Padel United in Cresskill, New Jersey, is quickly becoming a hotspot for padel enthusiasts in the region. The sport of padel, which originated in Mexico in 1969, has gained popularity in recent years, attracting players from all walks of life. William Persson, a resident of Fair Lawn, describes the sport as a unique blend of tennis and squash, offering a fast-paced and engaging experience for players.
Until recently, individuals in New Jersey interested in playing padel had to travel to New York to find a court. However, with the opening of three clubs in the state and more on the horizon, the sport is gaining traction in the area. Players and club owners attribute the growing popularity of padel to its dynamic gameplay, long volleys, and the sense of community that develops around it.
Padel, pronounced “PAH-del” or “paddle,” is a doubles game played on a court resembling a small turf tennis court enclosed by glass walls. Players use a fiberglass racket, slightly shorter than a tennis racket, with holes instead of strings. The scoring system is similar to tennis, but with unique rules such as hitting serves from below the waist and playing the ball off any of the four walls.
In June, Padel United Sports Club opened its doors in Cresskill, offering seven courts and a 10,000-square-foot wellness area complete with various amenities. The club has already garnered significant interest, with a waiting list for membership prior to its opening. Similarly, And Padel in Oakland, which opened around the same time, boasts high ceilings and top-notch facilities, attracting padel enthusiasts from across the state.
Membership in the United States Padel Association has seen a steady increase in recent years, reflecting the growing interest in the sport. While padel still lags behind pickleball in terms of popularity, club owners like Walid Idriss believe that padel has the potential to surpass pickleball in the U.S. within the next five years. The accessibility and social nature of padel make it appealing to players of all ages and skill levels, contributing to its widespread appeal.
With the opening of new padel clubs like Centercourt Club & Sports in Morristown and upcoming locations like CrownPadel in Princeton, the future of padel in New Jersey looks promising. Richy Bailey, a padel enthusiast and former head coach of the Finnish national padel team, sees a bright future for the sport in the region. As more players discover the excitement of padel and the sense of camaraderie it fosters, the sport is poised for continued growth and expansion.
In conclusion, padel is more than just a sport—it’s a community-building activity that brings people together through shared experiences on the court. With the rise of new clubs and the increasing popularity of padel in New Jersey, the future looks bright for this unique and engaging sport. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner looking to try something new, padel offers a fun and inclusive environment for all to enjoy.
