If you’ve traveled to Spain, Mexico, Argentina, or parts of Europe recently, you’ve probably seen people playing a sport that looks like a mix of tennis and squash inside a glass enclosure. That sport is padel, and it’s beginning to gain momentum in the United States.
But what exactly is padel, and why are so many people around the world playing it?
What Is Padel?
Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is typically played as doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court.
Players use solid, stringless racquets and can play the ball off the surrounding glass walls after it bounces, creating longer rallies and a unique strategic element that distinguishes padel from other racquet sports.
The sport is easy to learn, highly social, and designed to keep players engaged regardless of skill level.
How Is Padel Different From Tennis?
While padel shares similarities with tennis, several key differences set it apart:
Court Size
Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts and are surrounded by glass walls and fencing that remain in play.
Equipment
Padel uses solid racquets without strings rather than traditional tennis racquets.
Serving
Serves are hit underhand rather than overhand.
Gameplay
Players can use the walls strategically during rallies, creating longer points and additional shot options.
Because of these differences, many beginners find padel easier to pick up than tennis while still offering plenty of depth for experienced players.
How Is Padel Different From Pickleball?
Many Americans first discover padel through comparisons with pickleball. While the sports share some similarities, they offer distinct playing experiences.
Padel
- Played on an enclosed court with walls
- Primarily doubles
- Uses a depressurized tennis-style ball
- Allows wall play
- Emphasizes positioning and strategy
Pickleball
- Played on an open court
- Singles or doubles
- Uses a plastic perforated ball
- No wall play
- Faster learning curve for first-time players
Both sports offer social and accessible ways to stay active, and many players enjoy participating in both. Explore SFIA’s Pickleball Participation & Growth Statistics page to learn more about pickleball participation trends in the United States.
Why Is Padel So Popular Around the World?
Padel has become one of the most popular racquet sports in countries including Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Sweden, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates.
Several factors contribute to its popularity:
- Easy for beginners to learn
- Social doubles format
- Fast-paced gameplay
- Suitable for a wide range of ages and athletic abilities
- Smaller court requires less running than tennis
The result is a sport that balances competition, fitness, and social interaction.
Is Padel Growing in the United States?
Padel remains an emerging sport in the U.S., but awareness is increasing as more facilities open and more Americans are introduced to the game.
According to SFIA participation research, approximately 1.07 million Americans played padel in 2025. Of those participants, roughly 238,000 were classified as CORE participants, meaning they played eight or more times during the year.
Many Americans are first exposed to padel while traveling internationally, where the sport is already well established. As domestic court infrastructure expands, participation opportunities are expected to increase.
Learn More About Padel Participation
SFIA tracks participation trends across sports and fitness activities in the United States.
For deeper insights into participation levels, player engagement, demographics, and industry trends, explore SFIA’s Padel Single Sport Report.
As additional data becomes available, this report will serve as the industry’s leading resource for understanding padel participation in the United States.
Driving the Industry 2034WARD Together
As the United States enters an unprecedented decade of global sporting events, emerging sports like padel have an opportunity to introduce more Americans to active lifestyles. Through SFIA’s 2034WARD Campaign, we are committed to helping grow participation and expand access to sports and fitness nationwide.