Padel is considered to be the racquet sport of this century. It’s one of the fastest-growing sports globally and is a magnet for many communities where there are courts.
Conceptualised in Mexico in 1969, padel only arrived in South Africa in late 2020 when two courts were opened just outside Canal Walk in Cape Town. Since then, it has grown exponentially, with hundreds of courts having been established nationwide and various players flocking to play the game.
Its popularity appears to be its simplicity, appealing to players of all ages and skills. Padel combines the best elements of tennis, squash, and badminton, is very sociable, and is less physically demanding than similar sports. Unlike other sports, padel is only played in doubles on an enclosed court that is part glass and part metal mesh, and which is about 25% smaller than a tennis court. The smaller court makes it a social game improving communication and team bonding. The ball can bounce on any of the walls, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, and more exciting rallies. The scoring is the same as in tennis.
Thick, smooth and perforated paddles that resemble beach tennis rackets are used for padel and these short stringless padel rackets are easier to control as it is much closer to the body. A short grip with a rope at the end that attaches to the player’s wrist and padel balls are very similar to tennis balls but are slightly smaller and bounce less.
Padel has clearly become popular for all the right reasons its healthy, it’s played outdoors, it’s fun, it’s social, and it is affordable.
Already there are padel courts in full use at Salt Rock, Umhlali and Central Ballito areas, with many also being planned for. Several estates also have courts now in operation including at Ballito Hills, whilst courts are under construction at Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate, and both Simbithi Eco Estate and Zimbali Estate have now planned for the construction of padel courts.