Category: Padel
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Padel Explained: The Rise, Rules, and Science Behind the World’s Fastest-Growing Racket Sport
Table of Contents 1. Introduction Padel has quietly become one of the most significant global sport phenomena of the 2020s. With roots in Latin America and a modern following from Europe to Asia, it combines the best of tennis, squash, and social sport culture. This guide provides an in-depth look at the origins, structure, science,…
Padel is rapidly emerging as one of the most popular and accessible racket sports in the world. Blending the strategic elements of tennis with the dynamic wall play of squash, padel offers fast-paced doubles action on a smaller, enclosed court. Originally developed in Mexico in the late 1960s, the sport has since exploded across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East — and is now gaining traction in North America, Asia, and Australia. This category is dedicated to covering all aspects of padel: from its global rise and competitive circuits to its rules, equipment, and scientific foundations.
Unlike traditional tennis, padel is played with solid rackets and lower-pressure balls. The court is surrounded by walls and mesh fences, which are actively used in play. This unique format makes the game more tactical, social, and accessible — players of all ages and skill levels can quickly enjoy and improve. Its popularity owes much to this inclusive appeal, with more than 30 million active players worldwide as of 2025 and over 50,000 courts in operation.
In this category, you’ll find comprehensive guides to the rules of padel, including scoring, serve techniques, and court dimensions. We also offer expert advice on choosing the right equipment — from padel rackets and shoes to smart gear and performance wear. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming to compete, our articles are designed to help you understand and master the fundamentals of the game.
Professional padel has undergone a major transformation over the last five years. The Premier Padel Tour — backed by the International Padel Federation and Qatar Sports Investments — now stands as the sport’s elite global circuit. It features events in more than a dozen countries and attracts top-ranked players like Arturo Coello, Agustín Tapia, and Ariana Sánchez. Our padel section provides regular updates on tour calendars, match results, prize money, rankings, and player insights.
Beyond the professional scene, we explore padel through the lens of science and innovation. Learn how biomechanics, cognitive strategy, and injury prevention play a role in elite performance. We cover the latest studies in padel physiology, including heart rate zones, VO₂ max metrics, and HRV-based injury forecasting. This content is especially valuable for coaches, trainers, and sports scientists working in performance optimization.
The future of padel looks bright. The sport has gained ARISF recognition and continues to push for Olympic inclusion in upcoming editions of the Games. Meanwhile, brands and investors are entering the market at scale — driving innovation in court design, smart rackets, and youth development programs. From urban clubs in Madrid and Milan to lifestyle sports centres in Dubai and Melbourne, padel is becoming a global lifestyle phenomenon.
This category is your go-to hub for all things padel. We combine journalism, research, and real-world expertise to deliver in-depth, high-quality content for padel fans, athletes, and newcomers alike. Stay updated with expert commentary, structured analysis, and exclusive interviews — all designed to help you understand why padel is not just a trend, but a sport with staying power.