Guides
Padel guides
New to padel, or just want to know how it all works? Our guides explain the game in plain English, with a source link for every fact.
Getting started
What is padel?What is padel? How the game works, the court, rackets and balls, who invented it and why so many people in Britain now play. A plain-English guide.Padel rules and scoringPadel rules in plain English: how to serve, what's in and out off the glass, how scoring works, and the golden point and new star point explained.How to play padelNever played padel? What you need, how to book a court, the basic rules and shots, what to wear and how to find lessons, for complete beginners in the UK.Padel vs tennis vs pickleballPadel, tennis or pickleball? How the three racket sports differ on court size, walls, rackets, balls, serving and scoring, and which is easiest to learn.
Where to play
Where to play padel in the UKWhere to play padel near you: how to find and book a court, plus venues and typical court prices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow and more.How much does padel cost?Typical UK padel court hire prices per hour and per person, peak vs off-peak, city by city, plus what rackets, balls and shoes typically cost. All figures sourced.
Gear
How to choose a padel racketWhich padel racket should you buy? What published UK guides and the LTA say about shape, weight, balance, materials and budget, especially for beginners.Padel shoes guideDo you need padel shoes? What the LTA and UK buying guides say about soles, grip, lateral support, cushioning and fit, and whether tennis or running shoes will do.
Competitive
Got a rally, a fail or a worldie?
Send us your padel videos
Filmed something brilliant, painful or ridiculous on court? Send it in. If we post it, we'll credit you on our website and socials.