellent choice for both casual fun and competitive play.