Short Answer
Padel was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico. He created the sport to fit the limited space of his home, designing a smaller enclosed court that encouraged longer rallies and social play.
Who Was Enrique Corcuera?
Enrique Corcuera was a Mexican businessman and sports enthusiast living in Acapulco. Passionate about tennis but constrained by space, Corcuera set out to adapt the game to suit his surroundings.
His solution was not to compromise the sport, but to reimagine it — creating something entirely new.
Why Was Padel Invented?
Padel was invented out of necessity. Corcuera had a small area available for a tennis court at his home, bordered by walls. Instead of viewing these walls as a limitation, he incorporated them into the game itself.
This design choice fundamentally changed how the sport was played, encouraging longer rallies, strategic play, and constant interaction between players.
The First Padel Court in Acapulco
The first padel court was built at Corcuera’s residence in Acapulco in 1969. The court was smaller than a tennis court and fully enclosed, preventing balls from leaving the playing area.
This enclosure made the game more continuous, accessible, and engaging — qualities that remain central to padel today.
How Padel Spread Beyond Mexico
Padel’s growth began when friends and visitors experienced the game firsthand. One of the most influential figures was Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe, who introduced padel to Spain in the 1970s.
Spain embraced the sport, refining the rules and expanding its popularity. From there, padel spread rapidly across Europe and beyond.
Why Spain Became the Heart of Padel
Spain’s climate, social culture, and club-based sports environment provided the perfect conditions for padel to flourish. The sport’s accessibility and doubles format resonated deeply with Spanish players.
Over time, Spain became the global centre of padel, influencing how the sport is played worldwide.
The Philosophy Behind Padel
At its core, padel was designed to be inclusive, social, and enjoyable. Unlike many sports that prioritise power and individual dominance, padel rewards positioning, teamwork, and shared experience.
These values trace directly back to Corcuera’s original vision.
Why Padel’s Origins Still Matter Today
Understanding who invented padel — and why — explains why the sport feels different from others. Its heritage is rooted in creativity, adaptability, and community rather than tradition for tradition’s sake.
To explore how padel has evolved, read: Padel Origins: Acapulco, 1969 or discover how padel’s culture continues to grow in Why Is Padel Growing So Fast in the UK? .