By Sadeen Nagro
Padel is a type of sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, so it is likely to boom in Egypt faster than you think! We caught up with Seif Abou Senna, one of the founders of PadelPod, who is responsible for bringing the trendiest European sport to Egypt.
What is Padel? 
Padel is a racquet sport that integrates the components of tennis and squash. It is an ideal sport for all age groups and different fitness levels since it is considered as an easy sport to learn and requires strategy rather than strength. The padel court is a third of the size of a tennis court, making it easier for players to communicate and matches more thrilling. It is one of the world’s fastest growing sports with over 10,000 courts and more than 10 million players worldwide.
How is Padel played?
Padel is played in doubles in an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mesh. The court is divided by a net and the ball can only bounce once and can only touch the back and side walls after that bounce. Players can gain a point by attacking from their net position. The ball can bounce off any wall, but can only hit the turf once before being returned. Points can be scored when the ball bounces twice in the competitors’ field.
What is the difference between tennis and padel?
Despite the similarities with tennis and the scoring system, it is a different type of sport. The main differences include:
- Ball: The balls used in padel have less pressure.
- Racquet and shovel: Padel shovels are smaller but weigh more, although they are still very light. The surface is hard with holes, whereas the tennis racket’s surface is made of strings.
- Rules: The serve is one of the main differences between padel and tennis. In tennis, the serve is done by throwing the ball in the air and hitting it before it can reach the ground. In padel, it is necessary to give a bat of the ball that can never exceed the height of the hip.
- Technique: The ball hit is more basic and simple and the plays are more dynamic. Meanwhile, in tennis, the movement of the ball is much more intense and explosive and requires a higher level of technique.
- Court: Padel courts have walls and are half the size of a tennis court.
Where to play!
Currently, there is only one academy offering the chance to padel to your heart’s content, but the sport is poised to take off big time! PadelPod is an academy that organizes padel tournaments and training in Egypt, founded by Khaled El Shawarby, Khaled Nagy and Seif Abou Senna, the first and only professional padel players and certified coaches in Egypt. There are currently 110 Egyptian padel players playing on 12 courts across Egypt in New Giza, Palm Hills, Lakehouse, City View, and Hacienda White and Seashell Playa on the North Coast in the summer. Future plans include an Egyptian Padel Federation and a National team!
PadelPod
Tel: 0111 166 7783
Facebook: @PadelPod
