How do you get started with padel?
The easiest way is to book a beginner or introductory session at a local padel club, where you can usually hire a racket and balls rather than buying equipment straight away. You don't need to find three friends before you begin either: many clubs offer beginner classes, social sessions and organised games where you can meet other players. Your first few sessions are likely to focus on the basics – how to hold and control the racket, serving, returning the ball, positioning and using the walls. Once you have the fundamentals, regular social games are the best way to build confidence, improve your skills and discover why padel has become such a popular new sport.
Head to the Lawn Tennis Association's website for all the information you need to start playing padel. You'll find information on rules of the sport, advice on technique, videos and most importantly, where to find a court.
What kit do beginners need for playing padel?
You don't need much to get started. Wear comfortable sports clothes and supportive trainers suitable for court sports, and bring a bottle of water. Your club will usually be able to provide or hire out a padel racket and balls, so there is no need to invest in equipment before your first session. If you decide you enjoy the sport, you can then choose a racket and padel-specific shoes that suit your playing style. It is also worth checking with the club before you arrive, as equipment hire and court requirements vary.
Fast, social and addictive
David Beckham’s playing it, Andy Murray has invested in it and The Princess of Wales is hooked. Padel. Fast, social and highly addictive, padel is no longer just a continental craze. From London rooftops to home county country house hotels, padel courts are popping up everywhere in the UK.
State of the art padel courts
Among the slew of new clubs, we’ve picked six state-of-the-art padel destinations – all a cut above your local leisure centre. Just bring your A-game.
Padel Social Club
You’ll find a fashionable crowd and the occasional famous face at the ‘Soho House of padel’ which has five courts, a wellness centre, sauna and plunge pool. Not to mention its chic roof terrace where cocktails are served as players battle it out below. Stormzy is among its backers and sister clubs are opening, including one at Babington House in Somerset. Book a court.
Padel at Hurlingham, Fulham
Hoping to play padel at one of Hurlingham’s four new outdoor courts? You’ll be lucky. Entry requires club membership (or a guest pass) and players must wear white. With a waiting list of around 24 years, it’s hardly a casual option. Its celebrity padel tournaments, however, are well worth watching. Book a court.
Beaverbrook Club, Surrey
This country house hotel boasts one of only three UK courts rated by Club Aguilas, padel’s answer to the Michelin Guide. With just one court for 50 rooms, advance booking is essential. It makes for a perfect minibreak with a competitive edge. Book a court.
The Club by Bamford, Cotswolds
Perhaps the smartest giant Perspex boxes can be found in the Cotswolds, right in the heart of Daylesford Farm. Here, the Club by Bamford hosts lively ‘Padel and Play’ parties with DJs and dancing while padel is played on three top notch emerald green padel courts. Open-air or under canopy, these courts are open to the public on a pay-to-play basis. Book a court.
Rocket Padel, Battersea
Following a wildly successful pop-up at Battersea Power Station, Rocket Padel returned to install four new padel courts housed in an 11-meter-high bespoke glass building with views overlooking the river Thames. Facilities include a chic clubhouse, a pro-shop, a warm-up zone, a bar and bistro. Membership is optional and players book via the Playtomic App. Book a court.
Padium, Canary Wharf
Slap bang in the middle of Canary Wharf is Padium, a super swish indoor padel club with eight courts and coaching for every level – from 90-minute beginner sessions and social slots to competitive leagues. Serious players can book Centre Court which has an AI-camera that analyses game performance. Book a court.
FAQs: Padel For Beginners: Everything You Need To Know
What is padel and how do you play it?
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court, with glass walls forming part of the game. Players serve underarm and can use the walls to return the ball. The scoring is broadly the same as tennis.
Is padel easy to learn for beginners?
Yes. Padel is generally considered an accessible racket sport for beginners because the court is smaller than a tennis court, the serve is underarm and the ball is slower than a tennis ball. You can start playing relatively quickly without mastering advanced technique.
What skills do you need to play padel?
You don't need to be an accomplished tennis player to enjoy padel. Good hand-eye coordination, quick reactions, movement around the court and the ability to control the ball are useful. As you improve, you'll learn how to use the walls, position yourself alongside your partner and play tactically rather than simply hitting the ball hard.
Do you need to be fit to play padel?
You don't need to be particularly fit to start playing. Padel involves short bursts of movement, changing direction and plenty of rallies, so your fitness will naturally improve as you play. Beginners can start with shorter or social sessions and gradually build up their stamina and movement.
Do you need to have played tennis before taking up padel?
No. Although tennis experience can help with hand-eye coordination, serving, volleys and general racket skills, padel is easy to pick up independently. In fact, the LTA specifically recognises that players from other racket sports can transfer some skills while learning the different tactics of padel.
What equipment do you need to play padel?
The essentials are a padel racket, padel balls and suitable sports shoes. Padel rackets are smaller and solid-faced, with holes rather than strings, while padel balls are slightly less pressurised than tennis balls. Many clubs provide rackets and balls for beginners, so you don't necessarily need to buy your own equipment before your first session.
How many people play padel?
Padel is predominantly a doubles sport, so most games are played by four people. The enclosed court and relatively small playing area make doubles particularly well suited to the sport and add to its social appeal.
What are the basic rules of padel?
Padel uses tennis-style scoring, with points progressing from 15 to 30 to 40 and then game. A serve is made underarm after the ball has bounced, and the ball must land in the correct service box. During rallies, the ball can rebound from the walls after bouncing on the court, adding another tactical dimension to the game.
How long does it take to learn padel?
You can learn the basics of padel in your first few sessions, although mastering positioning, wall play and tactics takes considerably longer. The best way to improve is to combine beginner coaching with regular games against players of a similar ability. The LTA's rating system ranges from complete beginner through to advanced competitive players, reflecting how players can progress over time.
How can I start playing padel in the UK?
The easiest way to start is to find a local padel club offering beginner coaching, social sessions or introductory classes. You don't necessarily need to have your own equipment or a regular group of four: many clubs organise sessions that allow individual players to join. Once you've mastered the basics, you can progress to regular social games, leagues and competitions.
