The Fastest-Growing Sport You’ve (Probably) Never Tried
Over the past decade, a new sport has taken the world by storm. From Madrid to Miami, Stockholm to Singapore, padel has become a global phenomenon - filling courts, creating communities, and changing the way people connect through sport.
But what exactly is padel, and why is everyone suddenly playing it?
In this guide, we’ll look at how the sport began, what makes it unique, and why millions around the world are picking up a padel racket.
What Is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that combines the best parts of tennis and squash. It’s played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, surrounded by glass and mesh walls that keep the ball in play and add a strategic twist to every rally.
A padel match is always played in doubles - four players working as two teams. The game uses low-compression tennis balls and solid rackets made from carbon fiber or composite materials instead of strings.
Rallies tend to last much longer than in tennis, making padel easier for beginners to enjoy and more engaging for players who love quick reflexes, positioning, and teamwork.
A Brief History of Padel
Padel started in Mexico in the late 1960s when businessman Enrique Corcuera built the first enclosed court at his home in Acapulco. His Spanish friends quickly brought the idea back to Marbella, where it caught on among the local elite.
By the 1990s, Spain and Argentina had become the sport’s main hubs, setting up federations and international competitions. Today, Spain alone has over 20,000 padel courts and more than 6 million active players - more than tennis.
During the 2010s, the sport spread rapidly across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, before finally reaching Asia. The launch of professional circuits like Premier Padel and the World Padel Tour helped the sport gain global recognition and serious media attention.
Why Is Padel So Popular?
1. Easy to Learn, Hard to Master
Unlike tennis, where the learning curve can be steep, most beginners can rally within minutes of picking up a padel racket. The smaller court and underhand serve make it accessible for all ages and skill levels.
As players improve, they discover layers of strategy - mixing control, anticipation, teamwork, and clever use of the walls. That mix of simplicity and depth keeps people coming back.
2. A True Social Sport
Padel is built for connection. Because it’s always played in doubles, every game is full of laughter, quick exchanges, and shared wins (and misses). It’s one of the few sports where you can be competitive and social at the same time.
Many clubs describe padel as “the most fun you can have with three friends and a ball.”
3. Fitness Without the Burnout
A one-hour game of padel burns up to 600 calories and works your entire body. You move constantly, react fast, and build coordination - but without the intensity or fatigue that comes with high-impact workouts. It’s exercise that feels more like play.
4. Minimal Equipment, Maximum Fun
You don’t need much to get started - a racket, a few balls, and a court. There’s no expensive gear or lengthy lessons required. Most players find themselves enjoying long rallies from their very first session.
That instant reward is a big reason why padel is often called “tennis without frustration.”
5. Celebrity and Media Influence
From David Beckham and Neymar Jr. to Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray, padel has captured the attention of global stars. Many have invested in clubs or shared their games online. Short viral clips of rallies and trick shots have also helped push the sport into mainstream pop culture.
6. Rapid Growth Around the World
Countries like Sweden, Italy, and the UAE have seen an explosion of new padel clubs, sometimes doubling their court numbers in a single year. The easier it becomes to find a court, the faster the community grows - and with it, the passion for the game.
Padel vs. Tennis: What’s the Difference?
|
Feature |
Padel |
Tennis |
|
Court Size |
Smaller (10×20 m) enclosed with walls |
Larger (23.77×8.23 m) open court |
|
Rackets |
Solid, no strings |
Strung rackets |
|
Format |
Always doubles |
Singles or doubles |
|
Serve |
Underhand |
Overhand |
|
Difficulty |
Easier for beginners |
Higher technical entry barrier |
|
Rally Length |
Longer, more interactive |
Shorter, faster points |
Padel is more about placement and teamwork than raw power. Because the ball can rebound off walls, players have to think ahead and use angles creatively - it’s like chess with movement.
The Global Boom in Numbers
- Spain: Over 20,000 courts and 6 million+ players
- Italy: 8× growth since 2020
- Sweden: 2,500+ courts opened in just four years
- Argentina: More than 10,000 courts nationwide
- Middle East: Clubs in almost every major city, from Dubai to Riyadh
- Asia: Rapid growth in Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia
Analysts predict the global padel industry will exceed USD 500 million by 2026, fueled by new clubs, equipment sales, and televised tournaments.
The Cultural Side of Padel
Padel has evolved beyond sport. It’s now part of modern lifestyle culture.
Stylish apparel, limited-edition rackets, and architecturally designed courts have turned it into a symbol of leisure sophistication. Many clubs feature cafés, music, and social spaces that blend sport and community - creating a vibe that’s as social as it is athletic.
For many, padel isn’t about competition. It’s about connection, movement, and the joy of being part of something global.
How to Start Playing Padel
- Find a Local Club - Most major cities now have padel centers that rent courts by the hour and offer coaching.
- Choose the Right Racket - Beginners usually start with a round racket and a soft EVA core for better control.
- Bring Friends - It’s a doubles game, so invite your crew or join an open session.
- Learn the Walls - The rebounds are key. They can turn defense into offense.
- Enjoy It - Padel is about rhythm and fun. You don’t need to be perfect to have a great game.
Padel’s Future: More Than a Trend
As global investment grows and fan bases expand, padel is quickly moving from a niche hobby to a global mainstay.
Professional tours, youth programs, and brand collaborations are giving it structure and visibility. Tech innovations like smart rackets and AI-powered scoring are also modernizing how the game is played.
Padel’s biggest strength is its inclusivity - anyone can play, and everyone feels part of the rhythm once the first rally begins.
Join the Movement with Moné Padel
At Moné Padel, we believe that performance should look - and feel - beautiful.
Our rackets are built with precision materials and a timeless design to help players experience the best of the modern padel movement. Whether you’re playing your first game or refining your competitive edge, our collection is designed to help you play beautifully.