Pickleball Has Some Competition: Try Padel
The game debuted in Acapulco in 1969 and is popular in Mexico and Latin America. Now padel is making quite a racket in the U.S.
Sebastian Garrido of Mexico City, Mexico, has been playing padel for decades, beginning when he was just eight years old.
"Padel has a lot of benefits," says Garrido. "It is a complete sport; you're constantly moving so you are working out the whole body and your reflexes. You never skip a leg day with padel."
It's also a mental game. "Your concentration needs to be top-notch, not only to hit the ball but also to know which type of 'move' to use," he says.
What Exactly Is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that's played in doubles (making it an especially sociable sport) on an enclosed court — think a combo of tennis, racquetball and squash.
The ball is allowed to bounce off a wall or metallic mesh that surrounds the court. Padel is typically played outdoors (although there are indoor courts), and the court is smaller than a tennis court, about a third of the size. There is also a net like a tennis court, which makes it different from racquetball. Gameplay and scoring is basically the same as tennis. It is a dynamic sport with bouncing balls off side walls.
Padel is a racket sport that's played in doubles on an enclosed court—think a combo of tennis, racquetball and squash.
Padel was founded by Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera, a devoted tennis fan. During one of his trips to the United States, he tried 'paddle-tennis,' a game inspired by tennis. Based on that concept, Corcuera adapted a piece of land he owned in Las Brisas, Acapulco and built a padel court.
The nonprofit United States Padel Association (USPA) is the national governing body for the sport. It is the only Padel Association in the country recognized by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and the American Padel Federation (APF). USPA hosts major international competitions and supports the USA National Teams, investing 100% of its revenues toward growing the sport. The USPA also sanctions over 30 tournaments throughout the U.S. and selects the national teams for international competitions.
"To the best of our knowledge, Padel arrived in the USA in the early 1990s at a club in Texas," says Martin Sweeney, president of USPA. "There are now more than 70 clubs across the USA, with in excess of 400 courts." In the U.S., the most populated padel communities are in Florida, Texas and California, he adds.
"The United States has national teams at every level, including youth and seniors," says Sweeney. "Padel is popular across all age groups."
This is a relatively small number in comparison to the development of the sport around the world, he says. Currently there are an estimated 50,000 courts, with 25 million active players spread across over 100 countries.
"It is often said that padel is easy to pick up but difficult to master."
"Padel is the ideal sport to keep your body and mind active," says Sweeney. "It is often said that padel is easy to pick up but difficult to master."
Sweeney first encountered padel in 2009 when living in Spain. "Like many people who try padel, I was quickly converted from my squash background and became an enthusiast of the sport."
Sweeney also pioneered the opening of the first courts in the Middle East in Dubai in 2013 and in 2109 opened an eight-court facility in Las Vegas.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Most padel clubs offer padel equipment for rent or even complimentary so you won't have to purchase anything when you're trying the game out.
There are several types of rackets used to play. Beginners will want to choose a lighter racket for more control.
Padel balls are similar to tennis balls and made from the same materials. They are a bit smaller in size and with a different internal pressure which causes less of a bounce than a tennis ball.
Health Benefits and Risks
Sprained ankles, tennis elbows and knee injuries are associated with padel thanks to quick twists and turns, repetitive stress on tendons and sudden changes in direction.
"In line with government guidelines, anyone considering taking up any kind of new activity should consult with their physician prior to engaging," says Sweeney.
Where to Play
While its popularity in Latin America is strong, the sport continues to grow in places like Europe. In fact, Gleneagles, the storied resort in Perthshire, Scotland, just this year debuted two padel courts, the first hotel in Scotland to do so, with bespoke padel coaching for guests.
In the U.S., the game has popped on the scene in recent years, more often in warm weather climes like Florida, Arizona and California. And, while the sport can be played indoors, it's most loved for its outdoor play opportunities. "There are groups that travel to warmer climates during winter times to help feed their padel addiction," says Sweeney.
"But as with everything in this life, practice is the key; be patient and practice and you'll love this sport."
Padel has just begun to make its mark in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Padel Life & Soccer and Open Padel are new facilities, and offer classes and complimentary clinics. A facility is also being built in neighboring Palm Beach.
A set of courts also just opened in the heart of Oceanside, California's downtown beach district, in what was formerly a used car lot. It is the first of its kind in North County San Diego and players can also take lessons and purchase gear.
The game has also just begun to pop up in the Northeast. Padel Haus in New York City has several locations with indoor and outdoor courts and club facilities like juice bars, recovery/relaxation lounges and clinics for all levels of play. Padel Haus is also soon bringing the game to Nashville with eight indoor courts.
Beginner's Tip
Garrido's top tip: "Be patient and practice," he says. "When you start in padel you may feel that you're not good and you get tired a lot. But as with everything in this life, practice is the key; be patient and practice and you'll love this sport."
