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Padel tennis is the most popular sport in Spain after football!

Imagine a combination of tennis, squash and table tennis, all in one place, with the addition of adrenaline and strategic play. Get to know padel – a fast-growing sport that is conquering the world. If you’ve ever been looking for a new, exciting way to recreate or are simply curious to learn more about this phenomenon, keep reading. Immerse yourself in the world of padel and discover why this sport has become a global sensation!

Everything about padel in one place

What is Padel?

A simple game where two players (individuals) or four (pairs) compete indoors. The padel court is surrounded by glass partitions and a metal wire that serves to repel the ball.

In Padel, a point ends when the ball hits the floor twice or is not returned over the net correctly. The winner is the team that wins two out of three sets first.

When and how was Padel created?

Imagine a sunny day in Mexico in 1969. Enrique Corcuera, a racket sports enthusiast, decides to experiment a little with his squash court. Add elements of platform tennis and voilà – padel is born! His innovation did not go unnoticed. Already in the 1970s, one of Corcuera’s Spanish friends recognized the potential of this sport and brought it to Spain. There, padel not only quickly gained popularity, but became one of the national sports. Today, it is a sport that captures the hearts of people all over the world, from Argentina to Great Britain and the USA.

Characteristics of the Padel Court

Dimensions and Fencing

The padel court is a rectangle with dimensions: 10 meters wide and 20 meters long. What makes this field special are the walls that surround it. Depending on the design and preferences, the walls can be made of concrete, glass or even wire mesh. These walls not only define the boundaries of the game, but also add an extra dimension to the strategy, as players can use the walls to bounce the ball.

The substrate

When it comes to the padel court surface, there are several options that can be used. Traditionally, the floor can be cement or concrete, which provides a solid and level surface. However, some courts use wooden surfaces for added elasticity or even artificial grass that can provide a more natural feel and reduce the risk of injury.

Network and Details

The central part of every padel court is the net that divides it. This net should be 33 cm high in the middle, while it reaches a height of 92 cm at the ends. The precision of these dimensions is crucial for the proper running of the game, because even small deviations can significantly affect the dynamics of points. I hope this is what you were looking for!

Padel Associations in the Region

Padel tennis is a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity all over the world, and especially in the Balkan region. Here are some key organizations that contribute to the development of this sport in the region:

Padel Federation of Serbia

The Padel Federation of Serbia is a key organization that promotes and develops padel tennis in Serbia. The president of the association is Stefan Kovačević, while the members of the Board of Directors are well-known sports figures such as Đorđe Đoković, Dušan Lajović, Filip Krajinović, Bogdan Bogdanović and Milan Tabašević.

Padel Federation of Croatia

The Croatian Padel Federation (HPS) is the central organization for padel tennis in Croatia. The association is active in the organization of various events, including the first course for Coaches in cooperation with the International Padel Federation (FIP). Also, HPS promotes membership in local clubs as a basic condition for participation in tournaments.

Padel Federation of Montenegro

Padel Montenegro  represents the first organization that promotes padel tennis in Montenegro. It is located in Tivat, near Hotel Kamelia. In addition, they provide an opportunity for all those interested to try this dynamic sport, whether they are recreational or professional athletes.

Padel tournaments

Padel tournaments have become a global phenomenon, attracting thousands of players and spectators. Some of the most famous tournaments include:

  • World Padel Tour

  • European Padel Championship

  • American Padel Tour

These tournaments classify players based on their skills and achievements. There are different categories, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, as well as categories for different age groups.

Famous padel players

Although padel is a sport played worldwide and organized at the national level by national federations, it is not yet an Olympic sport. However, there are many talented professional players who dominate the world stage. Some of the most famous padel players include:

  • Fernando Belasteguín
  • Paquito Navarro
  • Alejandra Salazar
  • Marta Marrero

Interesting facts about padel

  • Padel is one of the few sports where players can lean against the walls during the game.
  • Although padel is popular around the world, it is still not recognized as an Olympic sport.
  • Padel courts are often illuminated with LED lights, which makes it possible to play at night.

Padel is a dynamic racket sport played in two or four on a closed court. Imagine a combination of tennis and squash, but with its own unique rules and equipment.

The main differences are the court, rackets without strings, and the rules of the game. While in tennis the ball can only be bounced off the floor, in padel it can also be bounced off the walls.

No, padel is accessible and beginners often master the basic techniques quickly. Of course, like any sport, it takes practice to reach a higher level of skill.

The basic equipment includes a padel racket and a padel-specific ball. Also, it is recommended to wear sneakers that provide good traction on the ground.

Matches are usually played in three or five sets, so the duration may vary. However, a typical match lasts between 1 and 2 hours.

Padel is played by two or four players. It is not possible to play this sport alone.

Scoring is similar to tennis, but there are specific rules on how points are scored, for example, if the ball hits the opponent’s wall directly without first bouncing.

Padel is particularly popular in Spain, but its popularity is growing all over the world, including countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Great Britain and the USA.

Yes, there are many tournaments and leagues at different levels, from local to professional. Padel is also involved in many sports manifestations and events.