History of Padel

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world today, but how did it all begin? The history of Padel is fascinating and dates back decades, marked by coincidences and innovations that contributed to its current popularity.

The Origins of Padel in Mexico

Padel was invented in the 1960s by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico. Corcuera initially planned to build a squash court in his house but decided to add a wall to allow the ball to bounce back when hit out of the court. This led to the creation of a new form of the game, which laid the foundation for modern Padel.

The Spread to Spain and Argentina

The popularity of Padel quickly spread to Spain when Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a friend of Corcuera, discovered the game during a visit to Mexico. Enthusiastic about this new sport, he built the first Padel courts in Marbella in 1974, marking the start of its spread in Spain and across Europe.

At the same time, Padel also became popular in Argentina. There, the sport rapidly developed into one of the country’s most popular leisure activities. To this day, Argentina remains one of the leading nations in international Padel sports.

The Boom of the 1990s and 2000s

In the 1990s, Padel experienced a massive surge in popularity, particularly in Spain, where it became the second most popular sport after football. The construction of Padel courts in clubs and recreational facilities allowed more and more people to try out the sport. The emergence of international tournaments and championships also helped make the sport known worldwide.

The Rise to a Global Sport

Over the past two decades, Padel has made the leap to becoming a global sport. The founding of the International Padel Federation (FIP) in 1991 helped organize and promote the sport worldwide. Today, many countries, including Germany, Italy, and Sweden, have a thriving Padel community. Interest in the sport is also steadily growing in North America and Asia.

Padel Today

Today, Padel is an established part of the sports culture in many countries. It is an accessible sport that appeals to players of all ages, as it is relatively easy to learn compared to other racket sports. The combination of speed, strategy, and teamwork makes Padel unique and exciting.

The history of Padel is a success story that shows how a simple idea can become a globally beloved sport. With a growing international following and an increasing number of Padel courts, it is clear that the sport has not yet reached its peak. Padel continues to captivate people around the globe and is poised to keep growing in the coming years.