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Padel 101: Gear, Clubs, and the Rise of a Global Sensation

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From its humble beginnings to the must-have gear and top places to play in Johannesburg, padel is quickly taking the world by storm - and here's why it's becoming a global sensation.


What is Padel? A Sport Like No Other

Padel is a racket sport that merges elements of tennis and squash. Did you know that Padel originated in Mexico in the 1960s, it was soon popularised in Spain, which remains the epicentre of the sport today. Unlike tennis, padel is played on a smaller, enclosed court surrounded by walls, much like a squash court, and uses a perforated racket. The combination of the compact court, the ability to use walls for strategy, and the smaller racket makes for a fast-paced, exciting game.

Padel may be played in singles on a singles court, but is typically played in doubles, and because of its accessibility, it has drawn a diverse crowd of players - from beginners to professional athletes. It's a game that requires quick reflexes and smart strategies but can be easily enjoyed by those who have never even picked up a racket.


Padel Breakdown: The Gear You Need

To get started with padel, you'll need some basic equipment. The main items include the padel racket, the ball, and the right apparel for maximum comfort and performance.

  • Padel Racket: Unlike a tennis racket, a padel racket has no strings. Instead, it's a solid structure with holes drilled into the surface, making it lighter and more manoeuvrable. Rackets come in various shapes - round, teardrop, and diamond - each affecting power and control. Beginners usually start with a round racket for more precision and less power, while advanced players might opt for diamond-shaped rackets for greater force behind their shots.

    Padel rackets last up to 100 sessions for recreational players, so 6-12 months for players at the court 2-3x per week. This lifetime scales up or down depending on the frequency of use, the style of play, as well as the materials used in - and the quality of - the racket's construction. Proper care of the racket can extend this lifespan.
     
  • Ball: The balls used in padel are similar to tennis balls but have less pressure, which affects the bounce and speed of play. They are specially designed to ensure that padel games maintain their unique pace.
  • Apparel: The right gear will help you stay comfortable and perform at your best. Look for breathable materials and sports-specific shoes with good grip, as you'll be moving quickly and pivoting on the enclosed court.


The Rise of Padel: From Spain to South Africa

While padel may have started in Mexico, it was in Spain that the sport truly flourished. Spain now leads the world in terms of padel participation, with over 20,000 courts and thousands of active players. The sport has also seen explosive growth in Argentina, where it's incredibly popular. Major tournaments, such as the World Padel Tour, have brought international attention to the sport, and it's even being considered for inclusion in the Olympic Games.

In South Africa, the sport has started gaining momentum, particularly in Johannesburg. Local clubs and tournaments are becoming more common, drawing players from all walks of life. The appeal lies in padel's accessibility - it's easy to learn, doesn't require high levels of physical fitness, and offers a great social environment. As a result, it's becoming one of the fastest-growing sports, with padel courts popping up in prime residential areas like Sandton, Bryanston, and Douglasdale.


Clubs in the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg: Where to Play

In Johannesburg, the rise of padel is visible in the increasing number of clubs popping up in the northern suburbs, where the sport has gained a dedicated following. Here are some top spots to play:

  1. Africa Padel has courts at the German Country Club in Paulshof. This club offers great facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for beginners and experienced players alike.
  2. Match Padel International SA, situated in Fourways, boasts well-maintained courts, coaching programmes, and a vibrant community vibe.
  3. Bryanston Sports Club is a well-established club with a growing padel scene, offering membership options and regular social matches for all levels of play.
  4. ProPadel Craighall is a family-friendly venue in Craighall Park and includes secure facilities for children.
  5. Padel at Steyn City is a fully serviced padel play area that allows players to enjoy sweeping views of the city centre and the world class Lagoon.
  6. Padel and Social Club Broadacres  with courts in Broadacres, this club offers great facilities with trained professional staff and a great atmosphere for all levels of play.
  7. Virgin Active Padel Club situated at Randpark Golf Club is open to the general public with discounts for members.

These and other clubs not only provide excellent facilities but also foster a strong sense of community among players, with many offering social games, tournaments, and even opportunities for networking.


Getting Involved: Tips for Beginners

If you're keen to dive into padel, it's easy to get started. Most clubs offer beginner lessons and social matches, where new players can learn the rules and techniques of the game. 


Here are some tips for starting out:

  • Find the Right Coach: Look for clubs that offer coaching programmes tailored to your skill level. A good coach will help you master the basics and improve your game quickly.  Coaches and coaching facilities available in the area include The Wanderers Club on 010 541 1250, Tennis and Padel Coaching Bryanston on 082 685 2247 and Kerry Knowles on 082 894 6114.
  • Join a Local Club: Many clubs offer membership options that give you access to regular games, tournaments, and social events. This is a great way to meet other players and improve your skills in a friendly environment.
  • Start Playing Social Matches: Once you've got the basics down, start playing in social matches. These games are less competitive and more about having fun while learning the ropes.
  • Avoiding Injuries: Play Smart, Stay Safe. Although padel is loads of fun, it's not immune to the kind of injuries that can keep chiropractors and physios very busy. Common culprits include shoulder strains, lower back pain, and knee and ankle injuries, especially if you're jumping for that all-important smash! The key to avoiding these niggles? Warming up thoroughly, staying flexible, and using the right equipment, like supportive shoes and a well-balanced racket. Playing smart and focusing on technique over power can help keep you in the game - and off the treatment table.
  • Download the Playtomic App: Playtomic is a free app that connects padel players with a community of over 1 million other racket sports players.  It allows players to find matches, book courts and participate in tournaments, among other things.


Playtomic App Overview

Download the App

  • Available on both the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
  • Easy and quick registration process.
  • Make sure to give yourself a fair ranking. If you rank yourself too low on sign up, you may end up playing with weaker opponents and vice versa. 

Levels - How It Works

Playing

  • You can search for and book padel courts at nearby clubs.
  • Option to play with friends, join existing games, or find new partners through the app's matchmaking feature.
  • The app tracks your progress and performance over time, offering stats on matches played, wins and losses.

Competitions

  • Playtomic hosts various competitions, ranging from casual games to ranked tournaments.
  • You can join public competitions or organise private ones for friends or local clubs.
  • Compete against other players to improve your ranking and skill level.
  • The app provides information on upcoming tournaments and events, making it easy to stay involved in the padel community.


Fun Facts About Padel

  1. The Fastest Growing Sport: The number of people playing Padel has been increasing at a rapid rate, making padel the fastest growing sport in the World.
  2. Celebrities Love It: Some well-known personalities, including footballers like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, are avid padel players.
  3. More Fun in Pairs: Unlike with tennis, padel is not ideally suited to playing in singles. Anyway, playing in pairs makes for a much more social and fun sport.
  4. Global Growth: Padel is most popular in Spain and Argentina, but it's rapidly gaining ground in countries across Europe, Latin America, and in South Africa.
  5. Rallies last 60 - 70% longer than tennis: Because of the use of the walls and 4 players. The rallies last a LOT longer than other sports.This is because consistency and tactics come into play more than they do in tennis.


Conclusion

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, padel offers a unique and enjoyable sporting experience. With its rapid rise globally and locally, the sport is expected to continue growing. With its easy-to-learn rules, social nature, and fast-paced gameplay, padel has firmly established itself as a sport for everyone. So why not head to your nearest club and give it a try?

By combining elements of tennis, squash and fun, padel is not just another sport; it's a lifestyle that promotes fitness, social interaction and a love for competition. Now's the time to get involved in the global padel sensation sweeping across South Africa, and who knows? You might just discover your next favourite sport.


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Author: Marc Ries

Submitted 05 Nov 24 / Views 799