What Is Padel? The Complete UK Beginner's Guide
By Gary · 20 min read · 1 March 2026
What Is Padel? The Complete UK Beginner's Guide
By Gary, founder of RacketRise. Playing padel in the UK and tracking the sport's explosive growth.
I earn a small commission from purchases through affiliate links in this article. This helps keep RacketRise free and costs you nothing extra.
Last Updated: March 2026
Quick Summary
- Over 400,000 people played padel in the UK in 2024 — tripling from 129,000 the year before
- 1,000+ courts across 325 venues nationwide, with the LTA projecting 1,300 by end of 2026
- Costs £7-£10 per person per session — cheaper than tennis, golf, or a gym class
- Find courts near you — use the RacketRise Court Finder to find padel and pickleball courts across the UK
You keep hearing about padel. Your mate from work won't shut up about it. There's a new venue being built down the road. But you still don't actually know what it is — or why everyone's so obsessed.
Quick Answer: Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court roughly a third the size of a tennis court. You hit a depressurised ball with a solid, stringless racket, and the glass walls are part of the game — you can play shots off them, like squash. Scoring follows tennis rules (15, 30, 40, game), but all serves are underarm. It's easier to pick up than tennis, cheaper than most sports, and most beginners can hold rallies within their first 10 minutes on court.
Table of Contents
- What Actually Is Padel?
- How Is Padel Different from Tennis?
- How Do You Play Padel? The Basic Rules
- What Equipment Do You Need?
- How Much Does It Cost to Play Padel in the UK?
- Where Can I Play Padel in the UK?
- Why Is Padel Growing So Fast in the UK?
- What to Expect at Your First Session
- How to Improve After Your First Few Games
- Sources & Further Reading
- Related Articles
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Actually Is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. It's played almost exclusively as doubles — two players on each side — on an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and metal mesh. Those walls aren't just barriers. They're part of the game. You can play the ball off them, which creates longer rallies, more drama, and a lot more laughing.
The sport was invented in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera, who built a modified court at his home. A friend brought it to Spain in the 1970s, and it exploded. Today padel is the second most popular sport in Spain behind football, with over 20,000 courts. Argentina and Italy followed, and now — finally — the UK is catching up.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) took on governance of padel in the UK in 2019, when there were just 68 courts nationwide. By July 2025, that number hit 1,000 across 325 venues. The LTA projects 1,300+ courts by the end of 2026.
3 Things That Make Padel Unique
The walls are in play. After the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the back glass wall — and you can still return it. This changes everything. Shots that would be winners in tennis become retrievable. Rallies last longer. Points are more dramatic.
It's always doubles. Padel is inherently social. You need four people to play, which means you're constantly communicating, strategising, and (usually) having a good laugh. Singles padel exists but it's rare.
Serves are underarm. No 120mph aces here. The underarm serve levels the playing field between experienced and new players. You won't get blown off court by someone with a tennis background.
[IMAGE SUGGESTION: Overhead view of a padel court showing glass walls, mesh fencing, and players in action]
How Is Padel Different from Tennis?
If you've played tennis, padel will feel familiar but different. If you haven't, that's fine too — padel is arguably easier to pick up.
| Feature | Padel | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 20m x 10m (enclosed) | 23.8m x 10.97m (open) |
| Racket | Solid, no strings, foam core | Strung frame |
| Ball | Lower pressure, slower bounce | Standard pressure |
| Serve | Underarm only | Overarm, can be very fast |
| Walls | Part of the game | N/A |
| Players | Almost always doubles | Singles and doubles |
| Scoring | Same as tennis (15, 30, 40) | Same |
| Net height | 88cm (centre) | 91.4cm (centre) |
| Skill floor | Low — rallies happen quickly | Higher — takes time to rally |
| Physical demand | Moderate | Moderate to high |
The biggest difference is accessibility. In tennis, it can take months before beginners can hold a rally. In padel, the smaller court, slower ball, and wall rebounds mean most people are playing proper points within their first session.
Padel Tip: If you're a tennis player trying padel, the hardest adjustment isn't the racket — it's resisting the urge to hit the ball hard. Padel rewards placement, touch, and patience far more than raw power.
How Do You Play Padel? The Basic Rules
Padel's rules are straightforward. If you know tennis scoring, you're already halfway there.
Scoring: Exactly Like Tennis
Points follow the tennis system: 15, 30, 40, game. You play sets to 6 games with a two-game lead, and a tiebreak at 6-6. Most matches are best of three sets. Some venues and social games use the golden point rule — at deuce (40-40), the next point wins the game, which keeps matches moving.
5 Key Rules Every Beginner Needs to Know
1. Serves must be underarm. The server stands behind the service line, bounces the ball, and hits it at or below waist height. The serve goes diagonally into the opponent's service box. You get two attempts, just like tennis.
2. The ball must bounce before hitting the wall. On serve, the ball must land in the service box first. If it bounces and then hits the glass, that's fine. If it hits the metal mesh fence directly after bouncing — that's a fault.
3. You can play the ball off the walls. After the ball bounces on your side, it can hit the back glass or side glass, and you can still return it. This is what makes padel unique. Some players even run out of the court to retrieve a ball that's gone over the back wall (at pro level, not your first session).
4. Volleys are allowed — but not off the serve. You can take the ball out of the air during a rally, but the return of serve must bounce first.
5. The ball is out if it hits the mesh directly. If the ball hits the wire mesh fence before bouncing, it's out. If it bounces first, then hits the mesh, it's still in play. This is where most beginners get confused.
Ready to play? Find padel courts near you with the RacketRise Court Finder.
Court Positions: Net or Back
Padel has two main positions. At the net, you're attacking — looking for volleys and smashes. At the back, you're defending — using the walls and waiting for a chance to move forward. Good teams move up and back together, as a pair.
The simple version: if you're winning the point, get to the net. If you're under pressure, drop back and use the glass walls to buy time.
[IMAGE SUGGESTION: Padel court diagram showing dimensions (20m x 10m), service boxes, net, glass walls, and mesh areas clearly labelled]
What Equipment Do You Need?
You don't need much to start — and for your first few sessions, you don't need to buy anything at all.
The Essentials (and What They Cost)
Padel racket (£30-£350): Solid, no strings, with a foam core (usually EVA) and a fibreglass or carbon fibre surface. Perforated with small holes. Shorter and lighter than a tennis racket. Most venues offer racket hire for £3-£5 per session, so don't buy one until you've played a few times.
Padel balls (£4-£8 for a tube of 3): Similar to tennis balls but with slightly lower internal pressure, which means a slower, more controlled bounce. Head and Wilson are the main brands. Most venues provide balls.
Court shoes (£40-£120): Non-marking soles are required at virtually every UK venue. Dedicated padel shoes exist from Asics, Head, Adidas, and Babolat, but clean tennis shoes or indoor court shoes work fine when you're starting out. The key feature is lateral support — you move side to side a lot.
Comfortable clothing: Anything you'd wear for tennis, gym, or a fitness class. Shorts or leggings, t-shirt or sports top. No specific requirements.
5 Things to Check Before Buying Your First Racket
If you've played a few times and want your own racket, here's what matters:
1. Shape — start round or teardrop. Round-shaped rackets have a larger sweet spot, which means more forgiveness when you don't hit the ball perfectly (which will be often). Diamond shapes are for advanced players who want more power. Teardrop is the middle ground.
2. Weight — aim for 350-365g. Anything heavier than 370g increases risk of wrist and elbow fatigue, especially for beginners. Lighter rackets (under 340g) can feel flimsy.
3. Balance — choose even or slightly head-light. Head-heavy rackets generate more power but are harder to control. Even balance is the safest bet.
4. Budget — spend £50-£100. Below £50, foam quality drops and rackets wear out within months. Above £150, you're paying for features you won't appreciate yet. The sweet spot for beginners is firmly in the £50-£100 range.
5. Don't buy online based on Instagram ads. Seriously. Some brands spend more on marketing than on foam technology. Ask at your local venue what they recommend — the staff play regularly and will give you honest advice.
Brands worth looking at for beginners: Head (Flash range), Bullpadel (Vertex Comfort range), Adidas (Metalbone Lite range), and Decathlon's own Kuikma brand which offers surprisingly good rackets from around £45.
[IMAGE SUGGESTION: Three padel rackets side by side showing round, teardrop, and diamond shapes with labels]
How Much Does It Cost to Play Padel in the UK?
Padel is genuinely affordable compared to most racket sports — especially when you split the court cost four ways.
| Cost | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court hire (1 hour) | £28-£48 | Split 4 ways = £7-£12 per person |
| Off-peak court hire | £20-£32 | Weekday mornings, Sunday evenings |
| Racket hire | £3-£5 | Available at most venues |
| Balls | Usually included | Or £4-£8 for your own tube |
| Coaching (group) | £10-£20 per person | 60-90 min group session |
| Coaching (private) | £40-£80 per hour | 1-on-1 with a qualified coach |
| Your own racket | £50-£100 | One-off purchase for beginners |
| Padel shoes | £40-£120 | Optional — clean court shoes work |
Total cost for a first session: £7-£15 per person (court hire + racket hire, split four ways). That's cheaper than a fitness class, a round of drinks, or a family cinema trip.
The LTA reports that the average off-peak padel booking costs approximately £7 per person per hour. Even at peak times in London, you're looking at £10-£12 per person — still excellent value for a sport that's this much fun.
Pro Tip: Most venues offer discounted intro sessions or "pay and play" beginner packages that include racket hire and coaching. These are the best way to try padel for the first time without committing to anything.
Where Can I Play Padel in the UK?
As of mid-2025, there are over 1,000 padel courts across 325 venues in the UK. That number is growing fast — the LTA has invested over £6 million into padel development, including £4.5 million to build 80 new courts at 42 venues.
How Courts Are Spread Across the UK
The biggest concentration is in London and the South East (around 300 courts), followed by the South and South West (170+ courts). But the sport is spreading rapidly to Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Even smaller towns are getting their first courts.
3 Ways to Find Courts Near You
1. The RacketRise Court Finder. I built the RacketRise Court Finder to show every padel and pickleball venue across the UK, with booking links and venue details. It's the easiest way to see what's near you.
2. Playtomic. The most widely used booking app for padel in the UK. Around 288 clubs were active on the platform by the end of 2025. Download the app, search your city, and you'll see available court slots.
3. The LTA Padel website. The LTA maintains a court finder at ltapadel.org.uk with all registered venues.
Indoor vs Outdoor Courts
| Indoor | Outdoor | |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Year-round play | Weather dependent |
| Availability | Usually better | Can be affected by wind/rain |
| Price | Typically £5-£10 more per hour | Usually cheaper |
| Ball behaviour | Consistent | Wind affects play |
| Atmosphere | Climate controlled | More natural feel |
UK weather being what it is, indoor courts are more popular for regular players. But outdoor courts work perfectly well from April to October, and many venues now have covered outdoor courts — a canopy that protects from rain without full indoor construction.
UK Court Alert: Peak-time padel courts in popular areas sell out 7+ days in advance. If you're struggling to book, try off-peak slots — weekday mornings and Sunday evenings usually have availability.
Why Is Padel Growing So Fast in the UK?
The numbers are staggering. UK padel participation grew 125% through 2025, according to Playtomic data. Active players on the Playtomic platform alone went from 76,695 in January 2025 to 172,564 by December. And those are just the people booking through one app.
Here's the growth timeline in courts:
| Year | UK Padel Courts | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 68 | LTA takes governance |
| 2020 | 87 | Slow growth (COVID) |
| 2021 | 150 | Post-lockdown boom begins |
| 2022 | 220 | Investment accelerates |
| 2023 | 350 | Major operators expand |
| 2024 | 763 | Courts more than double |
| July 2025 | 1,000+ | LTA milestone hit early |
| 2026 (projected) | 1,300+ | Continued rapid expansion |
4 Reasons Behind the Boom
1. It's genuinely easy to learn. The underarm serve, enclosed court, and slower ball mean anyone can rally within minutes. Tennis can take months to reach that point. Padel's learning curve is gentle but the skill ceiling is high — easy to start, hard to master.
2. It's the most social sport going. You need four people. You're on a small court, constantly talking, laughing, celebrating. Padel is closer to a social event than a solo workout. Over 90,000 "open matches" per month were being played through Playtomic by the end of 2025 — that's strangers finding games together.
3. Serious investment is flowing in. The LTA has put £6 million+ into padel. Major operators like Game4Padel, The Padel Club, and Pure Padel are building multi-court venues. London is hosting its first Premier Padel P1 event in August 2026 — a major professional tournament featuring the world's best players. The infrastructure is being built at pace.
4. The demographics are perfect. Padel appeals across age groups. It's lower-impact than tennis (smaller court, less running), making it accessible for older players. But it's fast and competitive enough for younger athletes. According to the LTA, awareness of padel among UK adults reached 43% in early 2025 — up from 23% just twelve months earlier. Over 8 million Brits have expressed interest in trying the sport.
The honest take: I came to padel sceptical. "Tennis on a smaller court with walls" didn't sound revolutionary. Then I played my first session and understood immediately. The walls turn defence into attack. The doubles format means you're never isolated. And the underarm serve means nobody dominates by just hitting it hard. Padel rewards the clever player, not just the athletic one — and that's why it hooks people so fast. The growth stats aren't marketing hype. Every player I've spoken to says the same thing: they tried it once, booked again the same week, and haven't stopped since.
[IMAGE SUGGESTION: A group of four smiling players on a padel court after a match, rackets in hand, social atmosphere]
What to Expect at Your First Session
Nervous about your first time? Don't be. Here's exactly what happens.
Before You Go
Book a beginner session if possible. Most venues offer structured intro sessions where a coach walks you through the basics. These cost £10-£20 per person and are the best way to start. If your venue doesn't offer these, just book a regular court and find three friends.
Wear comfortable sports clothing. T-shirt, shorts or leggings, clean court shoes with non-marking soles. That's it. No special padel-specific gear needed.
Arrive 10 minutes early. Sign in, hire a racket if needed, and get oriented. Staff will show you the court and explain the basics if it's your first visit.
Your First 10 Minutes on Court
You'll warm up by hitting the ball back and forth gently. The racket feels different from tennis — more like a large table tennis bat. The ball moves slower than you expect, which gives you more time.
Within 5 minutes, most beginners can rally across the net consistently. Within 10 minutes, you'll start experimenting with the walls — hitting the ball off the back glass and watching it come back into play. This is the moment padel clicks.
The Mistakes Everyone Makes (And How to Avoid Them)
Hitting too hard. Padel is about placement, not power. Ease off and focus on getting the ball in play.
Standing too close to the back wall. Give yourself room. If you're pressed against the glass, you can't react when the ball rebounds off it.
Forgetting to communicate. "Mine!" and "Yours!" are the most important words in padel. Talk to your partner constantly.
Trying to volley everything. Some balls are better left to bounce. Let the wall do the work and take your time.
Not moving together. You and your partner should move up and back as a unit. If one of you is at the net and the other is at the back, you're leaving massive gaps.
How to Improve After Your First Few Games
Once you're hooked (and you will be), here's how to get better fast.
Take a Group Lesson
Group coaching sessions (4-8 players, £10-£20 per person) are the best value way to improve. A qualified coach will fix your grip, positioning, and shot selection in ways that would take months to figure out alone. Most venues offer weekly sessions for different ability levels.
Play Regularly — Twice a Week Is the Sweet Spot
Consistency beats intensity. Playing twice a week for 4-6 weeks will improve your game dramatically. Book regular slots with the same group — you'll develop understanding with your regular partner, which is half the battle in padel.
Watch Professional Padel
The Premier Padel Tour and World Padel Tour stream matches on YouTube. Watching how professionals use the walls, when they volley versus let the ball bounce, and how partners move together will transform your understanding of the game. London hosts a Premier Padel P1 event in August 2026 — consider going to see the world's best live.
Join a League or Social Ladder
Most venues now offer league play and social ladders for all levels. These structured competitions are a brilliant way to play against different opponents and improve under pressure. The LTA Padel British Tour runs competitive events from grassroots Grade 5 level (open to beginners) through to elite Grade 1 tournaments.
Got your gear? Now find a court — use the RacketRise Court Finder to book your first session.
Sources & Further Reading
- LTA Padel — Over 400,000 players — Official participation and court growth statistics for Great Britain
- LTA Padel — 1,000 courts milestone — Court growth from 68 in 2019 to 1,000 in July 2025
- Playtomic UK participation data 2025 — 125% growth in UK Playtomic users through 2025
- The Padel Directory — UK market guide — Market size, awareness stats, and industry forecasts
- Playtomic — Basic padel rules — Court dimensions, scoring, and serving rules explained
Related Articles
- Padel Rules Explained: Complete UK Guide
- Best Padel Rackets for Beginners UK
- Best Padel Shoes UK
- Padel vs Pickleball: Which Should You Play?
- Padel Courts London: Complete Guide
- What Is Pickleball? UK Beginner's Guide
- How Much Does Padel Cost in the UK?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is padel easy to learn?
Yes — padel is considered one of the easiest racket sports for beginners. The underarm serve removes the most intimidating part of tennis, the enclosed court keeps rallies going longer, and the slower ball gives you more reaction time. Most complete beginners can hold rallies within their first 10 minutes on court.
How many players do you need for padel?
Padel is almost always played as doubles — four players total, two per side. Some venues offer singles padel on modified courts, but it's rare. If you don't have four people, the Playtomic app lets you join "open matches" where you're paired with other players looking for a game.
Do I need my own racket to play padel?
No. Almost every padel venue in the UK offers racket hire for £3-£5 per session. Play several times before buying your own. When you're ready, budget £50-£100 for a round or teardrop shaped beginner racket from brands like Head, Bullpadel, or Decathlon's Kuikma range.
How much does it cost to play padel?
A typical session costs £7-£12 per person. Court hire runs £28-£48 per hour, split four ways for doubles. Racket hire is an extra £3-£5 if you don't have your own. Off-peak is cheaper — weekday mornings and Sunday evenings are usually the most affordable slots.
Is padel good exercise?
Absolutely. A 60-minute padel session burns approximately 400-600 calories depending on intensity. It combines cardio (constant movement, quick sprints), agility (lateral movement, changes of direction), and hand-eye coordination. It's lower-impact than tennis because the court is smaller, but it's still a proper workout.
Can I play padel if I've never played tennis?
Yes — and many padel players have no tennis background at all. The sport's design makes it accessible: the underarm serve is easy to learn, the walls give you extra chances to return the ball, and the doubles format means you're sharing the workload. Tennis experience helps but isn't necessary at all.
What's the difference between padel and paddle tennis?
They're different sports. Padel (sometimes spelled "pádel") is the enclosed-court, glass-wall sport covered in this guide, governed by the FIP internationally and the LTA in the UK. Paddle tennis (also called POP Tennis) is an American sport played on a smaller open court without walls. When people in the UK say "padel," they mean the glass-court sport.
Is padel suitable for older adults?
Very much so. The smaller court means less running than tennis. The underarm serve is gentle on shoulders. And the social doubles format makes it enjoyable rather than exhausting. Many UK padel venues report strong participation from players in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. It's one of the reasons the sport is growing so fast — it works for virtually every age group.
Free Download: Your First Padel Session Checklist
Everything you need to know before your first game — what to wear, what to bring, basic rules, and court etiquette. One page, printable.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Equipment recommendations are based on research and testing — individual preferences may vary. Always consult venue staff about court-specific requirements. Prices and availability are subject to change.