Why is padel more challenging for the brain than tennis? Here’s the explanation

From a neuropsychological perspective, padel provides significant benefits for brain function — making it a highly engaging activity for players.

The unique characteristics of padel lie in its game dynamics that differ from conventional tennis:

• Compact court requires players to stay closer to each other
• Lower ball speed provides higher return opportunities
• Use of walls as game elements extends rally duration
• Tactical changes between players occur more dynamically
• Minimal game interruptions compared to tennis

The most challenging aspect for the brain in padel — players must perform faster and more complex calculations to anticipate ball direction and plan return shots. This system creates a more intense experience compared to tennis, where game breaks occur more frequently due to balls going out of bounds.