How to Start Playing Padel in the UK: The Complete Beginner's Guide

You've seen it at the gym. Your colleague won't stop talking about it. Welcome to padel — and welcome to understanding why 860,000 people in Britain played it last year.

What Is Padel?

Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed glass court, roughly a third the size of a tennis court. You can play off the walls. The scoring is identical to tennis. The underarm serve makes it far more accessible than tennis from day one.

It was invented in Mexico in 1969 but became a global phenomenon through Spain. The UK went from 69 courts in 2019 to 1,553 courts across 559 venues by 2026.

Why People Love It

• Genuinely beginner-friendly. Most beginners can sustain a rally within their first session.
• Deeply social. Always played in doubles — naturally a group sport.
• Skill over strength. A 60-year-old who understands angles routinely beats a 25-year-old relying on power.
• Fast improvement. You'll notice progress from session to session.

Basic Rules

Padel uses the same scoring as tennis — 15, 30, 40, game, set, match. The serve is underarm, the ball can be played off the walls after bouncing, and the court is enclosed by glass and wire mesh.

What Equipment Do You Need?

• A padel racket. Most clubs hire rackets. Entry-level rackets from £65–90.
• Padel shoes. Not running trainers — you need lateral support. Most venues won't allow running shoes on court.
• Padel balls. Usually provided in court hire. A tube of three costs £5–9.

Finding a Court

With 1,553 courts across 559 venues, padel is increasingly easy to find. Major operators include David Lloyd (84 courts), Game4Padel (26 venues), and Rocket Padel. Book via Playtomic or MATCHi. Peak slots fill up 3–5 days in advance at popular venues.

Your First Session

Walk in as a beginner — everyone starts somewhere. The serve will feel unfamiliar for the first session. The walls will confuse you briefly. But you'll be having real rallies within an hour. Book a beginner's clinic if your venue offers one — it will accelerate your progress significantly.