What is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played mostly in doubles, the game takes place on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. Players use solid, stringless rackets and a ball similar to a tennis ball but with less pressure. The walls of the court are integral to the game, allowing for strategic rebounds.
Padel was created in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico, who modified his squash court to incorporate elements of platform tennis. It quickly gained popularity in Spain and Argentina and has since spread to over 90 countries with more than 25 million players globally. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Playing padel offers many health benefits. It helps your cardiovascular fitness, enhances balance and coordination, and boosts mental well-being through social interaction. Its fast-paced nature helps build muscle strength and improve reflexes.
While both sports share a similar scoring system, padel differs significantly in gameplay and equipment. Padel courts are smaller and enclosed, and the walls are used strategically during play. The rackets are solid and stringless, unlike the strung rackets used in tennis. Additionally, padel serves are underhand, and the ball must bounce once before being returned.
Padel’s growing popularity can be attributed to its accessibility and social appeal. Novak Djokovic has highlighted that padel is easier to learn than tennis, making it more inclusive and welcoming for beginners. Its rapid growth is evident worldwide, with new clubs and courts opening at a fast pace.
Padel is played in doubles on a 10 by 20-meter court. Serves must be underhand, and the ball must bounce once before being returned. The scoring system is similar to tennis, with games, sets, and matches.
To start playing padel, you’ll need:
Padel is gaining traction in Singapore, with several facilities now offering courts in private and public spaces. The court is not unlike a tennis court and ActiveSG is a good starting point for finding available public courts.
1. Richochet Padel at Laguna Green & Sentosa
2. Bliss Padel
Search https://www.activesgcircle.gov.sg/facilities for Padel.
Watch and Learn
Padel is a fun, engaging sport that provides a great workout and a great way to have fun with friends and family. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, it’s easy to see why this sport is rapidly gaining global popularity.