Pontevedra, Spain – What began as a skeptical dismissal – “I thought it was a sport for old people when my brother first told me about it,” recalls Javier Otero – has blossomed into a full-blown phenomenon. Pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity across Spain, and particularly in the Galicia region. The story of its growth at the Club de Tenis de Raxó offers a compelling look at how this accessible and engaging sport is captivating players of all ages, and backgrounds.
Otero, now the Vice President of the Club de Tenis de Raxó, along with his brother José Carlos, has been instrumental in spearheading the pickleball section within the club. Their initiative stemmed from a desire to broaden the club’s appeal beyond its traditional tennis base. “Many of the tennis players’ wives didn’t participate in the sporting life of the club, they were involved in the social events, the dinners, but didn’t take to the court,” Otero explained. “When pickleball arrived, I saw an opportunity to bring them into a truly easy sport.”
The simplicity of pickleball is a key factor in its widespread appeal. Played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net, players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball. The rules, while unique, are quickly grasped: serves must be underhand, and a “double bounce” rule requires the ball to bounce once on each side of the net before volleying is permitted. A unique zone near the net, known as the “kitchen,” prohibits volleying without a bounce, adding a strategic layer to the game. Matches are typically played to 11 or 21 points, requiring a two-point lead to win.
The Club de Tenis de Raxó’s gamble has paid off handsomely. The pickleball section now boasts over eighty active players who train three times a week, and, according to Otero, are “completely hooked.” This growth isn’t isolated to Raxó. The sport is gaining traction throughout Spain, with Madrid leading the way, and too experiencing a boom in neighboring Portugal and the United States.
Los miembros del Club de Tenis de Raxó. | GUSTAVO SANTOS
The recent Open tournament hosted by the Club de Tenis de Raxó drew competitors from across Spain and Portugal, with approximately forty players traveling from Madrid and teams representing four Portuguese clubs. Last year’s event saw 130 participants, and organizers anticipate exceeding 140 players this year, representing over fifteen different teams. This growth underscores the increasing accessibility and competitive appeal of pickleball.
Javier Otero’s personal journey with the sport mirrors the broader trend. Initially dismissive, he now dedicates significant time to its development, coordinating the pickleball section at the club alongside his brother. His story highlights how quickly the sport can win over even the most skeptical of players. The appeal isn’t just about the ease of learning; it’s also about the social element. Pickleball fosters a sense of community, bringing people together through friendly competition and shared enjoyment.
The rise of pickleball in Spain isn’t merely a local trend. It’s part of a global surge in popularity. The sport’s accessibility – requiring minimal equipment and relatively small court space – makes it ideal for a wide range of facilities and players. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis creates a unique and engaging experience that appeals to both seasoned athletes and newcomers alike. For those unfamiliar, it’s a sport that truly lives up to its reputation as easy to pick up, but challenging to master.
Javi Otero is also active on social media, sharing updates and results from tournaments. He recently celebrated a championship win at the Primera Prueba del Circuito de Pickleball Andaluz in Cádiz, as documented on his Instagram account. He is also listed as a Level 4 coach on Pickleball Global, with availability in the afternoons.
The next major event for the Club de Tenis de Raxó is the continuation of their Open tournament, with final results expected to be announced later this week. The club is also planning to host introductory pickleball clinics throughout the summer to further promote the sport within the local community. For those interested in learning more or joining the growing pickleball community in Spain, the Club de Tenis de Raxó and other clubs across the country offer a welcoming environment for players of all levels.
What are your thoughts on the rise of pickleball? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
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