The origins of padel: from a Mexican backyard to a global sport
The story of padel begins in the late 1960s with Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy Mexican sports enthusiast. According to the channel, Corcuera wanted to build a tennis court at his summer home, but the available space was limited to 20 meters in length by 10 meters in width. Instead of abandoning the idea, he improvised, creating a smaller court with a net in the middle. Initially, he tried playing tennis, but the power of tennis rackets made it impractical in such a confined space.
To adapt, Corcuera sourced platform tennis paddles from the United States—these were thinner and more manageable for the new court size. He and his friends began playing a new version of tennis, experimenting with rules and gameplay. The court’s back walls were the neighboring houses, and to prevent vegetation from encroaching, Corcuera added small side walls. This early version of padel quickly became popular among his friends, many of whom were from Argentina and Spain.
Padel’s rapid expansion to Argentina and Spain
The sport’s unique appeal led Corcuera’s friends to introduce padel to their home countries. The first international courts appeared in Marbella, Spain—a popular holiday destination for Europeans—and Mar del Plata, Argentina, a coastal city known for its vacation culture. These locations became the launchpads for padel’s expansion across both nations.
By 1969 in Argentina and 1970 in Spain, the first official padel courts were established. The channel highlights the rapid growth that followed: today, Argentina boasts over 10,000 courts, while Spain has more than 20,000. This explosive development over the past five decades has transformed padel from a backyard pastime into a mainstream sport in both countries.
Key milestones in the evolution of padel’s court design
Early padel courts were surrounded by solid cement walls, which created a unique playing style but also posed challenges for spectators. Watching matches was difficult, as visibility was limited to the sides due to the opaque back and side walls. This limitation became a catalyst for innovation in court design.
The channel credits Alfonso Alvarez Clementi, a former world number one padel player from Argentina, with a major breakthrough. Clementi introduced the first all-glass court, known as the Crystal Palace. This design allowed spectators to enjoy a 360-degree view of the action, revolutionizing the spectator experience and making the sport more accessible to fans and media.
The financing for this innovation came from Mariano Rossi, then CEO of Coca-Cola in Argentina, who sponsored the construction of the first Crystal Palace. This partnership not only enabled the new court design but also helped launch the first professional padel tour in Argentina in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The professionalization and cultural shift in padel
The introduction of glass courts and the professional tour marked a turning point for padel. The sport began to attract former tennis players, many of whom transitioned to padel and became professionals. The channel notes that this migration was particularly evident in Argentina, where a strong tennis culture provided a steady stream of skilled athletes ready to embrace the new sport.
Padel’s professionalization also fostered a distinct culture, blending the social aspects of tennis with the unique dynamics of the enclosed court. The ability to watch matches from all angles made tournaments more engaging, while the sport’s accessibility drew in players from diverse backgrounds.
Padel’s global rise and current popularity
In the decades since its invention, padel has experienced exponential growth. The channel emphasizes the sport’s popularity in Spain and Argentina, but also notes its increasing presence worldwide. The combination of easy-to-learn rules, a social atmosphere, and the excitement of wall-based play has made padel the fastest-growing sport globally.
Today, padel is played in dozens of countries, with new courts and clubs opening regularly. Its appeal spans age groups and skill levels, making it a favorite for both recreational and competitive players. The sport’s journey from a Mexican backyard to a global phenomenon is a testament to its adaptability and universal appeal.
Summary of key developments and cultural impact
- Invented by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico in the late 1960s due to space constraints for a full tennis court.
- First international courts built in Marbella, Spain, and Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 1969–1970.
- Rapid expansion led to over 10,000 courts in Argentina and 20,000 in Spain.
- Innovation of glass courts (Crystal Palace) by Alfonso Alvarez Clementi enabled 360-degree viewing and professionalization of the sport.
- Professional tours and sponsorships (notably by Coca-Cola) fueled the sport’s growth and visibility.
- Padel culture blends social play, accessibility, and high-level competition, contributing to its global popularity.
The evolution of padel, as outlined by the channel, demonstrates how innovation, community, and adaptability have driven the sport’s remarkable rise. From humble beginnings to a worldwide phenomenon, padel continues to shape sporting culture and attract new fans every year.
