Padel is the fastest-growing racket sport in the world. Here’s the short version of what it is and why it’s booming.
It Started in a Backyard
Padel was invented in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico. A businessman named Enrique Corcuera wanted to play tennis at home, but his yard was too small. So he built a 20×10 metre court with walls and a net. His wife, Viviana, drafted the first official rules as a birthday gift. The sport spread to Spain and Argentina, and the International Padel Federation was founded in 1991.
What It Actually Is
Think tennis meets squash. Key facts:
- Always doubles — 2v2, no singles
- Walls are in play — glass and mesh surround the court; the ball can bounce off them
- Underarm serve only — no power serving, easy to learn
- Same scoring as tennis — 15, 30, 40, game
Why It’s So Easy to Pick Up
Most players rally within one session. The underarm serve removes the biggest technical hurdle. The enclosed court means fewer lost balls. The doubles format makes it social from day one. But don’t be fooled — at higher levels, it’s a deeply tactical game of positioning and patience.
The Global Boom
- 58,334 courts worldwide by end of 2025
- Over 19 million players
- Played in 150+ countries
- ~8,000 new courts built in 2025 alone
Spain remains the heartland, but growth is now coming from the UK, US, Brazil, China, and Central Asia.
How to Start
Grab a padel racket (solid, stringless), a padel ball (lower pressure than tennis), and a friend. Book a court, try an underarm serve, and enjoy. The learning curve is gentle, and the social aspect keeps you coming back.
ART Padel — certified courts built for the sport’s next generation.
Explore the range → www.artpadel.com
Get in Touch
e-mail: art03@artpadel.com
WeChat/WhatsApp: 0086-18745921701
Web：www.artpadel.com
Looking forward to cooperate with you and let you enjoy the high-quality.
