Pickleball and Padel Ball Craze: In 2025, two fast-growing sports — pickleball and padel ball — are taking over fitness clubs, resorts, and social feeds. Their rise is fueled by a mix of easy play, stylish gear, and strong communities. These sports are now popular in places like the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Pickleball, which mixes elements of tennis and ping-pong, has seen a 70% increase in UK players since 2024. Padel, known for its high-speed glass-court doubles matches, is drawing celebrity attention and expanding fast in major cities and resorts worldwide.
Both games offer more than just exercise. They are now part of a lifestyle that blends fun, fashion, and connection.
Where It All Started
Pickleball began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the game using a badminton net, ping-pong paddles, and a plastic ball. It started as a family activity and slowly became a national trend.
Padel was invented in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, by Enrique Corcuera. He built a court with walls and created a new sport that combined tennis and squash. In 1974, Alfonso von Hohenlohe brought it to Spain, where it spread across Europe and Latin America.
Both sports stayed small until after 2020. Since then, more people have looked for fun, active, and social ways to stay healthy — helping these games explode in popularity.
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How the Gear Makes the Game
Pickleball uses a plastic ball with 26 to 40 holes. The ball changes slightly based on whether it’s for indoor or outdoor play. The paddle is solid and stringless, usually made from composite or graphite. New textured surfaces help players add spin while keeping control.
Padel uses a racket with holes, made from carbon fiber and foam. The ball is like a low-pressure tennis ball. Since the game involves wall bounces, players wear a wrist strap to keep hold of their racket.
Shoes are different, too. Pickleball players wear court shoes with soft soles for grip and quick moves. Padel shoes are made for turf or sand-covered courts, with strong sides and grippy soles to handle fast, side-to-side motion.
Fashion also matters. Padel players wear sleek, stylish outfits, sometimes with mirrored sunglasses and matching sets. Pickleball fans often wear relaxed, retro-inspired gear with performance fabrics that blend comfort and style.
Game Styles: Slow and Smart vs. Fast and Flashy
Pickleball focuses on control and strategy. Played on a smaller court, it rewards smart moves, especially in the “kitchen,” where players can’t hit volleys. The game sounds sharp and fun, with short, fast rallies that feel like a puzzle to solve.
Padel is louder and faster. Played only in doubles inside a glass court, it includes wall bounces and quick reactions. The pace is intense, with action that can feel like a mix of tennis and racquetball. It’s dramatic and exciting to watch — a mix of skill and style.
While different in speed and feel, both sports focus on fun, friendship, and shared experiences.
Who’s Playing and Why It Matters
In 2025, both sports have become global trends thanks to celebrities, social media, and demand for social fitness.
Padel is popular in Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. It’s known for its glamorous image and celebrity fans. David Beckham plays with his sons in Majorca. Rafael Nadal uses padel courts at his academy. Zlatan Ibrahimović has started his own club chain. Lionel Messi plays with teammates, and Serena Williams once broke a wall at a padel event in Spain.
Luxury real estate now includes private padel courts. Some rooftop clubs in cities like London, Dubai, and Barcelona even offer matches with live DJs.
Pickleball has a more relaxed feel. It’s often played in parks, resorts, and local clubs. But it has also drawn star power. Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom co-hosted a charity pickleball event. Vince Vaughn owns a pro team. Other players include Jason Kidd, Jonathan Van Ness, Scottie Scheffler, and Meyers Leonard.
Pickleball is popular with people of all ages — from teenagers to seniors. It’s seen as friendly, fun, and easy to learn. Padel usually draws a younger, fashion-forward crowd, especially urban professionals in their 30s and 40s.
Looking Ahead
The rise of pickleball and padel ball shows a bigger change in how people play and connect. These sports offer more than just workouts — they provide style, community, and fun.
Whether someone wants a calm match with friends or a fast-paced game under lights, both options deliver. As more people discover the joy of playing together, these sports are set to keep growing in popularity and cultural influence.
News in Brief: Pickleball and Padel Ball Craze
Pickleball and padel ball are now two of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Their mix of easy play, fashion, and social fun has made them global favorites. With star players and stylish venues, these games have moved from courts to culture, becoming a big part of life in 2025.
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