The rise of racket padel: The new 'it' sport of SA

Whether it’s the satisfying whack of hitting the ball or the carefree social drinks after a game, padel has become the racket sport on everybody’s lips. A concoction between squash and tennis, this fun activity is a great alternative if you’re looking for a high-intensity sport without the constant running.

Padel is mainly played based on a couple vs. couple structure, which makes this the perfect option if you’re looking for an activity with gossip on the side. You’ll find the padel court to be similar to that of tennis and squash, with lined spaces and an enclosed environment where the walls can be used to your advantage.

The dynamics and padel rules are, however, quite different from their other racket counterparts, so be sure to clue up before you book your slot at a nearby padel court. Here are a few key differences to note:

There is one bounce before serving, which must bounce in the lined box of the opponent’s service box that is diagonal.
One bounce is needed before touching the opponent’s wall. If the ball hits the wall directly, it is considered out.
If you happen to touch the net, then the point is ultimately given to the opponent.

The primary way people are participating in this glorious game is by booking a time slot at sports courts that are exclusively constructed for padel. Recently, there has been a significant influx of interested parties wanting to try out the pleasures of padel, so be sure to request a court well in advance to avoid any disappointment. Take a look at a few locations you can make a booking:

Western Cape

Africa Padel (Claremon).
Play Padel (Hermanus).
Padel X (Somerset West).

Eastern Cape

Sunridge Action Arena (Gqeberha).
Kenton Padel (Kenton on Sea).

Free State

Net Set, Ramblers Club (Bloemfontein).

Gauteng

Africa Padel (Sandton).
Match Padel (Fourways).
Team Padel (Pretoria).

KwaZulu-Natal

Africa Padel (Pietermaritzburg).
The Padel Pros Dome (Dolphin Coast).

Limpopo

Mpumalanga