Frustrated by traditional tennis limitations, enthusiasts sought a more accessible alternative. Padel emerged, blending tennis and squash elements.

Padel is a racket sport combining tennis and squash, played in doubles on an enclosed court, fostering continuous rallies.

Discover how padel evolved and its global impact.

What is padel called in the US?

In the United States, padel is often confused with similar sports, leading to varied nomenclature.

In the US, padel is sometimes referred to as "paddle tennis¹", though they are distinct sports with different rules and equipment.

Understanding the differences between padel and other racket sports is crucial for proper recognition.

Padel vs. Paddle Tennis

Aspect	Padel	Paddle Tennis
Court Size	20m x 10m with walls	15.8m x 6.1m without walls
Scoring System	Similar to tennis	Similar to tennis
Equipment	Solid racket without strings; pressurized tennis balls2	Solid paddle; depressurized tennis balls
Origin	Mexico, 1969	USA, early 20th century

Despite the naming confusion, padel's unique characteristics are gaining recognition in the US.

What is padel in Mexico?

Padel holds a special place in Mexico, being the birthplace of the sport.

Originating in Acapulco in 1969, padel has grown into a popular sport in Mexico, blending elements of tennis and squash.

Exploring padel's roots in Mexico offers insight into its cultural significance.

Historical Milestones

Year	Event
1969	Enrique Corcuera invents padel in Acapulco
1974	Introduction of padel to Spain by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe
1991	Establishment of the International Padel Federation (FIP)3
2024	Premier Padel GNP Mexico Major4 held in Acapulco

Padel's Mexican heritage continues to influence its global development.

What is the American version of padel?

The United States has developed its own racket sports, leading to some confusion with padel.

In the US, "paddle tennis" and "pickleball⁵ are popular racket sports distinct from padel, each with unique rules and equipment.

Recognizing these differences is essential for understanding each sport's unique appeal.

Comparison of Racket Sports

Sport	Court Dimensions	Equipment	Key Features
Padel	20m x 10m	Solid racket; pressurized balls	Enclosed court with walls; played in doubles
Paddle Tennis	15.8m x 6.1m	Solid paddle; depressurized balls	No walls; similar to tennis but on smaller court
Pickleball	13.4m x 6.1m	Paddle; perforated polymer ball	Combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong; played indoors or outdoors

Understanding these distinctions helps appreciate the diversity of racket sports available.

What is the sport of padel?

Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, offering a unique and engaging experience.

Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court, using solid rackets and pressurized balls, emphasizing strategy and teamwork.

Delving into padel's gameplay reveals the nuances that make it appealing to a wide audience.

Key Features of Padel

• Court Design: Enclosed with glass and mesh walls, allowing ball rebounds.
• Scoring System: Identical to tennis, facilitating easy understanding for new players.
• Equipment: Solid rackets without strings; pressurized balls similar to tennis but with slightly less pressure.
• Play Style: Emphasizes strategy over power, making it accessible to various skill levels.

Padel's unique blend of features contributes to its rapid global growth.

Conclusion

Padel, originating from Acapulco, has evolved into a globally recognized sport, distinct from similar racket sports. Its unique characteristics and accessibility continue to drive its popularity worldwide.