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Insights Library — All Posts by Category
Explore the Racquet Sports Institute Insights Library—a single place for decision-grade analysis, benchmarks, and practical playbooks. Because no courts, no players, our content keeps facilities at the center while connecting market signals to design and day-to-day operations. You’ll find deep dives on ecosystem trends and country developments, proven facility models, smart management (planning, community, programming, operations tech), architecture that turns strategy into built performance, updates on our forthcoming AI.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Planning and Building Padel Courts
This expert-developed guide from SFN covers everything architects and investors need to plan and build padel courts—from indoor vs. outdoor design, space requirements, and court types to surface selection, permitting, foundations, and a comprehensive checklist. Ideal for first-time planners seeking clarity and precision.
Open Squash, New York – a blueprint for mission-driven, financially viable “community squash”
Open Squash, a non-profit with two Manhattan clubs, redefines urban squash by combining scale, inclusivity, and personalised member engagement. With a mission-first model, tiered pricing, and strong community outreach, the club proves that squash can be both financially viable and socially impactful—even in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Padel Goes Global: Key Findings from the 2025 Playtomic Report
The 2025 Global Padel Report by Playtomic highlights a 26% surge in new clubs, over 7,000 new courts, and rapid expansion beyond traditional hotspots. Countries like the US, Indonesia, and Colombia are emerging as key markets. Digital platforms drive accessibility, while multi-racquet facilities and Olympic aspirations reshape the sport’s future. Padel is evolving into a global, tech-enabled, and commercially sustainable phenomenon.
AI for Better Matches: How Artificial Intelligence is Enhancing Racquet Sports Facilities
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing racket sports facilities by enabling instant skill assessment, fair player matchmaking, and dynamic rating systems. These technologies enhance the player experience by ensuring balanced matches, building social connections, and supporting progress tracking. Clubs that integrate AI tools can boost member retention, stand out from global platforms, and attract new demographics in the digital age.
The Right Location: The Critical Foundation for Sustainable Racquet Sports Facilities
Location is the single most critical factor in racquet sports facility success. Balancing real estate value with operational needs is essential for sustainability. This article explores demographic alignment, cost challenges, and strategic models—from mixed-use spaces to community integration—that ensure long-term viability across Squash, Padel, and Pickleball projects.
Padel in Europe: a look at France
Padel in France is growing but lags behind Italy, Spain, and Sweden, with only 3,021 courts (54% covered) and 21.5k inhabitants per court. Southern regions like Occitanie lead, while Burgundy-Franche-Comté trails. Key barriers include high construction costs, long permit times, and lower population density (120/km² vs. Italy’s 196). Despite this, recent acceleration shows promise, especially in Île-de-France, which has high density but fewer courts.
Asia: The Next Frontier for Pickleball – UPA Asia and YouGov research Released
Discover Asia's pickleball revolution! Groundbreaking UPA Asia & YouGov research reveals 1.9 billion Asians know pickleball, with 812 million trying it and 282 million playing monthly. Vietnam leads with 152% growth, followed by Malaysia (132%). Young adults (18-35) drive the trend, citing fun (35%), health (33%) and easy learning (31%) as top motivations. With 60% annual growth and India's 178M frequent players, pickleball is Asia's newest sports phenomenon.
Sportpark Nord Nürnberg – A Vibrant Example of Successful Racquet Sports Facility
Sportpark Nord in Nürnberg is a vibrant example of how older facilities can be transformed into modern racquet sports hubs. Built in the 1980s, the center has been successfully revitalized under Markus Sojka, now offering squash, padel, badminton, and fitness in one multifunctional space. With its strong focus on community, innovation, and quality infrastructure, Sportpark Nord shows how combining tradition with forward-thinking strategies creates new opportunities.
Success Factors in Racquet Facilities – Still True After 35 Years
Dr. Kai Haack, former advisor and macroeconomist, shares timeless insights on what makes racquet sports facilities truly successful. From the critical role of location to the underestimated demands of operating leisure centers, his reflections reveal why the fundamentals of squash, padel, pickleball, and badminton haven’t changed—and why future-ready concepts must learn from the past.
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