The world's fastest-growing racket sport finally hits the DMV
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Padel Up club. Photo: Courtesy Padel Up
Dink out, pickleball, there's a hot new racket sport in town: padel.
Why it matters: Padel is like pickleball's cool, jet-setting cousin — a social tennis spinoff whose popularity is skyrocketing.
State of play: The sport may be the fastest-growing in the world (there are pro leagues abroad), but it's just taking off in the U.S. and didn't have a notable local footprint until the opening of Padel Up in Sterling last year.
- The region's first dedicated club spans 17,000 square feet, with four indoor courts.
- Meanwhile, Padel Social has popped up in Bethesda with three outdoor courts and a pro shop.
Catch up quick: Padel started in Mexico over 50 years ago and is typically played in doubles. The big difference is that the courts — smaller than tennis — are surrounded by walls (often glass or mesh) that players can bounce balls off of.
- Think a mashup of squash and tennis.
Good to know: It's pronounced like the Spanish pádel (pah-dehl).
Zoom in: Sterling's Padel Up is similar to DMV squash clubs with courts, a pro shop stocked with popular brands, and a café for local coffee drinks, snacks and smoothies.
- A variety of classes, group clinics and coaching are available for beginners and advanced players. Monthly memberships start at $199. Non-members can book court time.
- At Padel Social in Bethesda, sessions range $15-$20 per person, plus they offer lessons, group clinics, racquet rentals and founding memberships ($100).
- A full-service indoor facility is slated to open next year.
What's next: More padel! Epic Padel is coming to Tyson's Corner next year.