Peter Schrager's Next Big Prediction -- Padel

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This was the year Padel formally introduced itself to the U.S. Pickleball still dominates the headlines but Padel has emerged as the must-play game on the hardcourts. Serena Williams plays it. So does David Beckham. And 30 million others. That includes Peter Schrager, the popular, all-seeing host of The NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” and self-described Padel zealot. As we continue recapping the things that matter this year, Peter taps in to explain what the racket is all about:

I am in love with padeI. 

I first discovered the sport last fall. I missed the pickleball craze entirely and despite my best efforts, I don't belong to a country club or have any golf hookups beyond the occasional invite from a generous friend. Oh, and I suck at golf. 

So, padel. I walked into Padel Haus in Brooklyn and everyone was smiling. Everyone was good-looking. Everyone was sweating their asses off. With what sounded like Cafe Del Mar or Jamiroquai as my soundtrack, I picked up a racquet and started messing around. And I quickly realized, ‘Oh, this sport is going to be huge.’ 

I have a standing Monday night game with my buddies Eric Ziff, Jordan Thompson, and Danny Glaser. We’re not alone in our mania. Royalty digs padel. Rappers, too. Fashion brands from Prada to Valentino are piling in. Meanwhile, it’s definitely your favorite athlete’s favorite sport. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ biggest battle for bragging rights away from the racetrack? What common side hustle do Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar share? You guessed it.

@tifofootball_

What is Padel? #Padel #Soccer #Football

As for me, I practically speak in tongues about the sport. I post about it on Instagram. I talk about it on Good Morning Football. I wear my Padel Haus gear everywhere I go. 

It’s never too late to take up padel, even if the rest of the world ribs us Americans for being late to the party, as The New York Times’ Ameilia Neirenberg points out in this glorious piece. 

If you’re going to take the leap, here’s what you MUST know. 

First, you’ll need some swag. I get all my stuff—padel shoes, racquet—from HolabirdSports.com. And padel gear is a great gift for that special somebody this holiday season. Maybe not your significant other, but definitely your friend group. 

Next, you need a club. This will become as important to you as your gym, your run club, or your favorite corner bar. I already mentioned my home court, Padel Haus in Brooklyn. A few others: Reserve in Miami and Manhattan’s Hudson Yards. The Racquet Lounge in Southampton. Brisas, a Utopia a few miles up the road in Easthampton. PadelUp in L.A. They all have WhatsApp groups where you can organize games as easily as pickup basketball. 

I don't know if padel is taking on the NFL anytime soon, but I love its future. I was early on a certain star quarterback. Called him the next Brett Favre before he'd ever started an NFL game. I feel as bullish on padel taking off as I did on Patrick Mahomes.

@footballfangirl23

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