How did padel start and who invented it?

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, but many people don’t know its origins or how it came to be. This question often comes from those curious about the sport’s history or those wanting to understand why padel has become so popular. In this article, we dive into the origins of padel and learn who invented this unique sport.

The birth of padel: where and when did it begin?

Padel was invented in 1969 in the Mexican city of Acapulco by Enrique Corcuera. Corcuera wanted to create a sport that was fun, social, and easy to play. Using a small area in his backyard, he built a court that was narrower and shorter than a tennis court. He surrounded the court with walls to prevent the ball from getting lost in the surrounding vegetation.

The sport he created resembled tennis but had some key differences:

• The walls became part of the game, similar to squash.
• The racket was solid and stringless, resembling today’s padel rackets.
• The smaller court made the game more accessible and less physically demanding.

Corcuera initially called his creation “paddle tennis”, but this was later changed to “padel” to avoid confusion with other racket sports.

How padel came to Spain

The next chapter in padel’s story took place in the 1970s, when Spanish Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe visited Corcuera in Mexico. Enthralled by the sport, he brought it back to Spain. In 1974, Alfonso built the first official padel court in Marbella, making the sport an instant hit among Spain’s elite.

From Marbella, padel quickly spread throughout Spain where it is now the second most popular sport after football. The relatively low cost of building courts and the social nature of the game made padel appealing to a wide audience.

The global spread of padel

After its rise in Spain, padel expanded to other countries, particularly in South America and Europe:

• Argentina: Padel was introduced in the 1980s and exploded in popularity. Today, Argentina is one of the largest padel nations in the world, with thousands of courts and professional players.
• Europe: From Spain, padel gained traction in countries like Italy, France, and the Benelux. In recent years, the sport has experienced massive growth in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Why has padel become so popular?

Those interested in the origins of padel often want to understand why it’s become so successful. Padel’s popularity can be attributed to several factors:

1. Accessibility: Padel is easier to learn than tennis due to the smaller court and slower balls, making it ideal for beginners.
2. Social interaction: Padel is inherently a social game, always played with four players, making it perfect for friends and families.
3. Unique gameplay: The use of walls and the compact court create a dynamic and tactical experience that appeals to players of all levels.

Frequently asked questions about padel’s origins

1. Why did Corcuera include walls in the court?
   He wanted to prevent balls from being lost in the vegetation surrounding his property. The walls became a defining feature of the sport.
2. How is padel different from paddle tennis?
   Paddle tennis is another sport played on an open, flat court without walls.
3. When did padel become a professional sport?
   The first official padel tournaments were held in the 1980s as the sport gained rapid popularity.