Padel is a fun, accessible, and booming sport... but it can also have some nasty surprises in store, especially for male players. Certain areas of the body are more exposed than others, and intimate areas are no exception.

An area too often targeted… unintentionally!

Whether it's a poorly controlled smash, a ball deflected by the grid or a poorly anticipated rebound, the “crown jewels” are often on the front lineUnlike tennis, rallies are played at short range, with a lot of reflex volleys, which reduces reaction time in the event of a fast ball... and a bad one.

Certain net positions, particularly on bandeja or vibora returns, particularly expose players. And even the pros aren't immune: several viral videos are circulating on the web showing champions writhing in pain after a hit... right on target.

During a Santiago match Padel In March 1, Franco Stupaczuk suffered a painful blow to his genitals from a fastball. His teammate Juan Lebrón immediately came to his aid, illustrating the reality of this risk even at the highest level.

When padel becomes risky... for men's private parts!

Rare but very real injuries

Without going as far as a serious accident, some players report persistent pain after direct impacts: hematomas, inflammation, or even, in the most serious cases, slight injuries that require rest.

Sports doctors recommend vigilance, especially among players who play matches without protection. And while some still laugh about these incidents, others no longer hesitate to seriously protect themselves.

Direct impacts to the genitals can result in:

  • Painful bruises or bruises.
  • Inflammations requiring prolonged rest.
  • In rare cases, more serious trauma can affect fertility.

The journal Psycopedia found that injuries are generally common among padel players, with an incidence rate of 3 injuries per 1 hours of training and 000 injuries per 8 matches.

The most common injuries involve the elbow, knee, shoulder and lower back, mainly of a tendon or muscle nature.

Although specific data on genital injuries are limited, the nature of the game, with rapid exchanges and unpredictable rebounds, exposes the genitals to significant risks.

Towards a generalization of protections?

In rugby or hockey, the shell is part of the standard equipment. In padel, it is still rare, but some specialist brands are starting to take an interest in it, especially for intensive competitors or teachers.

Compression shorts with built-in protection are beginning to appear. A discreet, but potentially very useful solution for those who want to avoid unpleasant surprises.

A serious subject... not to be taken lightly

While padel remains a fun sport, safety must not be neglected. It's therefore worth talking about it, raising awareness among players (especially beginners or amateurs), and perhaps upgrading equipment.

And you, have you ever been the victim of a poorly placed shot on the field?

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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