The Appeal of Unconventional Racquet Sports
These sports, beyond their quirky names, are celebrated by participants for being easy to learn, accessible, and social, leading to their increasing popularity. Pickleball and padel are among the fastest-growing sports worldwide.
The Rise of Padel
Padel has seen a resurgence, especially in Europe, the Middle East, the US, and Asia, over the past five years, arriving in New Zealand in 2023. Wictoria Markula, inspired by the sport’s boom in Sweden, brought it to New Zealand, noting a significant increase in its popularity during the pandemic. Sweden now boasts over 4,000 padel courts, offering a socially distanced sporting option during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico, padel combines tennis and squash elements on a smaller, enclosed court. In New Zealand, the sport's growth is partly due to the establishment of dedicated venues. From just a few courts, New Zealand plans to have over 25 courts nationwide by the end of the year.
Markula highlights padel's forgiving nature for beginners, making it appealing to a wide age range, from children to the elderly. This accessibility is attractive to those who are time-poor and prefer a sport that doesn't require extensive lessons or experience.
The Health Benefits of Racquet Sports
Brad Miles, a lecturer at the University of Canterbury, emphasizes that racquet sports are often ranked highly for health and longevity benefits. They incorporate bursts of activity, strategic play, and social interaction, which contribute to their enjoyment and health benefits.
Pickleball's Explosive Growth
Introduced to Wellington by Will Dewhirst during a seniors' week event, pickleball has become immensely popular, with courts often fully booked. Originating in 1965 in Washington, pickleball was designed as a family-friendly game and has since become widespread, particularly in the USA.
Dewhirst notes pickleball's appeal lies in its social nature and the ease of getting a workout without the discipline required for gym routines. The sport has professional leagues, with top players earning significant income through sponsorships and prize money.
The Comeback of Padder Tennis
Padder tennis, a popular school playground game in New Zealand during the 1970s and 80s, is experiencing a revival. Paul Grubi, after a long career in tennis, is reintroducing padder tennis to schools, emphasizing its accessibility and potential to engage children who might not otherwise play tennis.
Grubi's efforts include modernizing the game with carbon fiber racquets and regulation nets, making it more consistent and engaging for today's students. He has also organized inter-school competitions to foster competitive play.
Conclusion
The surge in popularity of sports like pickleball, padel, and padder highlights a shift towards fun, accessible, and social activities. These sports offer a reminder that enjoyment is a central aspect of sporting activities, breaking down barriers and encouraging more people to get active.
