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History of padel

The history of padel

Padel began in Mexico in the late 1960s before spreading to Spain, Argentina and other countries, including New Zealand.

Learn how to play
1969First court in Acapulco
1991International federation founded
2022Premier Padel established

Acapulco, 1969

Padel began on a court in Mexico.

Enrique Corcuera built an enclosed court at his home in Acapulco. The game later spread to Spain and Argentina.

The original padel court created by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco

Padel today

From the first court to clubs around the world.

Padel is now played in clubs and professional competitions. In New Zealand, new courts are giving more people a chance to try it.

Two modern padel players on court
01A recognisable modern court
Pure Padel players in action
02From private courts to global competition
Aerial view of the Pure Padel courts in Dunedin
03The New Zealand chapter

Padel in New Zealand

Find a place to try the game.

Pure Padel’s Dunedin courts are open for bookings. Our beginner guide explains the rules and what to bring.

  1. 01More accessible courts
  2. 02Help for new players
  3. 03Coaching and social play
  4. 04Links to the international game

Timeline

Key dates in padel’s history.

Follow the sport from its first court to international competition.

01

1969: the first court

Enrique Corcuera built the first recognised padel court at his home in Acapulco, Mexico. The 20 by 10 metre court had walls that became part of the game.

02

The 1970s: Spain and Argentina

The game travelled from Acapulco to Spain through Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe, who built courts at the Marbella Club. Around the same period, Julio Menditeguy helped introduce padel to Argentina.

03

1991: an international federation

The International Padel Federation was founded in Madrid in 1991 to support common rules and international competition.

04

The professional era

National circuits and international tours made elite padel more visible. The professional game continued to evolve through the Padel Pro Tour, World Padel Tour, and the launch of Premier Padel in 2022.

05

Why people play

The underarm serve and enclosed court can help beginners start a rally. Playing in pairs also makes it a social game.

06

Padel in New Zealand

Pure Padel began after two people played padel in Bali and wanted to bring it to New Zealand. Our first two courts are at Otago Tennis Club in Dunedin.

Further reading

The sources behind the story.

The international timeline draws on the International Padel Federation (FIP). Our New Zealand beginnings are Pure Padel’s own account.

Keep exploring

Related pages.

How padel works

Understand the serve, the scoring, and how to use the glass.

Read more

Meet our people

Meet the team bringing more places to play to New Zealand.

Read more

Ready when you are

Book a game or ask us a question.

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