FAQs | where was paddle invented

These answers have been prepared by the team of paddle specialists at Tiendapadelpoint, based on technical criteria of material, experience in specialized sales and recurrent consultation of players on the choice of paddle racket.

What is the origin of paddle?

Paddle was invented in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969. It was created by Enrique Corcuera, a Mexican businessman, who adapted tennis to a reduced space in his house. This sport quickly became popular in Mexico and then spread to other countries, especially in Spain and Argentina.

The original design of paddle included walls at the ends of the field, a feature that is still maintained today. This design allows for a more strategic and tactical game, as players can use the walls to make unpredictable shots.

Paddle is a sport that requires skill, strategy and good equipment. The choice of the paddle racket is fundamental for the player's performance, as each racket has specific characteristics that can improve different aspects of the game.

Who was Enrique Corcuera?

Enrique Corcuera was a Mexican businessman, recognized for being the inventor of paddle tennis. In the 1960s, he adapted a tennis court at his Acapulco residence to play in a smaller space, adding walls around it to prevent the ball from leaving the enclosure. This design became the basis of modern paddle tennis.

Corcuera not only designed the court, but also established the first rules of the game, which over time have been perfected and adapted to the needs of the sport. Although initially paddle tennis was only played in Mexico, the popularity of the sport quickly spread to other countries, especially in Spain and Argentina, where it became a widely practiced discipline.

Enrique Corcuera's contribution to the world of sport is unquestionable, and his legacy remains alive in every paddle tennis match that is played today.

How did padel become popular in Spain?

Padel became popular in Spain in the late 70s, when businessman Alfonso de Hohenlohe introduced this sport in Marbella. The ease of learning and the fun that this game provided were key factors in its rapid adoption.

Subsequently, the creation of clubs and the organization of national tournaments boosted its growth. In addition, the adaptability of padel to different ages and skill levels, along with investment in sports infrastructure, contributed to its expansion throughout the country.

Today, padel is one of the most practiced sports in Spain, with a large number of players and high-level competitions, reflecting the consolidation of this sport in Spanish culture.

How do you play padel?

Padel is played on a closed court, in pairs and with a racket and a ball. The goal is to make the ball bounce in the opposing field without the opponents being able to return it. To do this, the walls of the court can be used, which adds a tactical dimension to the game.

Technically, the service is performed below the waist level and the receiver can return the ball directly or after a bounce. A point is won when the ball bounces twice in the opposing field or leaves the court after the bounce. The scoring follows a system similar to tennis.

To play padel effectively, it is necessary to develop technical skills such as hitting, controlling the ball and game tactics, as well as good physical condition to maintain the pace of the game.

What characteristics does a paddle racket have?

A paddle racket is mainly characterized by its shape, weight, balance and the material of its core. The shape can be diamond, round or teardrop, each with its own peculiarities in terms of control and power. The weight usually ranges between 350 and 400 grams, affecting maneuverability and the effort required to hit the ball. The balance, which can be high, medium or low, influences the weight distribution and, therefore, the power and control. Finally, the material of the core, usually made of EVA or FOAM rubber, determines the hardness and response of the racket.

The shape of the racket is a crucial factor in its behavior. Round rackets provide greater control, teardrop ones balance between control and power, and diamond ones lean towards power. The weight of the racket directly affects maneuverability: a lighter racket will be easier to handle, but will require more effort to hit with power. The balance, on the other hand, determines how the weight of the racket is distributed. A high balance provides more power but less control, while a low balance favors control but reduces power.

The material of the racket's core is also fundamental. EVA rubber rackets are harder and provide greater power, while FOAM ones are softer and offer better control. Choosing between one or the other will depend on the style of play and the personal preferences of each player.

How can performance in padel be improved?

The improvement of performance in padel is based on three fundamental pillars: technique, tactics and physical condition. Technique refers to the correct execution of strokes and movements. Tactics involve knowledge of the game, reading situations and making appropriate decisions. Physical condition includes endurance, strength, speed and flexibility.

To improve technique, it is essential to practice basic strokes and movements until they are mastered. This includes the serve, the volley, the smash, the tray, the lob, among others. Tactics can be improved by studying the game, watching other players and playing matches. Physical condition is improved with adequate physical training, which includes endurance, strength, speed and flexibility exercises.

Finally, it is important to remember that performance in padel not only depends on these three pillars, but also on factors such as game equipment, mindset and nutrition. Therefore, to improve performance in padel, it is necessary to work on all these aspects in an integrated manner.

How can the wall be used in paddle?

The wall in paddle is an element that can be used strategically to gain an advantage in the game. Its proper use can generate unpredictable rebounds for the opponent and allow the player to gain time to reorganize on the court.

The technique for hitting the ball against the wall depends on the type of shot you want to make. For example, if you are looking for a power shot, you should hit the ball in such a way that it bounces off the wall and shoots out forcefully towards the opposite field. On the other hand, if you are looking for a control shot, you should hit the ball softly against the wall so that it bounces slowly and falls near the net, making it difficult for the opponent to return.

In addition, the wall can be used to make defensive shots when the ball comes with a lot of power or is out of reach. In these cases, you can hit the ball against the back wall so that it bounces back to the opposite field, gaining time and reorganizing your position on the court.

What are the basic rules of padel?

Padel is a sport that is played in pairs, on a rectangular terrain divided into two fields by a net. The objective is to send the ball to the opposite field without it bouncing twice in your own. The ball is hit with a racket and can bounce off the side and back walls.

The serve is made from the service box and must bounce in the opposite box. If the ball touches the net and falls into the opposite service box, the serve is repeated. A player cannot hit the ball before it crosses the net or bounces in his field. In padel, a point is won when the opponent fails to return the ball correctly.

As for scoring, it is similar to tennis: 15, 30, 40 and game. A set is won by reaching 6 games with a minimum difference of 2. In case of a tie at 6, a tie-break is played.

What equipment do you need to play paddle tennis?

To play paddle tennis, you need a paddle tennis racket, paddle tennis balls, paddle tennis shoes, and suitable sportswear. The racket is the main element and its choice depends on the player's style of play and level. Paddle tennis balls are specific to this sport, being smaller and less pressurized than tennis balls. Shoes should provide stability and grip on the court, and clothing should be comfortable and breathable to allow freedom of movement.

In addition, it is advisable to have accessories such as overgrips to improve the grip of the racket, wristbands to absorb sweat and protect the joints, and protective glasses to prevent eye injuries. It is also important to have a water bottle to stay hydrated during the game.

Finally, although it is not mandatory, many players choose to use a paletero, which is a specialized bag for carrying all the paddle tennis equipment comfortably and safely.

How can you choose the right paddle racket?

The choice of the right paddle racket depends on several factors such as the level of play, the frequency of play and the physical characteristics of the player. It is important to keep in mind that there is no universally perfect racket, but each player must find the one that best suits their style of play and needs.

For a beginner player, a control racket is recommended, with a round shape and a low balance. This will allow a better learning of the strokes and a greater control of the ball. For an intermediate or advanced player, a power racket can be chosen, with a diamond shape and a high balance, which will allow stronger and more aggressive strokes. However, these are only general recommendations and each player should try different rackets to find the one that best suits their game.

In addition, it is important to take into account the weight of the racket. Excessive weight can cause injuries, while a weight that is too light can decrease ball control. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a weight with which the player feels comfortable and can handle the racket efficiently.