PLAYING PADEL IN POTCH

Ayola Gqotso

@a.yola_gq 

If you enjoy a social sport, or want to try something different, you might find interest in padel. Padel is a racket sport which can be described as a combination between tennis and squash. It is usually played in doubles and the court is enclosed, surrounded by walls of glass.

The basic rules of padel are that the ball should not bounce twice on the ground, and that serves are done crossover. Players can also use the walls of the court to their advantage.

Amori Matthee, an education student from Kasteel Ladies’ Residence, shared what she enjoys about padel: “It’s a nice social environment to get out and interact outside of school and be active, it’s also nice to get your heart rate up.”

There is a padel court at Olën Park stadium. It is only a few minutes from the North West University (NWU), situated close to the Snowflake venue and Green Meadows student accomodation. There is also a padel court at The Circle in the Vyfhoek area, across Oudebrug.

Matthee further expanded on how padel differs from tennis and squash, but also on what they have in common. She explained that tennis doesn’t have walls and the padel racket is different from a tennis racket. A padel court is also smaller than a tennis court. In squash, you play using the wall and can play solo, but in padel you usually have a partner. 

Sané Joubert, an economics student, elaborated on her first experience playing padel: “l completely enjoyed it!” 

Padel is suitable and accessible for all ages, according to Mieke Schutte, an NWU netball player who frequents the court with her family. “Padel is a friendly sport for family and it bring people together,” Schutte said. 

If you are interested in playing padel, you can download the Playtomic app and book a session. Alternatively, you can contact the various courts by phone.  

Edited by Christinet Zaal