Why Padel Is Growing So Fast Across Europe

Padel is regularly described as one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe. In a lot of cities it has gone from a curiosity to a fixture in a remarkably short space of time, with courts appearing at tennis clubs, gyms, hotels and standalone venues.

So where did it come from, and why is it spreading now? The short version: it is genuinely easy to enjoy on your first go, it is built around doubles, and it packs a lot of play into a small footprint.

A short history

Padel is usually traced back to 1969, when Enrique Corcuera built an enclosed court at his home in Acapulco, Mexico, walls and all. From there it took hold in Spain and Argentina, where it became deeply popular. Spain in particular is now one of the sport's strongholds, where padel is among the most widely played sports in the country.

Over the last decade or so it has spread well beyond that base, gaining momentum in countries like Italy, Sweden and France, and increasingly across the rest of Europe and further afield.

Why it keeps growing

A few characteristics of the game come up again and again when people explain its appeal:

• +It is quick to pick up. Most beginners can rally and enjoy a game on their first session, which is not always true of tennis or squash.
• +It is social. Padel is played mostly as doubles, so a single court keeps four people involved.
• +The walls keep rallies alive. Because the ball can be played off the glass, points last longer and feel more forgiving.
• +It is compact. A court fits into a relatively small area, which suits clubs and operators tight on space.

None of that guarantees a court will do well in any given location, but it does explain why demand has been so durable in the markets where padel has arrived.