Try Padel! Pa-what? Padel (pronounced padél (for the pros) or paddle (for the amateurs) is a mix between tennis and squash. Because you can use the walls with padel, it’s just like squash. But you play it with something reminiscent of a tennis racket, you score the same as in tennis, and you play two against two.
Did you know that padel is going to be the fastest growing sport in the next few years? And it has all the potential to get bigger. In southern European countries like Spain, the sport has been one of the biggest in the country for years. This is because padel is a sport for all ages, it is easily accessible and easy to learn. Padel is also a great addition for most tennis clubs. So it is often possible to try it at your local tennis club in Holland.
Below you can find some locations in Amsterdam where you can play Padel.
- At Play Padel Club Zuidas, Sloterdijk of Olympiaplein you can challenge your friends on the blue court.
- The Padellers: located at Amstelpark Tennis!
- Try Padel at the Padel weir in Nieuw-West
- Or choose USC Padel in Oost
- New: It’s now also possible to play Padel in the old factory of chewing gums! Play Padel Club Kauwgomballenkwartier is new in Amsterdam. From the terrace you have a view over 6 beautiful panoramic courts, where you can play Padel to your heart’s content.
Padel: The best of both worlds
Why try padel when you can also play tennis or squash? What are the advantages? Well, it’s easy to learn. The ball doesn’t constantly fly away when you show off your fanatical (amateur) skills, because the court is surrounded by walls. Serving is backhanded, you don’t do rackets with strings pulled tight, so the ball is less sensitive.
Padel is a team sport. You play it with doubles, two against two others. You can meet people on the court, or bring a friend. As a dream team, you can challenge others, or get swept off the court…but at least you’re in it together.
Vitamin D
“Everyone is an outdoorsman,” some say. Well, that comes in very handy with Padel. You can play outside all year round, because your courts are paved with artificial grass. Grab some extra sun rays or overcome the wind in any season while keeping moving.
Even if you have some experience playing squash or tennis on a blue court, a lesson in Padel is recommended before you challenge your brothers-in-law or colleagues.
Our favorite padel venue: The Padellers
Our favorite is The Padellers (formerly Amstelpark Padel), located on the edge of the Amsterdamse Bos. The originally tennis park is spacious and has a great restaurant and bar. This way you can have a nice chat after your padel session while enjoying a drink and a snack!