Women's padel: a sport that is gaining ground

Padel isn't just about big muscles and men-only competitions! This dynamic and fast-growing sport is attracting more and more women, both at amateur and professional levels. Combining precision, team esprit and accessibility, padel appeals to a diverse community of players of all ages and abilities. Whether it's to stay in shape, take on a challenge or simply have fun, padel offers many benefits. 

In this article, find out how women's padel is taking off, explore the specifics of the game for female players, and let us guide you to make a great start in this challenging sport!

Padel for women 

The benefits of padel for women

Padel is a sport that not only helps you stay fit but is also extremely social and easy to get into. Unlike some more technical racket sports, such as tennis or squash, padel is quicker to learn and requires less physical strength, making it ideal for women looking for an activity that is gentle yet still intense. The small court and close-range rallies encourage interaction and team esprit, qualities often appreciated by new players.

Specific equipment for women's padel

There is a range of padel rackets suited to women, with an emphasis on light weight and manoeuvrability. The rackets also come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different playing styles. Renowned brands such as Babolat, Nox and Bullpadel offer rackets that provide power and control, ideal for players looking to improve quickly.

When choosing padel clothing, female players can find suitable options such as skirts, shorts, technical tops and shoes specially designed for comfort and performance on court. Some players prefer to wear skirts with shorts, while others favour full outfits made from polyester, valued for their light weight and breathability.

Learning and improving at padel

For beginners, it is advisable to take padel lessons. Many clubs offer lessons for all levels, helping players quickly master the basics, such as how to score points in padel and positioning strategies on the padel court. Once they have developed these skills, players can take part in doubles matches and even consider entering friendly competitions.

If you're ready to take the plunge, you can join a club or check out the many padel events held in your area. And for younger players, kids' padel is a great way to introduce the whole family to this sport.

Women's padel competitions on the international stage

The main championships

Women's padel is also making its mark in major tournaments. For example, Premier Padel is an international competition that attracts the world's top players, giving them a platform to compete at a professional level. This tournament boosts the growing visibility of women's padel and draws a wider audience every year.

In addition, the European Padel Championships now include team competitions, allowing female players to represent their country as a women’s team or even in mixed competitions. This type of tournament encourages diversity and lets spectators enjoy a mix of strategies and playing styles, helping padel gain recognition as a dynamic team sport.

The stars of women's padel

The world’s best female padel players are a real inspiration to fans and enthusiasts of this fast-growing sport. Leading figures include Ariana Sánchez and Gemma Triay, who regularly dominate the international rankings. Another standout pair, Alejandra Salazar and Paula Josemaría, stand out for how well they complement each other and their ability to adapt to even the most complex match situations.

On the French scene, players such as Alix Collombon and Laura Clergue are pioneers who have helped padel grow in France. Alix Collombon is a regular on the World Padel Tour circuit, where she stands out for her commitment and refined technique. Laura Clergue was one of the first French women to make her mark on the international scene and remains a major influence, particularly through her work as a commentator and her media involvement in promoting the sport. Through their performances and determination, these athletes inspire future generations of female padel players around the world.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about women's padel

• What are the basic rules of padel? 

The rules of padel are simple and quite similar to those of tennis. The game is played in doubles, and the aim is to return the ball to the opponents’ side without letting it bounce twice in a row on your side.

• At what age can you start playing padel? 

Padel is accessible from the age of 4. Specially adapted equipment is available for young boys and girls.

• What equipment do you need to play padel? 

You will need a padel racket, specific shoes, and comfortable clothing. Brands such as Wilson, Head and Adidas offer a wide selection of equipment for women.

• Is padel only for women? 

Absolutely not. Padel is a mixed sport, played by men and women of all ages and skill levels. Women's padel is simply a term that highlights the competitions, teams and events dedicated to women in this booming sport.