#24. Why are Padel and Pickleball Suddenly Becoming Popular?

Unless you are currently living under a rock, you must have heard about these 2 new sports that are gaining massive popularity across the world: Padel & Pickleball.

But why do you think this is happening? I was super curious, so I spent a significant amount of time going down the rabbit hole, and here’s what I found:

For the uninitiated & for those who are confused about these 2 sports, here’s what they are about:

• Padel: Originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has become extremely popular in Spain and Latin America. It is also growing rapidly in Europe and other parts of the world.

• Pickleball: Invented in the United States in 1965, it has seen explosive growth in North America, particularly in retirement communities and local parks.

In-terms of differences in game play between these 2 sports:

• Padel: Padel is a mix of Tennis & Squash where the ball can be played off the walls, that creates longer rallies and more strategic gameplay involving angles and positioning. It uses the same scoring system as tennis (15, 30, 40, game) with six-game sets and tiebreaks at six-all.

• Pickleball: This sport is a mix of Badminton, Ping-Pong & Tennis, here there are no walls, & the gameplay is more focused on net play, dinking (soft shots), and volleys within the boundaries of the court. It uses a unique scoring system where only the serving team can score. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points.

Now that you (hopefully) understand the difference, here’s why they are getting popular across the world:

1/ Easy to Learn and Play

• Quick to Pick Up: Both Padel and Pickleball are easy to learn, making them appealing to everyone from children to older adults. You don't need years of practice to start enjoying them.

• Less Intense: Unlike some other sports, Padel and Pickleball are not too physically demanding. This makes them great choice of sport for people who want to stay active without exhausting themselves.

2/ Social and Fun

• Social Vibes: These sports are usually played in doubles format (2 vs 2), which means you can play with friends and meet new people. It’s a great way to socialize and have fun at the same time.

• Community: Many clubs and parks have Padel and Pickleball courts, creating a strong community feeling. People often hang out before and after games, making it a social event.

3/ Space and Accessibility

• Small Courts: The smaller court sizes make it easier for places to set up multiple courts in limited spaces, like urban areas, parks or gated communities. This means you’re more likely to find a court nearby.

• Affordable Equipment: The equipment needed for Padel and Pickleball is not very expensive, making it accessible for more people to start playing.

4/ Celebrity and Media Attention

• Celebrity Endorsements: Celebrities and professional athletes have taken up these sports, drawing significant media attention. For instance, Lionel Messi & Rafael Nadal in Padel and various celebrities like Bill Gates, the Kardashians, & Lebron James in Pickleball have helped boost the sport’s visibility.

• Media Coverage: More tournaments and matches are being broadcasted and streamed, making it easier for people to discover and get interested in these sports.

5/ Cost & Infrastructure

• Cost of Courts: Both Padel & Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts, making them easier to build and fit into urban areas. This space efficiency allows more courts to be constructed in limited spaces, increasing availability.

• Rapid Construction: The relatively simple infrastructure required for these courts allows for quick and cost-effective construction, facilitating rapid growth in facilities. Infact some of the old run-down tennis courts are being converted into Padel & Pickleball courts.

6/ Growing Competitive Scenes

• Professional Leagues and Tournaments: The establishment of professional leagues and high-profile tournaments for both Padel and Pickleball has added legitimacy and excitement, drawing competitive players and spectators.

• Youth Involvement: Increased youth programs and school-level competitions are introducing these sports to younger generations, ensuring continued growth and popularity.

7/ Cool Stories and Origins

• Pickleball’s Quirky Start: The name "Pickleball" comes from the inventor's dog named Pickles, who used to chase after the ball. This fun origin story adds a layer of charm and makes it relatable.

• Padel’s Glamorous Image: Padel started in luxury resorts and exclusive clubs, especially in Spain, giving it a fashionable and sophisticated image that attracted a trendy crowd.

Padel and Pickleball have become popular because they are easy to learn, fun to play, and highly social. They offer great physical and mental health benefits, are accessible to people of all ages, and fit well into urban environments due to their smaller court sizes. The influence of media, celebrity endorsements, and unique game features further drive their popularity.

Are you interested in trying a game of either Padel or Pickelball in Bangalore?

I’m currently working with Gully Games, where we plan to host games of Padel & Pickleball sometime soon, leave me a message below if you want to try out the sport.