The first thing you need to know about Padel is… how on earth do you say it? “Pad-del”? “Pad-dal”? “Pad-ell”? “Pa-dél”? I still have no idea. What I do know is that it’s spelled Padel here in England, where the racket sport is spreading like a Californian wildfire, and yes, this writer has officially joined the "hype".
Not long ago, hardly anyone in the UK had even heard of Padel. Now? It feels like everyone’s either playing it, building a court, or telling you how they “really need to try it.” From low-key beginnings to a full-on boom, Padel has slipped into the British sporting scene, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
So, what actually is it?
For the uninitiated, Padel is like tennis’s cooler, more sociable cousin. It’s played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court surrounded by glass walls (which are in play, by the way), using a solid racket, no strings attached. It feels less Wimbledon, more "after-work fun with friends."
It’s easy to pick up, accessible whether you're super sporty or haven’t run since PE lessons, and it naturally brings people together. It’s a game that’s as much about the feel as it is about the volley.
Padel was born in Mexico in the late 1960s, before making its way to Spain and then across South America, where it exploded in popularity. It was a long-haul flight to reach British shores, where for years it remained a niche interest, mostly among Spanish expats or the odd curious tennis club.
That started to change in the 2010s. And in 2019, things got serious when the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) officially embraced Padel. That’s when the real growth began.
Its rise has been fast, but not flashy. Courts have quietly multiplied. Word-of-mouth has done most of the heavy lifting. And while it's not yet as baked into British culture as cricket or a soggy Sunday kickabout, Padel is starting to feel like it belongs.
Of course, not everyone is thrilled. New courts, especially indoor clubs, have faced resistance from locals complaining about noise. The thud of ball-on-racket can sound dramatic up close, but in truth, it’s rarely audible outside the court. Still, planning permission hasn’t always come easy.
Meanwhile, a turf war is brewing online, with multiple booking platforms scrambling to become the go-to app for your next match. So even if you haven’t played yet, trust me, you’ll hear about it soon.
Personally, I’m only slightly competitive, so I love the relaxed, social nature of Padel. I play with friends, and I’ve met some great people through it. That said, I won’t be turning up to one of those “Social” meetups that clubs host for a few quid. That’s just not my thing. But for others, it’s a brilliant way to meet new mates and get a regular game going.
Then there’s that guy, the one who talks about his “Padel level” within 30 seconds of introducing himself, like he’s fresh off an Olympic podium. There’s always one, so don’t be that guy.
But seriously, if you’ve got four friends (or even three), give it a go. Look up the basic rules, watch a quick video on YouTube, book a court, and just hit it.
It’s fun, fast, and forgiving. Just don’t let it go to your head. Save the boasting for the professionals.
See more on Padel at Padel Culture Magazine.
Photo by Vincenzo Morelli on Unsplash