Padel, a sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton, is making rapid strides and gaining popularity across the globe. Its unique combination of skill, strategy, and social interaction has captured the hearts of millions. So, where did it all start?
In 1969, a businessman named Enrique Corcuera wanted to build a tennis court in his backyard, but the space was not enough. Hence, he built a smaller one with walls and used paddles instead of racquets. He called it a paddle. Today, more than 25 million people worldwide play this sport. Europe and Latin America are the major hubs.
Padel's popularity has soared in recent years, especially in Europe and Latin America. Its accessibility and intrinsic nature of bringing people together has made it popular among people of all ages.
The Rise of Padel in India
In India, there has been a steady growth of padel fans. From just a handful, the number of padel courts across the country has sprung up significantly, particularly in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Chennai. The sport's social aspect and its ability to be enjoyed by people of all ages have contributed to its rapid growth in India.
What makes it so addictive?
It has been noted that what makes padel so unique and appealing is the pop sound that is produced when the ball meets the paddle. According to some studies, this, in turn, triggers a dopamine hit for players, which in turn makes them feel rewarded. Thereby, players want to experience that feeling time and again. The small court size also keeps the game fast-paced and the sport's emphasis on placement and control, rather than pure power, appeals to a wide audience.
Rules Of The Game?
The sport is played in doubles on an enclosed court that is one-third the size of a tennis court. Players can use the walls made of glass or mesh to bounce off the ball, which is like a tennis ball but with less pressure. The rackets are solid and without strings.
While the scoring system in Padel is the same as tennis, the rules are a little different. For example, the players must serve underhand, and the ball can only bounce once before touching the wall. After the serve, both teams can hit the ball either before or after it bounces on the ground, but they can only hit it once.
For the rally to continue, the ball must bounce only once, clear the net, and stay within the court.