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Discover the origins of Padel Tennis with Enrique Corcuera, the visionary behind the sport. Learn how it started in Acapulco and spread worldwide.

 

 

About Padel

Enrique Corcuera – The Inventor of Padel 

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An early concrete-walled padel court layout—similar to Corcuera’s Acapulco design.

Enrique Corcuera, a Mexican innovator, is widely credited with inventing padel in 1969 at his home in Acapulco. He adapted elements of tennis and squash to a walled, 20 × 10 m court with a central net—originally nicknamed “Paddle-Corcuera.”

“A clever backyard solution became a brand-new sport.”

From Mexico to Spain (1974)

After experiencing the game in Acapulco, Alfonso de Hohenlohe introduced padel to Spain in 1974, building courts at the Marbella Club and adapting rules for European play. From there, padel spread through Spanish resorts and private clubs before exploding into the mainstream.

Global Growth & Milestones

Argentina & South America

By the mid-1970s, Argentina embraced padel—fueling mass adoption across South America and establishing a competitive base that remains strong today.

Europe, UK & Middle East

The 1990s–2000s saw rapid growth in Spain and Portugal, followed by Italy, Sweden, the UK, and the Middle East. Today, millions play weekly, with new venues opening across major cities.

Want to learn the lingo and shots? Try our Padel Vocabulary Guide and our About Padel hub.

Why It Matters to Corcuera Padel Club

We honour Corcuera’s spirit of elegant, functional design. Our collections—from La Bajada to Après Padel—blend heritage with modern performance. Explore apparel and gifts for players and fans:

Shop All Padel Gifts Club de Padel La Bajada

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Enrique Corcuera invent padel?

In 1969, he built a walled 20×10 m court with a central net at his Acapulco home, blending tennis and squash into a fresh, social racket sport.

When did padel arrive in Europe?

In 1974, Alfonso de Hohenlohe brought the concept to Spain, building courts at the Marbella Club and helping formalize the rules.

How popular is padel today?

Padel now boasts tens of millions of participants worldwide with especially strong player bases in Spain, Argentina, Italy, the Middle East, and the UK.

Is Enrique Corcuera linked to your brand?

We draw inspiration from his pioneering approach, infusing heritage and modern design across our apparel and accessories.

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