There are new forms of sports which are taking centre stage globally. Padel is one of these sports that have swept the whole world and now it is venturing into India. Padel is often referred as a combination of squash and tennis, and is simple to pick up, enjoyable to play and accessible to everyone of any age. The sport is also establishing its presence in India as it has been gaining rapid popularity globally.

Here are the questions that we are going to answer in this blog; what Padel is, the rules of the game, the necessary equipment, and how the sport is developing in India.

What is Padel?

Padel, in contrast, is mostly played in a doubles format as opposed to tennis, and, hence, is highly social and engaging. The tennis, squash, and badminton game are brought together under one game that has simpler rules and enables a beginner to have fun with the game in a short time.

• It has glass and mesh walls and the walls used by players to bounce the ball like the use of squash.
• The scoring is like tennis.
• The Padel racquets are solid, permeable, stringless paddles unlike tennis racquets.
• It is this combination of familiarity and uniqueness that has made Padel one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Rules of Padel

Padel is in a very simple form and hence easy to the beginners. These are the key rules:

• Serving:

The serve is underarm and the ball should bounce at least once then be struck on the diagonal into the service box of the opponent.

• Court Play:

It is similar to squash; players can take the opportunity to make rallies on the glass walls after the ball rebounds on the court.

But the ball cannot strike the walls without striking the ground.

• Scoring:

Scoring is the same as tennis: 15,30, 40 and game.

Sometimes of three sets.

• Doubles Format:

Nearly all professional and amateur games are understood in doubles that builds a powerful team aspect.

Equipment Needed for Padel

Padel equipment is basic and user-friendly unlike in some sports where huge investments must be made. Here’s what you need:

• Padel Racket: A perforated carbon fibre or fiberglass paddle that is solid.

• Padel Balls: Padel Balls are just like tennis balls but with a bit of lesser pressure.

• Shoes: To move fast in the smaller enclosed space, court shoes with good grip.

Padel is also affordable in terms of equipment, and therefore it is accessible in the countries such as India where affordability is a major consideration in sports.

Growth of Padel in India

The Padel is exploding globally with countries such as Spain, Italy and Argentina already having leagues. The sport is new in India but is catching up in metropolitan regions such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

It is growing due to several reasons:

• Small footprint: Padel courts take less space as compared to tennis courts and therefore preferred by clubs, school and real estate developers.

• Introducer-Friendly: It is easier to play than tennis and that is why it is attractive to the kids, the working professionals and the family.

• Social Sport: It is doubles, which facilitates community play, and therefore is ideal in a club or complex.

At Gallant Sports, we have seen even more schools, developers and sports academies at Gallant Sports showing curiosity to consider building Padel courts in India. Padel can become the next sports infrastructure craze as the country seeks to diversify its sporting infrastructure.

 Explore our Sports Infrastructure Solutions

The Future of Padel in India

Padel in India has enormous potential though it is in its infancy. It could take the route of such sports as futsal and badminton that were viewed as niche sports but now have become mainstream with the right infrastructure, promotion, and sensitization.

Educational institutions, clubs, and residential areas can contribute significantly by incorporating Padel courts into their premise to provide the youth with this vibrant game.

When India adopts Padel in the manner it adopted badminton decades ago, we would get to see future champions on international stages.

Final Thoughts

Padel is not only a sport but a world movement which involves fun, fitness and community. It is simultaneously a new interesting possibility to India and a step to diversification of our sports culture.

Children, professionals, and families in any city implementing Padel courts would enjoy this sport. It just takes the correct sports infrastructure and that is where professional partners such as Gallant Sports come in.

 Request a turf consultation to find out how Padel can be implemented in your school, academy or community.