The sport of padel originated in Mexico in the mid-20th century. It was invented in the 1960s by a Mexican businessman named Enrique Corcuera. Corcuera wanted to create a new racquet sport that would be suitable for players of all ages and skill levels, including children and seniors, as well as provide a fun recreational activity for families.
The initial concept of padel was inspired by various racquet sports, including tennis and squash. Corcuera designed the sport to be played on a smaller, enclosed court, which combined elements of these other sports. The smaller court size made it more accessible and easier to play for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Padel quickly gained popularity in Mexico and spread to other Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in South America and Spain. Its growth was driven by its simplicity, the social aspect of the game, and the fact that it was less physically demanding than tennis.
The sport eventually made its way to Europe, where it gained a strong following, especially in Spain. In Spain, padel became a cultural phenomenon, with numerous padel clubs and courts being built across the country. It has since continued to expand globally, with increasing interest in other parts of Europe and even in some non-Spanish-speaking countries.
Padel’s success can be attributed to its accessibility, social nature, and the fact that it’s relatively easy for beginners to pick up. It combines elements of tennis and squash while having its own unique characteristics, such as the use of solid paddles instead of racquets with strings and the smaller, enclosed court. Today, padel is played and enjoyed by people of all ages around the world, and it continues to grow as a popular racquet sport.
