Padel is the new hottest exercise – but why are we so obsessed?
From Manchester to Miami, London to Latvia, padel has the world talking. With more than 30 million players worldwide and 70,000 courts built, it is officially the fastest-growing sport on earth – but what has us hooked?
Imagine a sport that combines the strategy of tennis, the flair of squash, and the social buzz of a night out with friends… padel is here.
It has become the fastest-growing sport (cite a 170% rise since 2020) with clubs popping up around the world, and The World Padel Report estimates around 30 million amateur players right now and counting. Situated inside a glass box, the racket sport is played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court. The walls are part of the game, like in squash, and rallies often bounce between players and glass, creating longer points and more interesting and dynamic saves.
The equipment is also different: players use solid, stringless rackets with perforated holes and low-compression tennis balls. That combination makes the game slower, easier to control, and instantly enjoyable (even for total beginners!)
Unlike tennis, which demands precision technique and long practice to feel competent, padel is much more forgiving. The smaller court and bouncy walls keep rallies alive longer, giving beginners instant gratification. And because padel is always played in doubles, it is a naturally sociable sport. For many, it feels more like a group activity than a competitive sport, probably closer to five-a-side football than solo tennis.
From David Beckham to Serena Williams, Lionel Messi to Maria Sharapova, celebrities and athletes are investing in padel clubs or playing casually. Their involvement has catapulted the sport into mainstream awareness. Although padel was invented in Mexico in 1969, it gained popularity in Spain, where it is now the second-most popular sport after football. Today, it’s expanding rapidly to Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., with thousands of new courts opening each year.
Padel is more than just a workout for many countries; it is seen as a social ritual. Many clubs pair matches with coffee bars, rooftop terraces, and lounge spaces. For busy urban professionals, it feels like an effortless blend of fitness and community. You don’t just play a game; you hang out, meet new people, and join a community.
So if you’re curious to start your padel game, below we have compiled a list on how to begin.
Find a Local Court
Search for padel centres or multipurpose sports clubs in your area. Many tennis facilities are installing padel courts as we speak.
Apps like Playtomic or Matchi (popular in Europe and beyond) help you find nearby games and book slots.
Try a Taster Session
Most clubs offer beginner sessions or open play nights where equipment is provided. You don’t need to buy a racket right away; borrow one and see if you like it.
Go With Friends
Because it’s doubles, padel is best experienced with people you know.
Learn the Basics
The scoring system is the same as tennis, so it feels familiar.
Positioning is key: stay close to your partner and cover the middle together.
Invest Gradually
Once hooked, consider getting your own racket (they’re typically lighter and easier to handle than tennis rackets).
Good padel shoes (with grip for artificial turf) will make a noticeable difference.
Padel isn’t just a fad – it’s a rare mix of accessibility, excitement, and social connection that explains its rapid rise. Whether you’re looking for a new way to stay fit, meet people, or just have fun without the steep learning curve of other sports, padel is worth stepping onto the glass court for.