Arizona teams to compete in national padel competition

• "Arizona will see a lot of growth this year in terms of padel," said Luis Fernando Ramirez Aristeguieta, director of the league's parent organization.
• Arizona teams were planning to compete last year but didn't get organized in time, he told Axios.

How it works: Padel combines the rules of tennis with the enclosed walled court and smaller racquet of squash.

Zoom in: The upcoming season will have four men's and four women's categories of varying skill levels.

• Teams from the same metro areas and same skill levels play each other, with the winner advancing to regionals, earning a shot at competing in nationals.
• If a city has only one team, that team automatically advances.
• Arizona's region includes teams from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Colorado.

What's next: There's still time to organize a squad: Teams have until April 18 to register.

• City-stage play begins April 20, with Southwest regionals in San Diego in June and national finals in Nashville in August, per Aristeguieta.

Catch up quick: Conquer Padel Club, the Valley's dedicated facility for the sport, opened last year.