Padel: The fast-growing sport that will overtake tennis in 2025
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Padel is a racquet sport that continues to grow in popularity around the world, and particularly in France. By 2025, the sport had overtaken tennis in several French regions thanks to its accessibility, user-friendliness and simplified rules. In this enriched article, we’ll explore what padel is, its rules, why it’s becoming so popular, where you can play it in France, what equipment you need, and how to find partners to play with.
What is Padel?
Padel is a cross between tennis and squash, played on a court enclosed by fences measuring 10 metres wide and 20 metres long. Unlike tennis, padel is played exclusively in doubles, encouraging interaction and strategy between team-mates. The side and rear walls of the court can be used to return the ball, adding an extra dimension to the game.
Why choose Padel over Tennis?
- Accessible: Padel is ideal for beginners thanks to its simple rules.
- Convivial: Playing doubles makes the sport more social and engaging.
- Less physical: Compared with tennis, padel requires less endurance and can be played by people of all ages.
The rules.
The rules of padel are similar to those of tennis, but with a few key differences:
- Serve: The serve must be made below the waist and fall on the opposite diagonal. The ball must bounce before touching the net.
- Using walls: Players can use walls to return the ball, but beware of specific fouls such as “direct wall” (touching the wall before the ball hits the ground).
- Points and sets: As in tennis, padel is played in winning sets (generally best of three sets). A set is won after 6 games, with a lead of at least two games.
To find out more about the official rules, visit the Fédération Internationale de Padel (FIP) website or read the complete guides at [Nom du Site Affiliate].
Why is Padel more popular than Tennis in 2025?
Several factors explain the meteoric rise of padel:
- Accessibility: Padel courts are often less expensive to build than tennis courts, making them ideal for clubs and urban centers.
- Community: Padel attracts a diverse community, from young enthusiasts to senior citizens looking for a less physically demanding sport.
- Rapid evolution: With professional tournaments and celebrities involved (such as Rafael Nadal), padel is gaining in international visibility.
By 2025, padel had become a global phenomenon, surpassing tennis in terms of growth and commitment among amateur players.
Comparison table: Padel vs Tennis
| Criteria | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Land | – Smaller (10 m x 20 m) – Enclosed by fences and walls | – Larger (8.23 m x 23.77 m for single, 10.97 m x 23.77 m for double) – Open area without walls |
| Number of players | – Played exclusively in doubles | – Can be played in singles or doubles |
| Racket | – Smaller, stringless racket – Made of lightweight materials | – Larger racket with strings – Heavier and more technical |
| Ball | – Lighter and more perforated – Less bounce | – Heavier and stronger – Faster and more bouncy |
| Service | – Service below the waist – Must fall on the opposite diagonal | – Service over the head – Must fall on the opposite diagonal |
| Use of walls | – Walls can be used to return the ball | – No use of walls |
| Physical requirements | – Less physically demanding – Ideal for all ages | – More physically demanding – Requires endurance and speed |
| Accessibility | – Simplified rules – Cheaper land to build on | – More complex rules – Expensive to install |
| Socialization | – Played in doubles, encourages interaction | – Can be played alone (single) or in doubles |
| Popularity in 2025 | – Fast-growing, overtaking tennis in some countries | – A classic sport, but experiencing a relative decline in popularity |
| Community | – Attraction for all ages, including seniors | – Attracts mainly young competitive athletes |
Padel and tennis share certain similarities, not least their membership of the racquet sports family. However, their striking differences in terms of terrain, equipment, rules and physical level required make them two distinct experiences. Thanks to its simplicity and conviviality, padel is winning over more and more people, while tennis remains an emblematic but more technical and demanding sport.
This table can help you better understand the specificities of each discipline and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences!
Where to play Padel in France in 2025?
France now boasts hundreds of padel courts all over the country. Here are a few options for finding a club near you:
Île-de-France
- Paris: Numerous clubs offer lessons and playing sessions, such as Padel Paris , located in the 15ᵉ arrondissement, and Urban Padel , accessible in Montreuil. These clubs offer modern facilities and programs suited to all levels.
- Versailles: Discover Padel Versailles, a complex with several indoor and outdoor courts, perfect for occasional players and competitors alike.
Rhône-Alpes
- Lyon: Explore the modern facilities of Padel Factory Lyon, located on the northern outskirts of the city. The center also offers beginners’ courses and regular events.
- Grenoble: Padel Grenoble is another must for padel enthusiasts in the Rhône-Alpes region, with indoor courts available all year round.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Marseille: Discover the indoor and outdoor courts of Padel Club Marseille, ideally located near the Old Port. The club welcomes players of all levels and organizes regular tournaments.
- Nice: Padel Nice Côte d’Azur is a modern complex with several indoor courts, perfect for enjoying padel even in winter.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Bordeaux: Padel Bordeaux is a club renowned for its professional facilities and training programs. Located in the Bastide district, it is easily accessible by public transport.
- La Rochelle: Padel La Rochelle offers a unique experience with courts close to the beach, enabling players to combine sport and relaxation.
Occitanie
- Toulouse: Padel Toulouse is a complex with several indoor and outdoor courts, ideal for players of all levels. The club also offers lessons for children and adults.
- Montpellier: Padel Montpellier is another must-see in the region, with modern facilities and regular events.
To locate a pitch near you, use platforms such as [Nom du Site Affiliate], which offer exclusive deals to reserve slots at reduced prices.
What equipment do you need to play?
The equipment needed to play padel is relatively simple:
- Paddle racket: Choose a racket suited to your level. For beginners, opt for versatile, lightweight models. See our selection of rackets at [Nom du Site Affiliate].
- Padel balls: Unlike tennis balls, padel balls are lighter and perforated for easier control.
- Comfortable clothing: Choose technical sportswear.
- Specific shoes: Invest in padel shoes for better grip on the court.
How do you find partners?
Finding partners to play with on a regular basis is essential for progress and fun. Here are a few tips:
- Join local clubs: Join a padel club near you to meet other players. For example, Padel Paris regularly organizes evenings for beginners.
- Use applications: Applications such as Padel Connect or [Nom du Site Affiliate] make it easy to find partners according to your level and availability.
- Take part in events: Attend amateur tournaments or club parties to widen your circle of contacts. For example, Padel Toulouse organizes monthly “open padel” evenings for all levels.
The best destinations to play Padel in 2025
If you’re looking for ideal padel destinations, here are a few suggestions:
- Madrid, Spain: The Spanish capital is considered the cradle of padel. With hundreds of courts, you’ll find clubs and tournaments for all levels.
- Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is another must-see city for padel enthusiasts, with modern facilities and international events.
- Cannes, France: On the Côte d’Azur, Cannes offers exceptional grounds with sea views, ideal for a weekend of sport and relaxation.
- Valencia, Spain: This Mediterranean city is known for its friendly atmosphere and numerous padel facilities.
In a nutshell…
Padel is much more than just a sport; it’s a genuine social and recreational experience that continues to win over more and more people every year. By 2025, it has become a must-have sport, even surpassing tennis in terms of popularity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s always a place for you in this dynamic community. So don’t wait any longer! Book your first match on [Nom du Site Affiliate] and discover why padel is THE trend sport of this decade.
Important note for readers: Links to our partners sometimes include affiliate programs that will enable you to benefit from exclusive discounts while supporting our site.
Thank you for your confidence!
