The Bush Tennis Center in Midland, Texas, seeks to foster a newfound love for the Mexican sport padel that’s increasingly catching on around the globe. While the sport isn’t as popular in the U.S. as it is internationally, Bush Tennis Center wants Midlanders to give the game a try.,
“Padel!! A fun sport for all ages,” Bush Tennis Center said in a Sept. 4 Facebook post. “Come give it a try.”
According to Odessa CBS station KOSA Channel 7, Randy Garcia, the facility’s resident padel expert, said the sport is about 60 years old and is a combination of racquetball and tennis. The station reported padel is considered easier to play than tennis and abides by the same point system.
Where the two sports differ is the court and the equipment, with a padel ball being smaller and corresponding racquet heavier, KOSA reported. Garcia told the station a padel court is still bigger than a pickleball court.
“It’s surrounded by glass and fencing, because you’re actually allowed to play off your glass,” Garcia said to KOSA. “The ball is allowed to hit the glass after it hits the ground.”
KOSA reported Bush Tennis Center is among the nine clubs representing the Lone Star State in the U.S. Padel Association and is the lone padel venue in West Texas. The center, earlier this year, opened two padel courts and intends to establish its own player base.
Sportswear company Macron said the sport involves doubles and is usually played outdoors, according to its website. Per Macron, agility is an integral part of the game since it requires players to quickly move all over the court.
“It is important that players wear clothing that will allow them the freedom of movement the sport demands,” the company’s website said.