Padel: Inside the Newest Sport Picking Pace in Kenya

Padel court
A collage photo of Kenyan Padel Coach Maureen (left) and the Padel Court in Jaffery Sports Club (right)in Lavington, Nairobi.
PHOTO:
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FILE

One of the easiest sports to master and play has been introduced in Kenya after the establishment of its court in East Africa. 

Padel is a sport that combines a mixture of tennis and squash as well as combining action with fun and social interaction.  

The game is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by walls made of metallic mesh and glass.

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It’s a sport that can be played by people of all age groups as it’s quick to learn with many learning the basics within an hour of training. 

Speaking to TeamKenya.co.ke Coach Maureen, one of the lead trainers of the sport in the country, noted that the only requirement is one's willingness and love for sports. 

“In the Padel academy, we already have over 15 people who are training with us. We have both children and adults. The training can be intense and fun at the same time, it is a social sport. Age is a factor if one wants to reach the highest competitive level. 

“Padel is new in Kenya and we are trying to introduce it and make many locals play, at the moment most of the players are expatriates. We have some Kenyans who are learning especially those who have a background in tennis or squash,” coach Maureen noted.

She added that it takes quite a short time to learn the game and athletes or sports enthusiasts who have played either tennis or squash can adapt faster. 

One of the biggest differences is that in Padel the serve is underarm as the ball bounces first before serving. 

The ball is also allowed to bounce off any wall but can only hit the turf once before being returned.

One scores a point when the ball bounces twice on the competitor’s side. 

Those interested in trying out the new sport should visit the Jaffery Sports Club, Lavington.

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