Padel: The Fastest Growing Sport in the World
What started as a spontaneous backyard pastime in Mexico is now what many call the fastest-growing sport in the world. The sport of Padel has turned into a global phenomenon, advertising its mix of accessibility, competitiveness and social potential to now see packed clubs, celebrity fans and ambitions to enter competitive sporting stages.
What is Padel?
Padel is a doubles racket sport that can be described by fans as taking the best elements of tennis and squash. The game uses a smaller version of a tennis court while incorporating walls like in squash to create an enclosed court that keeps rallies alive and means the pace of the game is constantly engaging.
The game was created by model Viviana Corcuera and her husband Enrique, when they were enjoying a new holiday home in Mexico’s Acapulco in 1969. Enrique linked the design of an enclosed court to an unpleasant school memory when he said “The school had a ball court, the balls fell outside of the court… I suffered so much from the cold and from going to look for balls all the time that I want a closed court. It is funny to think that a choice made from this memory lead to the creation of many people’s new obsession.
Low-entry, High skill ceiling?
The key reason behind padel’s success is the low entry barrier. The rackets are easier to handle than the likes of tennis and the wall means that being overpowered by pure strength is unlikely. This means that even beginners can rally and enjoy the game very quickly, without being punished for their inexperience.
That makes the sport ideal as a secondary sport for people who already play sports such as tennis, football or other active sports who want to move their bodies but don’t want to be intimidated as a beginner. Fortunately for padel, the aspects such as the walls keeping the ball in play that make the game accessible, also make improving at the game very rewarding, as each point becomes a challenge to finish. At higher levels the game rewards anticipation and shot placement just as much as physicality, appealing to players who enjoy tactical battles.
The Social Side of Padel
The other reason for the explosion of the sport is the social aspect of the game. The doubles format creates an obvious need for teamwork with your partner and some friendly competition with the opposition.
Additionally, padel is most often played in a padel club. These clubs usually contain many courts and become social hubs where players can enjoy tournaments, club events, and post-game food and drinks. The social atmosphere around the sport can turn it into a lifestyle as much as a sport.
Padel from Now
Today, over 25 million players across more than 110 countries play on a number of courts that have grown by roughly 400% in five years. Padel is most popular in Spain, boasting 20,000-plus venues and participation surpassing tennis. Major events like the Premier Padel Tour and a star‑studded fanbase including Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Lionel Messi and several F1 drivers have turned it into an internationally recognised sport, strengthening its case as a future Olympic candidate.
Written by Sean Furniss