What is Padel?

Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world. It combines the pizzazz of tennis with the thrill of squash, marrying the best elements of both.

Who Plays?

“Currently, 25 million people play worldwide in 90 countries over five continents. Spain alone has 20,000 courts and 6 million players. There are 71 nationally federated regions within the International Padel Federation (IPF)”.

Padel is widely popular in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Sports celebrities from Nadal to Beckham have joined the Padel community and caught the bug.

Even though Canada and the US are relatively late to join the Padel party, it has finally arrived, and it’s time for you to catch up with the other 25 million players already in the know.

Why Padel?

Padel is not just a sport; it’s a social experience. It’s perfect for all skill levels, with an easy entry point and a forgiving learning curve. Whether you’re playing with your family or a group of friends, Padel offers a fun and engaging way to stay active and connected.

Although Padel is easy to play, it’s challenging to master, which is part of its addictiveness. Your passion for the game grows with the intensity of your improved play and advancement in the sport.

History

Padel was born in Acapulco, Mexico, in the late ’60s by a wealthy businessman who wanted to build a home tennis court but was short on space. It caught on with his Spanish friends, and by the early ´70s, the game had found its way to Marbella, Spain. Not long after that, it was being played throughout Argentina and Uruguay.

Today, the Argentinians and the Spaniards still significantly dominate the sport on the International stage.

Padel Vs. Pickle Ball

Padel is the sexier, more athletic international cousin of American-born pickleball.

Both are played on shrunken courts. However, Padel courts are encased by walls, strategically used to enhance the game’s dynamics.

Padel shots have cool Spanish names like Bandejas and Viboras. You play lobs, you smash, and you use the walls. Conversely, pickleball has dink shots, wiffles, and kitchens—cute but not as sexy.

“Pickle” is popular in America, but Padel dominates the world stage. Professional Padel is fast-paced and exciting, with virtually no boring points.

Both require teamwork, which makes them social, fun, and community-driven.

If you’re already a pickleball junkie. Padel is about to become your next fix.

What you Need

The Court

Padel courts are enclosed and purpose-built. They are 1/3 the size of a tennis court (20m long x 10m wide) and have glass and mesh walls. Hence, two Padel courts easily fit into one tennis court.

The Racket

Padel rackets are usually made of carbon composite or fibreglass with a plastic foam coating, although some companies incorporate cork into the layers. The racket handle is short, and the face is perforated.

The Balls

The balls look similar to tennis balls. But they are smaller in diameter and less pressurized.

Shoes

Although tennis shoes are allowed, Padel shoes offer improved comfort and cushioning to the stress points (Achilles, etc.) when playing.

Elements of the Game

Padel is almost always played in pairs. Strategy often wins points over strength and brute power. However, there are opportunities to win smash points. You have extra time due to the wall. Padel players will say:

The wall is your friend.

You can play off the back and side walls, potentially keeping the ball in play even once it gets behind you.

It is scored like tennis, but the serve is underhand.

Bounce Padel Courts

Bounce Padel Courts (BPC), the first Canadian manufacturer of Padel Courts, is helping to bring Padel to Canada and the US.

BPC provides a range of product accessories to complement its installation, maintenance services, and unparalleled customer service.  It also offers Padel racquets, balls, and apparel.

Hopefully, one of their high-quality Padel courts will appear near you soon. So you can experience this phenomenal, fun sport for yourself. It shouldn’t be long before Padel courts and clubs pop up around cities, towns, and communities near you.

The Future

The future of Padel is bright indeed, with expansion into the US and Canadian markets. It won’t be long until it is in all four corners of the globe. Padel is even slated to make a possible debut in the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

Watch this space for more Padel news, and check out Bounce Padel Courts for more Padel court details.