Padel: What the hell is this and why is it so popular?
The new rage may be in for the long haul.
Padel, a Mexican racket sport invented in 1960s, has taken the world by storm. Typically seen as a mix between tennis and squash, the sport combines action with fun and social interaction.
Compared to tennis, rallies are longer because Padel only allows underhand serves, which makes it less likely that a point is won on the first shot. Overall, there’s less time picking up balls and more playing.
Then there’s the social side of padel. It has an advantage over squash in that the net is in between the people playing so they are facing each other; and it is nearly always played as doubles.
Here’s a peek into how Padel is played:
The sport initially gained its popularity in Spain. The country has over 20,000 Padel courts. The popularity eventually spilled into the Middle East, and other European countries. Padel is now the fast growing sport in France. Padel’s popularity can be linked to it being an easy sport to play and more importantly, Padel is less about strength and technique, and more about strategy. This makes the sport ideal for players of all genders.
Padel has also entered the USA market. It became so popular in the Spanish speaking states like Florida, and Texas that the United States Padel Association had this to say:
You cannot get a court in South Florida without booking three weeks in advance. Facilities have a waiting list of 100 to get lessons.
The sport has become so popular that major stars across sports have taken a liking to it. Former England captain David Beckham recently declared his "love" for Padel, France legend Zinedine Zidane had courts built at his football center, while their old Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo recently competed in a 'Legends' event during the World Cup in Qatar. Rafael Nadal's tennis academy in Mallorca also hosts daily Padel lessons and clinics. Former WTA players Roberta Vinci and Lara Arruabarrena have played international tournaments in the sport. Other tennis stars like Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, and Martina Hingis are actively involved in the sport.
Even greater affirmation came from another superstar earlier this month. Tennis legend Roger Federer posted a series of photos and videos of him playing Padel with his former coach Severin Luthi.
Padel fans have also started seeing the sport as a business. Major fashion brands including Zara, Brunello Cucinelli, Slazinger, Adidas, and Head have launched Padel lines.
Christ Ishoo, who owns a company that produces padel courts, expects to see the sport grow because it’s easy to pick up.
You need to be good at tennis to have fun but Padel is easy to be good at. It’s psychology, people like to be good at things.
The 2023 International Padel Association calendar: VIEW HERE
To know more about Padel Tennis is India: VIEW HERE
I can’t wait to pick up a racket and play Padel. How about you?
Rohith’s Corner:
I have been a huge fan of Shark Tank and have followed the USA version of many years. So, when I came to know that India was going to have its own Shark Tank I was really excited.
Cue 2022 and Shark Tank India was a resounding success. There was no doubt when the series was renewed for another season. But boy have they screwed it up???
The desization of the series has been appalling. The sets, costumes, and the “dramas” remind me of ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’. There’s more reality tv type drama than actual business pitches.
We Indians really do know how to fumble a bag, don’t we?
Anyway, back to watching Shark Tank USA.