What is padel? The fastest growing sport in the world

Padel is a sport that is becoming increasingly popular, especially in countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden and Mexico. Although it has only really broken through worldwide in recent years, padel has been around since the 1960s and originates from Mexico. It is a combination of tennis and squash, with its own rules and a unique playing style. Padel is suitable for people of all ages and levels.

Padel is always played with two teams of two players on a 10x20 meter court, surrounded by glass walls and fencing. As with squash, these walls may be used during the game, allowing the ball to bounce off the wall. This often results in longer and more spectacular rallies. The court has a net in the middle, and the scoring is the same as in tennis. The ball is served underhand, which makes it less heavy than tennis and therefore more attractive to beginners or people who are not top athletes.

What makes padel fun is that it is accessible. The game is less physically demanding because it is played on a smaller court and is served underhand. It is more about teamwork and tactics than strength, which makes it challenging and fun for people of all ages. Because it is always played with a team of two, it is a social sport. You have to work well with your partner to win, which gives a very different dynamic than with individual sports.

Due to the walls and the smaller court, rallies tend to last longer, which makes the game more spectacular. This makes it fun to both play and watch. Padel is easy to pick up for beginners. You don’t need much experience with racket sports to join in, and after a few times playing you can already have fun.

Padel is becoming increasingly popular because it offers a fun mix of physical challenge, social interaction and fun. More and more gyms, clubs and famous athletes are helping to make the sport more popular. New padel courts are appearing everywhere, and it is growing very fast, especially in the Netherlands and Spain. The sport is attractive to a wide audience, because you can play it both recreationally and competitively.

Padel is not just a trend; it offers a unique combination of tactics, speed and teamwork. Because it is accessible and social, people of all ages and levels can enjoy it. If you are looking for a new sport that will help you stay in shape and at the same time make fun social connections, then padel is definitely worth trying.