What Is Padel?

Padel is a fast-paced racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, played in doubles on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls. It is exploding in Toronto because it is easy to learn, highly social, and offers continuous, dynamic play that keeps players engaged longer than traditional racquet sports. The sport’s growing appeal is driving demand for new clubs and courts across the city.
Toronto’s multicultural population and increasing awareness of padel contribute to its rise. Despite challenges like limited indoor space and court construction needs, local enthusiasts and entrepreneurs are working to expand access. This gradual but steady growth shows padel is carving out a serious place in Toronto’s sports scene.

Padel: The Sport Explained

Padel combines elements from tennis and squash, creating a unique and fast-paced racquet sport. It is played mainly in doubles, with specific rules, equipment, and court design that shape how the game unfolds.

History and Origins

Padel was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico. It quickly gained popularity across Spain and South America before spreading worldwide. Its simple rules and social nature helped it grow fast.
The sport reached Canada and the US more recently, with cities like Toronto embracing it due to its accessibility and fun gameplay. Today, padel courts are appearing in many urban areas to meet demand.

Fundamental Rules and Gameplay

Padel is played in doubles on a court smaller than tennis but enclosed by glass and mesh walls. Players serve underhand, and the ball can bounce off the walls like in squash.
The scoring follows the international tennis format: points, games, sets, and matches. Players score points by making the ball bounce twice on the opponent’s side or forcing errors.
The use of walls adds strategy. Shots can be volleyed or played after bouncing on these walls, which keeps rallies longer and the action dynamic.

Equipment and Court Design

Padel rackets differ from tennis rackets; they are solid, made from foam and carbon fiber, without strings. The balls are similar but slightly less pressurized than tennis balls.
The court measures about 20 by 10 meters and is surrounded by glass walls on the back and part of the sides. This setup changes how the ball moves and how players position themselves.
Padel courts must meet certain international standards, ensuring consistent play quality worldwide. The materials used in courts and rackets affect ball speed and bounce, influencing gameplay style.

Why Toronto Is Embracing Padel

Toronto has seen a sharp rise in padel’s popularity due to its appeal to a wide range of players. The city’s growing number of courts and clubs, combined with the sport’s fit for urban living and social nature, have made it a top choice for many residents.

Rapid Growth in Popularity

Padel’s popularity in Toronto has surged rapidly over the past few years. From just a handful of courts, the city now hosts over a dozen premier facilities. This growth is reflected in the thousands of players joining every month.
The sport is especially attractive because it is easy to learn compared to tennis or squash. Its doubles format encourages social play, drawing both new and experienced athletes. Toronto’s position as Canada’s largest city helps drive awareness and participation, making it a key hub in North America.

Unique Appeal for Urban Athletes

Toronto’s dense urban environment plays a key role in padel’s appeal. The sport requires less space than tennis, so courts fit well in tight areas like rooftops and multi-use centers. This makes it accessible in busy neighborhoods where outdoor space is limited.
Additionally, many padel courts are indoors, allowing year-round play despite Canada’s cold winters. This indoor access supports consistent training and social play. The fast pace and strategic elements cater to athletes looking for engaging, low-impact exercise.

Community and Club Expansion

The padel community in Toronto is growing with club expansions and new programs. Indoor clubs such as T.10 Padel and COURTX provide coaching, events, and tournaments. These clubs use booking platforms for easy access, helping players connect and improve.
Local leagues and beginner sessions promote skill development and social interaction. Private and municipal investments have boosted the number of courts, contributing to a thriving network. This ongoing build-out supports a diverse and growing player base throughout the city and nearby areas.

The Impact of Professional Leagues in Toronto

The rise of professional padel leagues plays a major role in growing the sport’s profile in Toronto. These leagues create structured competition while helping clubs and players improve. Key developments include local teams, influential figures, and major tournaments shaping the city’s padel scene.

Pro Padel League and Local Franchises

The Pro Padel League (PPL) is North America’s first professional padel league. It aims to introduce padel to a broader audience and grow elite competition. The league has helped establish organized play beyond recreational matches.
Toronto benefits directly from this league with several local franchises. These teams bring professional-level matches and attract fans interested in padel’s fast pace. The PPL’s presence encourages more court development and community engagement, helping Toronto solidify its position as a leading Canadian padel hub.

Toronto’s PPL Team Development

Toronto’s official PPL team—the Toronto Polar Bears—has become a central figure in the city’s padel community. The team started in 2024 and quickly built a following through competitive play and public engagement.
The development of this team includes training local talent and connecting with fans via social media and events. Their matches are held at high-quality facilities, showcasing professional padel live. This growth increases interest among new players and helps recruit youth into the sport.

Role of Marcos del Pilar in Padel Growth

Marcos del Pilar is a key influencer behind Toronto’s padel rise. He works to promote the sport through coaching, organizing events, and supporting professional league efforts.
Del Pilar’s efforts focus on elevating the quality of play and expanding awareness. He collaborates with clubs and the PPL to create opportunities for players to compete and improve. His impact extends to both grassroots players and professionals.

PPL Cup and Team Competition

The PPL Cup is an important event in the professional padel calendar, bringing together teams from the Pro Padel League to compete for the title. It highlights the sport’s competitive spirit and attracts fans and media attention.
This tournament drives local interest in Toronto as the city’s team competes against franchises across North America. Team-based competition also fosters rivalries that help build regular audiences and promote padel’s strategic and fast-paced nature. The PPL Cup serves as both a summit for elite athletes and a showcase for new fans.

Future Outlook for Padel in Toronto

Padel in Toronto is set to grow with more courts and clubs opening. Player numbers and events continue to rise, and Toronto plays a key role in shaping the sport’s development across Canada.

Expansion of Padel Facilities

Toronto has seen rapid growth in the number of padel courts, increasing more than 300% since 2022. New facilities like COURTX, with eight indoor courts, and the expanding Fairgrounds network add accessibility in both the city and suburbs. Plans project over 100 courts in the Greater Toronto Area by the end of 2025.
This expansion focuses on diverse offerings, from premium indoor venues to community-based outdoor courts with no membership fees. Year-round access is also a priority, with indoor courts helping players continue through cold Canadian winters.

Trends in Participation and Events

Padel participation in Toronto is rising steadily, attracting players from tennis, squash, and other racquet sports. Both casual players and competitive athletes benefit from frequent tournaments, leagues, and social events.
Clubs offer beginner clinics and round robins to introduce newcomers. Multilingual coaching supports Toronto’s diverse population. Seasonal programming adapts to the city’s climate, with indoor events in winter and outdoor activities in summer.

Toronto’s Influence on Canadian Padel Scene

Toronto leads Canada’s padel growth, driving nearly a third of North America’s market expansion. The city’s mix of facility types and strong community focus serves as a model for other regions.
Its approach balances professional training and casual play, helping padel gain wide appeal. Toronto’s multicultural population adds to the sport’s diversity, making it a hub for Canada’s future padel development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Padel uses a unique scoring system and rules that blend elements from tennis and squash. Players need specific gear but can often rent equipment at courts. The sport has many venues throughout Toronto, including indoor and outdoor locations. Beginners are supported with lessons, and local clubs actively organize events to grow the community.
What are the basic rules and scoring system in padel?
Padel is played mainly in doubles on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls. The scoring follows tennis rules: points go 15, 30, 40, and game.
Players can use the walls to bounce the ball after it hits the ground once. Matches are usually best of three sets. The serve is underhand and must bounce in the opposite service box.

Where can I find padel courts in Toronto?
Toronto offers many padel courts both indoors and outdoors. Major facilities include North Padel Club, T.10 Padel at Trio Sportsplex, and COURTX.
Outdoor options like The Pad and Fairgrounds Racket Club provide accessible, community-centered play. Courts are spread throughout the Greater Toronto Area with over 40 courts available, and more planned for expansion.

What equipment is needed to start playing padel?
Players need a padel racquet, padel balls, and suitable athletic shoes. Most courts rent racquets and balls, with prices around CAD $5-$10 per session.
Pro shops at facilities stock major brands like Babolat and Head. Beginners can try the sport without buying gear by renting equipment on site.

How does padel differ from traditional tennis or squash?
Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts and enclosed with glass walls, which are part of the gameplay. Unlike squash, padel uses a larger, stringed racquet rather than a solid paddle.
The serve is underhand, unlike tennis’s overhead serve. Padel’s doubles-only format encourages social play and makes rallies fast paced but less physically demanding than tennis.

Can beginners easily pick up padel, and are there lessons available in Toronto?
Yes. Padel’s rules and racquet design make it easier for new players to learn compared to tennis. Many clubs offer beginner lessons and clinics.
Facilities like North Padel and T.10 Padel provide private and group coaching for all ages. Introductory clinics and free equipment rentals help beginners get started.

What are local padel clubs doing to promote the sport?
Toronto clubs run leagues, tournaments, and social events to grow player networks. Round robins and beginner clinics encourage community involvement.
Clubs offer programs in multiple languages reflecting the city’s diversity. Facilities like Fairgrounds focus on accessibility by keeping membership optional and providing affordable rates.