From Tennis to Padel: Why U.S. College Athletes Are Making the Switch

In recent years, padel has caught the attention of athletes across the U.S., and among the most notable converts are college tennis players. As padel courts continue to pop up on campuses, tennis players are increasingly drawn to this new sport, finding it to be an exciting alternative that complements their skills. What started as a fun, casual sport is quickly becoming a serious option for college athletes looking to expand their athletic repertoire.

This shift is being noticed by coaches, university sports programs, and even professional scouts. But what exactly is driving tennis players to make the switch to padel, and how is this trend reshaping collegiate sports? Let’s explore the factors behind this growing movement and the opportunities it presents for U.S. college athletes.

Padel vs. Tennis: The Key Differences

For those unfamiliar with the sport, padel may look similar to tennis at first glance. Both sports involve rackets and a ball, and they share a competitive, fast-paced nature. However, there are key differences that set padel apart and make it particularly attractive to college athletes.

First, padel is played on a smaller court, which is enclosed by glass walls. These walls are integral to the game, as players can use them to rebound the ball, adding a strategic layer of play that tennis doesn’t offer. The smaller court size means that points are typically shorter and more dynamic, with quicker rallies. It’s a fast-paced game that emphasizes quick reflexes and smart positioning over pure power—an appealing change of pace for many tennis players.

Additionally, padel rackets are solid (without strings) and shorter than tennis rackets, which some athletes find easier to control, especially in high-pressure situations. As a result, tennis players transitioning to padel can adapt relatively quickly, using their footwork, court awareness, and racket skills to excel.

Why College Tennis Players Are Embracing Padel

There are several reasons why college tennis players are making the switch to padel, or at the very least, adding it to their athletic toolkit. Let’s break down the main factors:

1. Fresh Challenge, Same Skills

For many college tennis players, padel represents a new challenge that allows them to utilize their existing skills while learning something new. The movement patterns, strokes, and strategy in padel share enough overlap with tennis to make the transition feel natural, yet the differences in court size, rules, and equipment provide a fresh challenge.

For example, the enclosed court in padel requires players to develop different shot strategies, as using the walls effectively becomes a key tactic. Many tennis players find this to be an exciting new element, keeping the game engaging and mentally stimulating.

2. Physical Benefits with Less Strain

Another reason college athletes are embracing padel is the reduced physical strain compared to tennis. While tennis can be a physically demanding sport, requiring long rallies and explosive movement across a large court, padel’s smaller court size and shorter points offer a more sustainable pace for many athletes. This makes it easier on the joints, reducing the risk of injuries commonly associated with tennis, such as elbow, shoulder, and knee problems.

Many tennis players at schools like Texas Christian University (TCU) and Pepperdine University, where padel courts have been integrated into their training programs, report that they appreciate the lower-impact nature of padel while still enjoying a competitive workout.

3. Social and Inclusive Appeal

One of the main draws of padel is its social aspect. The game is typically played in doubles, which fosters teamwork and a strong sense of camaraderie. Unlike tennis, which can sometimes feel more individualistic, padel’s team-based format makes it a more inclusive and social sport, something that resonates with many college athletes.

For tennis players who have been competing in singles matches their entire careers, the switch to a doubles-dominated sport offers a refreshing change in dynamics. The camaraderie on the court, combined with the fast-paced but low-pressure nature of padel, creates an environment where athletes can still compete without the same level of intensity found in singles tennis matches.

4. Expanding Athletic Opportunities

As padel grows in the U.S., so do the opportunities for college athletes to compete and even transition into professional play. College tennis players looking to pursue careers in professional sports may find that padel offers a new avenue to continue competing post-college. The expansion of the U.S. Padel Tour and the increased number of padel tournaments across the country provide new competitive outlets for athletes who may want to diversify their skill set and explore opportunities beyond tennis.

For example, Peter Alonso-Martinez, a standout American padel player who originally came from a tennis background, has made waves in the international padel scene. His success story is one of many that showcases how tennis players can smoothly transition to padel and find success in both sports.

Success Stories: Colleges Embracing the Shift

As more college tennis players explore padel, universities are beginning to embrace the sport as part of their athletic programs. Schools that have already established strong tennis programs are now adding padel courts, organizing intramural leagues, and even hosting official tournaments to meet the growing demand.

Texas Christian University (TCU)

Texas Christian University is one of the early adopters of padel in collegiate athletics. Known for its strong tennis program, TCU has recognized the potential of padel to attract both recreational players and competitive athletes. The university has invested in building padel courts on campus, which are available to both tennis players and the general student body. According to TCU's athletic department, the integration of padel has been met with enthusiasm, especially from tennis players looking for a complementary sport to stay active during the offseason.

Pepperdine University

At Pepperdine University, a school with a prestigious tennis history, padel is also gaining momentum. The university has seen a growing number of tennis players participate in padel tournaments, both on and off campus. Coaches at Pepperdine are now incorporating padel into their training regimes as a way to improve players’ hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and court strategy. The success of these players in padel tournaments is contributing to the sport’s growing popularity in Southern California.

University of Miami

Similarly, the University of Miami has seen its student-athletes embrace padel as both a recreational and competitive sport. The University of Miami’s padel club, which started as a student-led initiative, now includes several former tennis players who have taken up the sport for its social and physical benefits. Miami’s proximity to Latin America, where padel is deeply rooted, has also contributed to the sport’s rise on campus, with international students playing a big role in its expansion.

Padel as a Training Tool for Tennis Players

Beyond just a new sport to compete in, many tennis coaches are now using padel as a training tool to help their players improve in tennis. The fast pace of padel, combined with the need for quick decision-making and reflexes, can help tennis players develop sharper instincts and better reaction times. The enclosed court also requires players to be more strategic in their shot selection, a skill that translates well to tennis.

At Florida International University, tennis coaches have started incorporating padel into off-season training, noting that it helps players improve their net play and volleying skills. Since padel emphasizes quick, close-to-the-net exchanges, it forces tennis players to develop a faster, more aggressive game, which can be an advantage on the tennis court.

The Future of College Padel: More Than a Trend

The switch from tennis to padel among college athletes is more than just a trend—it’s part of a larger movement that’s reshaping racket sports in the U.S. As more universities invest in padel courts and support student-led padel clubs, the sport’s presence on college campuses will continue to grow. With the possibility of intercollegiate padel leagues and NCAA recognition on the horizon, padel is positioned to become a staple in U.S. college sports.

For tennis players, padel offers a unique opportunity to diversify their skills, stay active, and explore new competitive avenues. And for the wider university community, padel represents an exciting, inclusive, and accessible sport that’s perfect for both recreational and competitive play.

As more college athletes embrace padel, the sport will continue to gain momentum, creating new opportunities for both players and institutions. Whether it’s as a fun alternative to tennis or a path to professional competition, padel is here to stay in the U.S. collegiate sports landscape.