Padel is gaining popularity among celebrities like Kate Middleton and David Beckham, but what exactly is it and why is it taking the UK by storm? The sport, which has seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years, has attracted a diverse range of players including members of the British royal family, athletes like Andy Murray and Serena Williams, footballers, and reality TV stars.
With its roots in Mexico and Spain, padel has been recognised as a professional sport since the nineties. Unlike tennis, padel is designed to be a more social and inclusive sport, with players able to make use of walls and cages on the court to play shots. Padel courts are slightly smaller than tennis courts and offer a unique playing experience that combines elements of tennis and squash.
To play padel, players use rackets similar in shape to tennis rackets but without strings, striking balls that are smaller and less pressurised than tennis balls. The sport is typically played in doubles, with players aiming to win sets by two clear games. Serving is done underarm, and players can use the walls to play shots and strategically outmanoeuvre their opponents.
One of the key attractions of padel is its accessibility. Players don’t need prior experience in racket sports to enjoy the game, and it typically takes only a few sessions to feel comfortable on the court. While padel is primarily played in doubles, there are also options for singles play, although the sport truly thrives on the interactions between players.
In terms of participation, padel is seeing a growing number of both male and female players globally. While the sport remains male-dominated, efforts are being made to achieve a more balanced gender split. Compared to other racket sports like pickleball, padel offers a unique playing experience with larger courts, walls for playing shots, and a more tennis-like ball.
As the popularity of padel continues to rise, the cost of booking courts may vary depending on the club and location. Some clubs operate on a pay-and-play basis, while others require memberships. Despite potential cost differences compared to tennis courts, the appeal of padel lies in its social nature and the enjoyment it brings to players of all levels.
For those interested in trying out padel, many clubs offer introductory sessions with coaches to get players acquainted with the rules and gameplay. With its growing presence in the UK and around the world, padel is proving to be a sport that appeals to a wide range of players, offering a fun and engaging alternative to traditional racket sports.