Are Padel and Paddle Tennis the Same Sport? Let’s Take a Closer Look!
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in recent decades, yet many people still refer to it as paddle tennis. While the names sound similar, these are actually two distinct sports – with shared origins but different rules, courts, and equipment. Let’s explore how they differ and how modern padel came to be.
The Origins of Paddle Tennis
Paddle tennis dates back to the early 1900s, when an American minister named Frank Beal created a simplified version of tennis with a smaller court, wooden paddles, and softer balls.
 The sport quickly gained popularity in the United States, especially on beaches like Venice Beach in California. While the paddle tennis court and rules are closer to traditional tennis, the paddle itself is solid and perforated, without strings.
The Birth of Padel – A Different Story
Padel was born in a completely different context. In 1969, Mexican Enrique Corcuera built a walled court in his backyard to stop balls from rolling away.
 This simple idea laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most beloved racket sports – now played by millions in Spain, Argentina, Hungary, and beyond.
 Modern padel courts feature glass walls, artificial turf, and specialized rackets with vibration-dampening technology.
The Key Differences Between Padel and Paddle Tennis
- Padel is played on a closed court with walls that are part of the game, while
- Paddle tennis is played on an open court, more similar to traditional tennis.
Paddle tennis is often considered a simplified version of tennis, whereas padel is a unique blend of tennis, squash, and Basque pelota – making it fast-paced, highly technical, and incredibly social.
Life4Padel – Your Trusted Source for Everything Padel
At Life4Padel, we help you navigate this fast-growing sport with confidence.
Our webshop offers only official and trusted brands of padel rackets, apparel, and accessories.
 Whether you’re new to padel or a seasoned player, you’ll find the perfect racket, outfit, and gear – all in stock, with fast delivery, and backed by expert support.
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