Padel
Padel players on outdoor padel courts | |
| Highest governing body | International Padel Federation (FIP) |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Paddle (US, Canada) |
| First played | 1968, Acapulco, Mexico |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | No |
| Team members | Usually |
| Mixed-sex | Separate competitions (mixed sometimes in leagues) |
| Type | Racquet sport |
| Equipment | Padel racquet, padel ball |
| Venue | Outdoor or indoor padel court |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | Worldwide |
| Olympic | No |
| Paralympic | No |
Padel (Spanish: pádel) is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is usually played in doubles (2 vs 2) on a small enclosed court with glass and mesh walls that are part of the game. It has the same scoring system as tennis, but different rules. For example: the rackets are solid (without strings) and perforated. Balls are played off the court walls, similar to squash. A serve must place the ball at or below the waist level in the opposite court. Padel originated in Mexico in 1969. It became hugely popular in Spain and Argentina.
As of 2023, there are more than 25 million active players in more than 90 countries, according to the International Padel Federation (FIP). In 2023, the global padel market was valued at approximately €2 billion The Padel World Championship has been held every second year since 1992, with Argentina (every time), Spain, or Brazil reaching the final in each competition.