Padel sport has officially come to Overland Park. Did you even know there was such a thing?
Just when you finally gave in to your sister’s husband who would not stop talking about pickleball and bought some gear to learn to play, here comes padel (officially called “padel sport,” colloquially called “padel,” and pronounced “puh-dell”). Arguably faster growing than the most recent wave of pickleball enthusiasm and more popular than tennis in Spain and South America, padel has landed at La Casa del Padel in Overland Park.
The padel club, founded by six former and current Sporting KC soccer stars, including Johnny Russell, Daniel Salloi and Andreu Fontas, took up residence at the Overland Park Racquet Club in August of 2024. They offer memberships for those familiar with the sport and free lessons for folks wanting to learn.
So how much does padel differ from pickleball, really? Quite a bit, it turns out. Though both are considered “racket sports” and both were created in 1985 (padel in Mexico, unlike our Washington state native pickleball), the development and execution of each produces two quite unique experiences. The gear and the courts where the two sports are played highlight these differences the most. Whereas pickleball is played open like tennis, padel is played on an enclosed court like racquetball. This adds a lively dynamic, allowing gameplay to employ shots to and from the walls. Additionally, whereas pickleball uses a light, solid paddle and a plastic wiffle-ish ball, padel uses a solid racket with holes (ironic, right?) and a slightly deflated tennis ball.
“Padel is faster than pickleball and slower than tennis,” says La Casa del Padel General Manager Jeff Clark. While both activities are great ways to keep the heart rate up with some competitive fun among family, friends and strangers alike, padel lends itself to being the more rigorous of the two, as the wall mechanic extends consecutive volley sessions. Some may argue, however, that the lack of walls in pickleball makes it just as active, as you chase across fields and lots after an errant ball. Either way, with free learning sessions at Casa del Padel, it’s worth it to see for yourself—if for no other reason than to get back at the pickleball folks.
When asked if Casa del Padel fears retribution from Kansas City’s spirited pickleball community, Clark says: “Not at all. The sports are different enough that there is plenty of space for crossover. Come check it out for yourself.” Gear can be rented at Casa del Padel, so all you have to do is bring some good sneakers and a lot of energy. Visit lacasa-delpadel.com to learn more.
