The Rise of Padel | Why It's the Fastest Growing Sport in the UK

What if you could combine the best elements of tennis and squash but make it easier to learn and more fun to play? Well, it's already there!

This sport is called padel, and it's being so much popular in the UK. In the last few years, padel has become one of the fastest-growing sports. In the UK, 250 more Padel courts were built between 2022 and 2023 (that's an increase of 116% in one year!) Source

From London to Manchester, many more people are picking up a padel racket and hitting the courts. People of all ages are getting into this sport and making it a popular game in the UK's sports scene.

In this blog, we will talk about why padel is becoming so popular in the UK. So let's get started now!

What is Padel?

Padel or Padel Tennis is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It's usually played in doubles on a small, enclosed court surrounded by glass walls.

These walls allow the ball to bounce off them, making the game dynamic and fast-paced. There are simple rules to the sport, so even beginners can pick it up quickly.

Padel started in Mexico in the 1960s and quickly became popular in Spain and Latin America. Over time, it spread to Europe, and now it's making waves in the UK.

How Padel Differs from Other Racket Sports

Unlike tennis, padel courts are smaller, and the rackets have no strings. The glass walls around the court add an extra twist to the game, as players can use them to bounce the ball.

Padel is less physically demanding than squash. So it is accessible to people of all fitness levels.

Padel’s Expansion | The Fastest Growing Sport in the UK

Padel has grown very fast in the UK over the last few years. What started as a niche sport is now gaining more and more attention.

More and more padel courts are popping up across the country, from city centers to local sports clubs. In fact, the number of padel courts in the UK has doubled in recent years.

This growth shows just how much people are enjoying this exciting sport. We will give you more information in the upcoming sections!

Statistics on Padel’s Growth

Not only in the UK, Padel is gaining popularity all over the world. During the past three years, there were less than 100 Padel courts in Sweden. Surprisingly today, there are over 800 with more than half a million players. 

As we have mentioned earlier, the number of padel courts in the UK has increased from just a handful to over 100 in the last few years.

The number of padel clubs is also on the rise, with 30+ new clubs opened 2023 alone. These numbers highlight how quickly the sport is expanding and attracting new players.

There are many factors driving the popularity of padel in the UK. Media coverage has played a big role. Many people are learning about the sport through TV, social media, and online videos.

Word-of-mouth has also been important. Players share their love for the game with friends and family. The sport's fun and social nature make it easy for people to try it out and get hooked.

Benefits of Playing Padel

Physical Benefits

Every sport is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and so is Padel. It helps improve your fitness by keeping you active and moving. Padel requires quick movements and good coordination, which helps build agility and strength. Whether you're running to hit the ball or reaching for a tricky shot, padel gives your body a good workout.

Mental Benefits

Playing padel is not only good for your body; it's also great for your mind. The fast-paced nature of the game helps you stay focused and sharp. It’s a fun way to relieve stress after a long day, as you can lose yourself in the game and forget about your worries.

You keep your brain active and engaged when playing padel. How? You keep it active by strategizing and responding quickly.

Social Benefits

One of the best things about Padel is that it's a social sport. Because it's usually played in doubles, you always have a partner by your side. So, this is a great opportunity to make new friends and be part of a friendly community.

There are also many Padel clubs. They organize social events, tournaments, and leagues, making it easy for players to meet each other and have fun together.

Why the UK Loves Padel

Cultural Factors

Padel’s appeal in the UK comes from its ability to attract people of all ages and backgrounds. The sport is easy to learn and perfect for beginners and experienced players alike.

Padel is also less intense than some other racket sports. So it is accessible to a wide range of people, from young children to older adults.

Visibility of Padel Events

As the sport grows, so does the number of events and tournaments in the UK. These events are helping to boost the sport's visibility and attract new players.

Whether it’s local competitions or larger tournaments, these events give people a chance to watch, learn, and get excited about padel. The growing number of Padel events shows that the sport is here to stay.

Community Support

Local clubs and communities are playing a big role in Padel’s growth. Many sports clubs are adding padel courts and offering lessons to help new players get started.

Community centers and schools are also promoting the sport, making it easy for people to try it out. This support has helped create a strong Padel community across the UK.

How to Get Started

Are you you new to padel and want to give it a try? Well, here are some simple tips to help you get started:

Padel is easy to learn, even if you've never played a racket sport before. The game is usually played in doubles, with 2 players on each team. I will give you a video tutorial for it so that you can learn it even faster.

The court of Padel is smaller than a tennis court. It is also surrounded by glass walls that you can use to bounce the ball.

• The game begins with an underhand serve.

• After the serve, the ball must bounce on the ground before hitting the glass walls.

• Players take turns hitting the ball back and forth, trying to make it difficult for the other team to return.

• Just like tennis, points are scored when the opposing team fails to return the ball correctly

• A match is typically played in 3 sets, with the first team to win 2 sets winning the match.

Things Needed

To start playing padel, you’ll need some basic equipment:

• Padel Racket: Padel rackets are different from tennis rackets. They’re smaller, thicker, and have no strings. They are made of solid material with holes in them.

• Padel Balls: These are similar to tennis balls but slightly softer and with less pressure. So they bounce differently.

• Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: Wear sports clothing that allows you to move freely. You will need non-marking shoes with good grip to avoid slipping on the court.

Tips to Get Started

To start playing Padel, you'll need to find a local club with courts. I can give you some tips for it. Start searching online! There are many sports clubs now offering Padel, so a quick Google search can help you find a club near you.

Many Padel clubs have social media groups where you can connect with other players. Simply join one of those groups and find games, lessons, and events.

Conclusion

Thanks a lot for being with us till the very end. Padel is a sport that's easy to love, and that's why it's the fastest-growing sport in the UK. We are welcoming this game and eager to share this fantastic sport with newcomers like you.

I encourage you to give padel a try and experience the real fun of the game for yourself. And if you're ready to start, you can find everything you need at our store, goldenpadel.co.uk.

See you on the court!