Why Padel Is the Ideal Sport for Everyone

Contrary to what people might think (especially after seeing my pictures), I’m not a very athletic person. I’m quite overweight, not very fast, and my fitness level and stamina have always been below average—something I’ve carried with me since childhood.

In school and neighborhood soccer games, I was always the kid sent to keep goal. In basketball, I barely made 10–20% of my shots and constantly had the ball stolen from me. And don’t even get me started on volleyball… you get the idea.

For years, I was told—and I believed—that I was too fat, too slow, too clumsy, and too out of shape to play or enjoy any sport.

Then, Padel came into the picture, and I discovered something incredible.

The Power of the Padel Community

First, the people. Padel is a highly social game. The relatively small court creates an intimate, welcoming atmosphere, and most of the players I’ve met have been nothing but positive and encouraging. The "americanos" (social round-robin tournaments) are fantastic opportunities to meet new people and expand your social circle. For someone like me, with, let’s say, "quirky" social skills, events like these are a godsend. If you ever get the chance to join one—don’t miss it!

The Game Itself: Easy to Start, Addictive to Master

Padel is famous for being "easy to learn, difficult to master." Once you develop basic hand-eye coordination, you’re good to go. Many clubs even offer free training sessions, giving you a chance to hold a paleta and get a feel for the game.

With time and patience, you’ll meet more experienced players who are happy to share tips and constructive feedback if you ask. Improving your skills becomes a challenge you’ll want to take on. And as you progress, the sense of achievement far outweighs any frustration you might experience along the way.

Padel Helped Me Redefine What It Means to Be "Athletic"

For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged in a sport. Not because I suddenly became fast or fit, but because Padel doesn’t require you to be a natural athlete to enjoy it. You don’t need to be the strongest, the fastest, or the most skilled player on the court—you just need to show up, have fun, and keep playing.

And something unexpected happened: the more I played, the better I felt—not just physically, but mentally too. My stamina improved without me even realizing it, and I started moving faster without forcing myself into a strict workout routine. Instead of dreading physical activity, I looked forward to my next match.

A Sport for Everyone

One of the most beautiful things about Padel is its inclusivity. I’ve played with people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds, and the common thread between all of us is simple: we love the game.

I used to think sports were only for people who were already fit. Padel proved me wrong. It showed me that enjoying a sport isn’t about looking the part—it’s about finding the right environment, the right people, and the right mindset.

So, if you’ve ever felt like I did—like sports weren’t meant for you—give Padel a shot. You might just surprise yourself.

Want to share how padel has changed your life? Tell us in the comments section!

Let's Play Padel!