Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. History and Origins
- 3. Rules and Equipment
- 4. Padel vs. Tennis
- 5. Global Popularity and Market Trends
- 6. Professional Scene
- 7. Scientific View of Padel
- 8. Future Outlook
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, and future of a game that now rivals traditional sports in growth and appeal.
1.1 What is Padel?
Padel is a dynamic racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. Unlike tennis, the walls are part of the game, adding strategic complexity. The rackets are solid with no strings, and the ball is similar to a tennis ball but with slightly less pressure.
With its fast-paced rallies, easier learning curve, and strong social component, padel has become one of the most rapidly expanding sports globally, appealing to both recreational players and professionals.
1.2 Why Is It Suddenly Everywhere?
From Madrid to Mumbai, padel courts are springing up in gyms, rooftop complexes, and urban clubs. The reasons are multifaceted:
- Accessibility: Easier to learn than tennis; suitable for all ages and fitness levels
- Social appeal: Doubles format and short matches foster community
- Low barrier to entry: Affordable gear and reduced court requirements
- Commercial momentum: Backed by major investors, athletes, and real estate developers
According to the Statista 2025 sports growth report, the global padel player base is expected to surpass 35 million by the end of the year — up from 25 million in 2023. The sport’s cultural reach now includes high-profile figures like Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, and even LeBron James, all reportedly involved in padel ventures.
1.3 Scope and Purpose of This Guide
This article aims to provide a comprehensive, structured overview of padel — from its origins to its biomechanics, from its rulebook to its Olympic ambitions. Whether you’re a curious newcomer, an active player, or a journalist covering emerging sports, this guide offers reliable insights into:
- How padel started and where it’s headed
- Rules, equipment, and gameplay mechanics
- Differences from other racket sports
- Scientific and strategic components
- Professional tournaments and elite players
As padel transitions from niche to mainstream, staying informed means understanding not just how it’s played — but why it’s exploding worldwide.
2. History and Origins
The history of padel traces a vivid path from a modified backyard court in Acapulco to becoming a global phenomenon. From its experimental origins to its rapid spread through Europe and Latin America, this chapter examines how padel emerged and evolved into the sport we see today.
2.1 Birth in Mexico (1969)
Padel was first created in 1969 by Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera, who adapted a small court at his home in Las Brisas, Acapulco. Lacking space for a full tennis court, he enclosed a 20 × 10 m area with 3 m-high walls and added a net—thus devising a novel hybrid of tennis and squash that he called “Paddle Corcuera.”
This court was not merely a workaround—it was the foundation of a completely new sport. Corcuera’s version quickly drew interest from friends and visitors, initiating the first step toward wider recognition.
2.2 Expansion in Spain and Argentina
In 1974, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg introduced padel to Europe by building the first courts at Marbella Club on Spain’s Costa del Sol. He refined the rules and formalized the structure. A year later, Argentine businessman Julio Menditeguy brought the sport to Argentina, where it resonated deeply. Padel became the second-most played sport in the country by the early 1990s.
From these beach resorts and private clubs, padel evolved into a mainstream sport embraced by amateurs and professionals alike.
2.3 Institutional Milestones
The sport gained its first governing body in 1991 with the founding of the International Padel Federation (FIP) in Bilbao. The inaugural international championships followed in 1992 in Madrid and Seville, with Spain defeating Argentina in the finals.
By the early 2000s, padel had expanded beyond its Latin roots. As of 2025, over 70,000 courts exist worldwide across more than 150 countries, with an estimated 30 million active players globally. Europe alone accounted for 31,000 courts in 2024, with steady growth projected for years to come.
3. Rules and Equipment
This chapter covers the fundamental rules, spatial layout, and equipment that define padel—not just as a sport, but as a uniquely dynamic and inclusive racket game.
3.1 Court and Playing Area
A standard padel court is a rectangular, enclosed structure measuring 20 m in length and 10 m in width, with a construction tolerance of ±0.5 %, according to the International Padel Federation (FIP). It is surrounded by walls—typically glass up to 3 m high, followed by mesh or fencing up to 4 m—which are integral to gameplay. The net spans the width and measures approximately 88 cm at the centre, rising to 92 cm near the posts. Lines dividing the service zones and court halves must be 5 cm wide, and the free height above the court should ideally be 8 m to avoid obstructions.
3.2 Scoring and Game Structure
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: points progress as 0, 15, 30, 40, followed by deuce and advantage. A team must win by two points. Sets are typically played to six games, with a two‑game margin required; a tiebreak is played at 6–6. Matches are generally best-of-three sets. In many professional circuits, a “golden point” rule applies at deuce—meaning that the winner of a single deciding point wins the game.
3.3 Rackets and Balls
Padel rackets are solid (stringless) paddles composed of head and handle. Regulations limit their total length to 45.5 cm, maximum width to 26 cm, and maximum thickness to 38 mm, with a 2.5 % tolerance for thickness. The face features cylindrical holes ranging from 9 to 13 mm in diameter.
Racket weight varies from approximately 340 g to 390 g: lighter rackets (340–360 g) offer increased control and maneuverability—ideal for beginners or tactical players—while heavier rackets (370–390 g) provide greater power, favored by advanced or attacking players.
Balls are similar to tennis balls but slightly less pressurized to suit the enclosed court dynamics.
3.4 Common Techniques and Shots
Padel’s strategic depth lies in its shot repertoire and use of walls:
- Volley: A direct shot without a bounce, essential for net play.
- Bandeja: A defensive overhead shot played with spin and precision, used to maintain court position.
- Víboras: A variation of the bandeja with more aggressive spin and direction.
- Lob: A high-arcing shot sending opponents to the back wall, resetting play.
- Smash: A powerful, downward shot aimed at ending the point.
4. Padel vs. Tennis
This section offers a detailed comparison between padel and tennis—highlighting differences in gameplay, equipment, physical demands, and social appeal to better evaluate the unique value of both racket sports.
4.1 Gameplay Dynamics
Padel and tennis differ significantly in game character. Padel is played on a 20 × 10 m enclosed court, allowing players to use walls to extend rallies. Tennis, by contrast, is played on a larger open court without walls, emphasizing reach and angles. This gives padel a more strategic, continuous rhythm, while tennis leans toward power and court dominance.
Studies have shown that padel matches involve more rallies and a higher frequency of volleys and groundstrokes, but with less distance covered per point. Rallies in padel often last longer, but are less physically explosive than in tennis.
4.2 Skill and Athletic Differences
Padel is considered less physically demanding. Its enclosed space, use of walls, and slower pace reduce the need for sprinting and long-range coverage. As a result, it’s well-suited for players of various ages and fitness levels.
Tennis, on the other hand, is built on explosive movement and high-intensity rallies. It requires powerful serves, directional sprints, and strong aerobic capacity—making it more physically demanding over time.
4.3 Social and Cultural Differences
Padel has cultivated a strong reputation as a lifestyle sport. It thrives in community-based clubs, urban settings, and recreational formats. The doubles-only format, short match durations, and fun-first attitude contribute to its inclusivity and popularity.
By contrast, tennis still carries more formal traditions, with structured competition formats and historical prestige. However, many tennis clubs are now adapting—adding padel courts to engage a broader and more diverse audience.
5. Global Popularity and Market Trends
Padel’s global expansion is nothing short of extraordinary: from a niche pastime to a mainstream phenomenon, the sport continues to attract millions of players and fuel rapid infrastructure growth across continents.
5.1 Player Statistics and Court Growth
As of 2025, an estimated 30 million people play padel across more than 130 countries. Over the past decade, participation has soared remarkably, reflecting its appeal from hobbyists to competitive players. Europe accounts for over 60% of the global player base, followed by South America (23%), Asia (6.4%), Africa (4.3%), and Oceania (~0.3%). Women comprise nearly 40% of the player population.
Infrastructure growth has followed suit. As of 2024, there were over 50,000 padel courts worldwide, with a 17–26% year-on-year increase in 2024 alone. Projections suggest the total could reach up to 70,000–81,000 courts by 2027.
5.2 Country Breakdowns: Spain, Italy, India, UAE, UK, US
Spain remains the heartland of padel with approximately 17,000 courts and over 5 million players, exceeding tennis in participation.
Italy has recently surpassed the 10,000‑court mark, exhibiting growth of nearly 30% since 2022. Regions like Lazio and Lombardy have become epicentres, with Rome ranking among the top cities globally for courts per capita.
India is a fast-growing base with over 100 courts in 2024, concentrated in major metros like Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Despite cost sensitivities, demand continues to climb.
United States has seen a leap from fewer than 20 courts in 2019 to over 650 courts spread across 31 states by early 2025. Member numbers have surged, and player interest is projected to grow into the millions by the decade’s end.
United Kingdom is experiencing a meteoric rise: from just tens of courts a few years ago to nearly 900 by 2025 and over 400,000 active players. The sport has entered mainstream society, with high occupancy rates and growing commercial value per court.
5.3 Commercial and Media Expansion
Padel’s rise has captured the attention of media and investors. Tennis greats and celebrities are backing events and brands, including the star-studded Hexagon Cup.
Playtomic’s Global Padel Report highlights that a new club opens every 2.5 hours, aided by digital platforms that streamline bookings and engagement.
Investment interest continues to climb, with brands and developers aligning with padel’s booming appeal and expanding demographics.
6. Professional Scene
The professional padel landscape has solidified into a high-performance, globally structured circuit, featuring prominent tours, elite players, and evolving gender parity in earnings.
6.1 Major Tours: Premier Padel and Cupra FIP Tour
The premier global circuit, the Premier Padel Tour, managed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and backed by Qatar Sports Investments, consolidated all top-tier competition in 2022 by integrating the World Padel Tour. The 2025 season features 24 tournaments across 16 countries, culminating in the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Finals in Barcelona from December 8–14, where the top 16 players in the FIP Race rankings compete. Federated tournament tiers include Major, P1, and P2 events, offering ascending ranking points and prize money. (AS.com – calendar of Premier Padel 2025)
The Cupra FIP Tour serves as the developmental circuit, with four event levels—Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze—awarding from 300 to 40 ranking points for winners, depending on category. In 2024, the tour spanned an impressive 115 tournaments in 27 countries. (FIP.com – Cupra FIP Tour expansion)
6.2 Top Players and Earnings
The sport’s elite consistently dominate the prize money charts. In 2024, both Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello earned approximately €492,375 each, thanks to their success at 14 titles across 21 tournaments. (TennisTonic – Top paid padel players 2024)
Other top earners included Alejandro Galán (~€299,000) and Federico Chingotto (~€272,000). (JustPadel – Top 10 earner stats)
6.3 Prize Money and Sponsorship
Major Premier Padel tournaments, such as the Qatar Major and Italy Major, feature prize pools exceeding half a million euros. The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Finals boast a €600,000 pool with equal prize funds for men and women and now include a third-place playoff. (ClusterPadel – Qatar Finals prize details)
In response to recent player concerns, Premier Padel increased prize money for women’s P2 events by €10,000 per tournament and waived qualification hotel costs—measures designed to promote fairness and address grievances. (AS.com – Premier Padel reforms for 2025)
7. Scientific View of Padel
This section explores padel through a scientific lens—examining its physiological demands, injury risks, biomechanical dynamics, and cognitive characteristics based on current sports science literature.
7.1 Physical Demands and Performance Metrics
Padel is classified as a high-intensity intermittent sport. During match play, players operate at approximately 76–85% of VO₂ max, with elite players reaching up to 95% during peak rallies. Total distance covered per match averages around 3,000 meters, primarily through lateral and short sprints. Matches typically last 60–90 minutes and demand both aerobic capacity and anaerobic recovery.
While physiological strain is significant, it is manageable for most players—making the sport suitable for a broad athletic population, especially in its doubles format.
7.2 Biomechanics and Injury Prevention
Injury incidence in padel is relatively low but shows specific patterns. Studies report 3 injuries per 1,000 training hours and up to 8 per 1,000 match hours. The most common injuries affect the elbow (lateral epicondylitis), knees, and lower back, largely due to overhead motions, quick directional changes, and the repeated use of walls in play.
Recent research has identified a link between heart rate variability (HRV) and injury risk in female athletes. Lower HRV trends were found to precede musculoskeletal issues, suggesting HRV tracking as a preventative tool for overtraining and fatigue management.
7.3 Cognitive Load and Tactical Intelligence
Padel requires high levels of cognitive engagement. Players must adapt to unpredictable rebounds off walls, anticipate opponents’ shots, and coordinate tightly with their partner. This dynamic environment fosters the development of reaction time, decision-making speed, and tactical flexibility.
These cognitive demands make padel not only physically stimulating but also mentally enriching—particularly for youth development and aging populations, where executive function and coordination benefit from structured play.
8. Future Outlook
As padel evolves into a global powerhouse, innovation and institutional progress are shaping its trajectory. This section explores how technology, market growth, and Olympic ambitions are poised to drive the sport forward.
8.1 Olympic Potential
Padel is not yet part of the Olympic roster—neither in Paris 2024 nor Los Angeles 2028. Still, it has gained recognition as an Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federation (ARISF), a significant step toward inclusion. To qualify for the Olympics, padel must meet specific participation thresholds: at least 75 countries across four continents for men, and 40 countries across three continents for women. Though the deadline for the next two Games has passed, the FIP remains dedicated to building the necessary global infrastructure and governance. vea.ae – Current Olympic status and ARISF recognition
8.2 Technology in Rackets and Match Analysis
Emerging technologies are reimagining how padel is played and coached. Smart rackets equipped with sensors are beginning to provide real-time performance analytics—tracking metrics like swing speed, impact location, and shot classification. Market Report Analytics – Smart racket technology trends
Meanwhile, global equipment demand continues to grow, with the market for padel gear—including rackets, balls, shoes, and apparel—growing at a projected CAGR of around 8–10%. Major brands like Babolat, Bullpadel, and Siux are leading the competitive landscape. Market Report Analytics – Equipment market size & projections
8.3 Youth Programs and Urban Expansion
Padel’s simple format and décor spark widespread appeal. The sport is increasingly integrated into physical education and community initiatives, particularly in emerging markets. In India, coordinator bodies like the Indian Padel Federation are leading grassroots development. Wikipedia – Growth of padel in India
Similarly, Australian clubs—often housed within lifestyle complexes—are expanding rapidly, hosting wellness facilities and innovative features such as saunas and music zones. Padel’s rising popularity in urban centres is being fuelled by its social environment and trend-friendly image. The Guardian – Padel’s urban and cultural rise
Frequently Asked Questions about Padel
What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash, played in doubles on an enclosed court with walls used in play. It features stringless rackets and slightly depressurized balls.
How is padel different from tennis?
Padel uses walls in gameplay, has no overhand serves, and is played on a smaller court with a solid racket. It’s more strategic and social, while tennis emphasizes power and reach.
How many people play padel worldwide?
As of 2025, more than 30 million people play padel across over 130 countries, with the largest concentrations in Spain, Italy, the UK, and Latin America.
Is padel an Olympic sport?
Not yet. Padel has ARISF recognition but is not part of the Olympic Games in 2024 or 2028. The International Padel Federation is pursuing full IOC inclusion for future editions.
What equipment do I need to play padel?
You need a padel racket (solid with perforations), padel balls (similar to tennis balls but lower pressure), and suitable shoes. Most clubs provide rental gear for beginners.
What are the main types of shots in padel?
Common shots include volleys, lobs, bandejas, víboras, and smashes. Wall rebounds play a key role in both defense and attack strategy.
Is padel suitable for beginners?
Yes. Padel has a low learning curve, especially compared to tennis, and is very accessible for players of all ages and fitness levels.