Padel in France
Padel is growing in popularity in France, with more and more enthusiasts turning to this dynamic, friendly sport. In this article, we take an in-depth look at padel in the countryfrom its origins to its major competitions, including the dimensions of the pitch and its most emblematic players.
Definition and description of Padel
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles, in a court smaller than a tennis court and surrounded by walls and fences. The ball can be played after bouncing off the walls, making the game very dynamic and strategic.
Basic Padel Rules
The rules of padel are similar to those of tennis, but with a few notable differences. The game is played in two winning sets of six games, with a tie-break at 6-6. Points are scored in the same way as in tennis.
Padel court dimensions and features
A padel court is 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, with glass and mesh walls 3 to 4 meters high. The net, located in the middle of the court, is 88 cm high.
Different surfaces for Padel courts
Padel courts can have several types of surfaces, each offering a different playing sensation:
- Synthetic turf : Offers good shock absorption and a fast surface.
- Porous concrete Hard surface, often used outdoors.
- Sand Used to slow down play and provide better grip.
History of Padel
Padel originated in Mexico in the 1960s, invented by Enrique Corcuera. It became popular in Spain and Latin America before arriving in Europe in the 1990s. In France, padel has been booming since the 2010s.
Padel development in France
In France, padel was introduced in the 2000s and quickly gained in popularity thanks to the commitment of the French Tennis Federation (FFT). Today, there are thousands of players and hundreds of courts across the country.
Major Padel Tournaments in France
France hosts several important padel tournaments, including :
- French Padel Championship Organized by the FFT, this tournament brings together the best French players.
- World Padel Tour (WPT) : Several WPT events are held in France, attracting the world's best players.
- Paris Padel Masters One of the most prestigious tournaments in France, attracting an international audience.
The Most Famous Padel Competitors
Famous French Padel Players
- Benjamin Tison : Number 1 in France, he is one of the best players in Europe.
- Alix Collombon French champion, she also distinguished herself on the international scene.
Notable international players
- Fernando Belasteguín Former world number 1 for over 16 years.
- Alejandra Salazar Multiple world champion and emblematic figure of women's padel.
Padel ranking system
The padel ranking system is based on points awarded in official competitions. Points are accumulated throughout the season, determining players' national and international rankings.
ATP and WPT Points
Tournaments award points according to category and player performance. The biggest tournaments, such as those on the World Padel Tour, offer the most points.
Padel in France - FAQ
What is padel? Padel is a racket sport played on a 10×20-meter court, with glass walls and fencing, and is played in doubles.
What's the difference between tennis and padel? Padel is played on a smaller court with walls, and the rules are slightly different, particularly concerning the bounce of the ball off the walls.
How many players take part in a padel match? A padel match is always played by doubles, i.e. a total of four players.
What are the dimensions of a padel court? A padel court is 10 metres wide and 20 metres long.
What type of surface is used for padel courts? Padel courts can be made of synthetic turf, porous concrete or sand.
What are the major padel tournaments in France? Major tournaments in France include the French Padel Championship, the World Padel Tour and the Paris Padel Masters.
Padel en France - Conclusion
Padel is a sport in full expansion in FrancePadel is a dynamic and accessible alternative to traditional racket sports. Whether you're an experienced player or a curious beginner, there's always an opportunity to discover this exciting sport and join the growing community of padel enthusiasts in France.
