The History of Padel: How It All Began

If you’re a fan of racquet sports, then you’ve probably heard of Padel. It’s a popular sport played all over the world and is known for being highly addictive. Despite its popularity, many people may not know the history behind the sport. In this article, we will explore how Padel came to be and its evolution over time.

The Origins of Padel

Padel first originated in Mexico in the early 20th century. Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy Mexican businessman, created the sport in his backyard as a form of leisure and entertainment for his family and friends. He wanted a sport that was easy to play, yet challenging at the same time. Padel was inspired by tennis and squash, but with a few modifications. The court was much smaller than a tennis court and was enclosed by glass walls, similar to a squash court.

Padel’s Journey to Spain

The sport remained relatively unknown until the 1970s when it made its way to Spain. A group of Argentinians who were avid Padel players introduced the sport to Marbella, Spain. It didn’t take long before locals started to take notice of the sport, and soon, Padel courts were popping up all over the country.

The sport gained quick popularity in Spain, and it wasn’t long before Padel started to spread throughout Europe. Soon, Padel became one of the most popular sports in Spain, with over six million people playing the sport regularly.

The Modern Era of Padel

In the early ’90s, Padel started to make its way to other countries, including Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. The sport quickly gained popularity in these countries and was introduced to the World Padel Tour in 2005.

The World Padel Tour is the highest level of professional Padel, with tournaments held in various countries throughout the year. Just like any other sport, Padel has its own set of rules and regulations. It’s played in pairs and consists of three sets. The team that wins two sets first wins the match.

Why Padel is Popular

So, why is Padel so popular? For starters, it’s an incredibly social sport. You play with a partner, which makes it a fun activity to do with friends or family. Additionally, Padel is easy to learn and doesn’t require a high level of fitness. It’s a low impact sport, which makes it an excellent option for those looking for a less rigorous workout.

The Future of Padel

Padel is continuing to grow in popularity, with more and more people being introduced to the sport every day. It’s not just a sport for Spanish-speaking countries anymore, but it’s quickly being recognized all over the world. Currently, there are over ten million people who play Padel worldwide, and that number is only expected to grow in the years to come.

In conclusion, Padel has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Mexico to becoming a popular sport played worldwide. It’s possible that you’ve heard of Padel before, but did not know the history behind it. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a better understanding of how the sport evolved over time. Padel is an exciting game that everyone should try at least once, so why not give it a shot? With Padel explained, you may discover it’s your new favorite sport too!