All you need to know about Padel in Uganda:
Padel, the racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has officially arrived in Uganda with the inauguration of Herman Padel, the nation’s first padel center.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the sport in the region, promising a new and exciting way for Ugandans to stay active.
Henrik Andersen, CEO of Herman Padel, emphasized the sport’s rapid global growth despite its relative obscurity in Uganda.
“It may not be known in Uganda, but it’s the fastest growing sport in the world. After you have played it for just 15 minutes, you are already aware of its rules,” Andersen explained.
The establishment of Herman Padel is a step toward fostering a community-oriented environment. “Forming this center is very exciting. Our vision is to create an environment where people from all walks of life can come and have fun, socialize, and exercise,” Andersen added.
“We hope to make a place where we are one happy big family, have fun, laugh, and also compete.”
Looking ahead, Andersen shared his ambitious plans to grow the sport in Uganda. “We have made collaborations with the Danish Padel Association, where they will share experiences and best practices,” he said.
“We have contacted the National Council of Sports (NCS), and they have given the sport 100% backing. We are also in touch with the State Minister for Investment & Privatization, Evelyn Anite, so we have the government’s support.”
While establishing a formal association for padel in Uganda is a long-term goal, Andersen acknowledged that it would require a broader reach. “We will make an association in the long run, but that will require us to be active in at least 50 districts, so right now it’s not possible,” he noted.
“We want to build more playing centers, and I guess then other people will be able to chip in. We want it to grow organically.”.Must Know About Padel
Objective:
The objective of padel is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in such a way that they cannot return it.
Number of Players:
Padel is played in doubles, with two players on each side of the court.
Equipment:
Padel racket (made of graphite or carbon fiber)
Padel ball (similar to a tennis ball but with a lower compression)
Padel court (20×10 meters, divided into two halves by a net)
Basic Rules:
Serve: underhand, with the paddle below the waist
Rallies: players hit the ball back and forth until one team fails to return it
Volleys and smashes: allowed, but no overhead shots
Non-volley zones: players cannot make volleys in certain areas of the court
Points and games: similar to tennis, with a few modifications
Unique Features:
Walls: padel courts have walls on all sides, which players can use to their advantage
No overhead shots: players cannot hit the ball above their head
Emphasis on strategy and control: padel rewards clever play and precise shots
