Pickleball in Spain: from unknown to phenomenon
Just a few years ago, pickleball was a virtually unknown sport in Spain. Today, however, its name is beginning to resonate loudly in sports clubs, parks, and social media. This sport, born in 1965 in the United States, blends elements of tennis, padel tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, and has won over players of all ages thanks to its simplicity, dynamism, and social nature.
Origins of pickleball and arrival in Spain
Pickleball emerged as an impromptu family game during a summer vacation and has since experienced unstoppable growth, especially in countries like the US and Canada. It quietly arrived in Spain about a decade ago, introduced by enthusiasts who adapted tennis and padel courts for the game. But what began as an alternative curiosity is now a growing trend.
Why has pickleball grown so much in Spain?
Pickleball's success in our country is no coincidence. Among the reasons for its rise are:
✅ Easy to learn : From the very first game, the game is accessible to beginners. The basic techniques are quickly mastered, allowing you to enjoy the game from the very first minute, without the need for extensive physical preparation.
✅ Suitable for all ages : Children, adults, and seniors find pickleball a fun way to stay active and socialize.
✅ Facility Adaptation : Many clubs have seen pickleball as an opportunity to make better use of their courts and attract new audiences, adapting tennis or padel courts to offer this alternative.
✅ Social and competitive environment : From matches between friends to organized tournaments, pickleball has the ability to unite people, creating dynamic and participatory communities.
The revolution of dedicated spaces
One of the clearest indicators that pickleball has gone from being a trend to a phenomenon is the emergence of centers specifically designed for its practice. We're no longer just talking about adapted courts inside sports centers or tennis clubs, but also exclusive facilities, such as LaFuente Pickleball Hub in Madrid , the first large indoor complex dedicated to pickleball in Spain, with ten professional courts and services designed for the most demanding players.
And this is just the beginning.
More and more cities are considering including public pickleball courts in their municipal parks, and some gyms and fitness centers are exploring ways to offer the sport to their members. This proliferation of dedicated spaces is solidifying pickleball as an essential part of the national sports landscape.
Without going any further, in Almansa, the home of the EPYK team, the magnificent facilities of La Fábrica Deporte y Ocio will soon be inaugurated, where anyone who wants to discover pickleball, in addition to the many existing fans, will have a common place to enjoy this passionate sport.
What does the future hold?
The future of pickleball in Spain is written in bold, ambitious letters. It is predicted that in the coming years we will experience:
🔹 Greater professionalization : Not only will we see more official tournaments, but also national leagues and even the arrival of Spanish professional players who will compete internationally.
🔹 Territorial expansion : While Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga are currently key growth hotspots, we'll soon see smaller and mid-sized cities joining in with clubs and public courts.
🔹 Educational Integration : More and more schools and institutes are considering including pickleball in their sports programs. Its ease of learning and low implementation costs make it a perfect candidate for inclusion in physical education classes.
🔹 Sports tourism : With its privileged climate, Spain can become a leading European destination for international pickleball camps, tournaments, and training camps, attracting quality tourism focused on the sport.
In short, everything points to the fact that we are only at the beginning of a real pickleball explosion in our country.
EPYK: Equipping the Pickleball Revolution
At EPYK , we're proud to be an active part of this growth. As a brand born in Spain by and for pickleball players, our goal is to offer high-performance paddles and accessories that help both amateurs and professionals enjoy every game to the fullest.
Our designs, inspired by mythology, combine advanced technology and high-quality materials to achieve the perfect balance of control, power, and durability. And, of course, we also work to support clubs and sports centers that want to join this movement, advising them and equipping them with everything they need.
Because the future of pickleball in Spain is here. And at EPYK, we want to play it with you.