What is padel?
A fast, sociable racket sport played in pairs on an enclosed court.
Padel is a racket sport played in pairs on a small court enclosed by glass walls and mesh. It mixes the scoring of tennis with the walls of squash, and most people are rallying within their first session. That is why it has become one of the fastest-growing sports in Britain, and why we are bringing two outdoor courts to Napton.
Padel in 30 seconds
- Played in pairs. Almost always doubles: two against two.
- A smaller court. 20m by 10m, about a third of the size of a tennis court, with a net across the middle.
- Walls are part of the game. After the ball bounces on your side, you can play it off the glass walls.
- Underarm serve. No big overhead serve to master, so beginners can start straight away.
- Tennis scoring. 15, 30, 40, game, then sets, just like tennis.
- Solid bats, not strung rackets. Padel rackets are short, solid and perforated, and the ball is similar to a tennis ball with a little less pressure.
How to play: the basic rules
The serve. Bounce the ball behind the service line and hit it underarm, at or below waist height, diagonally into your opponents' service box. It must bounce in the box. You get two attempts, as in tennis.
The rally. After the serve, the ball may bounce once on the ground on your side before you return it. You can let it come off the glass walls first, and you can also hit it against your own walls to get it back over the net. Volleys are allowed during a rally, but not when returning the serve.
Winning a point. You win the point if the ball bounces twice on your opponents' side, or if they hit it into the net, out of the court, or straight into your walls or mesh without it bouncing on your side first.
Scoring. Points go 15, 30, 40, game. Six games win a set, and matches are usually best of three sets.
Padel vs tennis
| Padel | Tennis | |
|---|---|---|
| Players | Almost always doubles | Singles or doubles |
| Court | 20m × 10m, enclosed by walls | About 24m × 11m, open |
| Serve | Underarm, after a bounce | Usually overarm |
| Walls | In play | Not used |
| Racket | Short, solid, no strings | Longer, strung |
| Learning curve | Rallies from the first session | Takes longer to keep the ball in play |
If you play tennis, squash or badminton, you'll find padel familiar. If you have never played a racket sport, padel is one of the easiest to start.
Why people love it
- It's sociable. Four players on a small court means plenty of conversation and laughter, and it's easy to mix ages and abilities.
- It's quick to learn. The underarm serve, the smaller court and the walls all keep the ball in play, so beginners get proper rallies early on.
- Skill beats power. Placement, teamwork and using the walls matter more than strength, so it suits a wide range of people.
- A good workout without feeling like one. Lots of short bursts of movement, and you're having too much fun to notice.
What you need to play
- Comfortable sportswear.
- Trainers with a flat, grippy sole. Padel or tennis shoes work best. Avoid running shoes, which give poor grip for sideways movement.
- A padel racket and balls. If you don't have your own yet, ask us about options when the courts open.
Play padel in Napton
Napton Padel Club is a local charity building two outdoor padel courts at Napton Sports Field, Butt Hill, Napton on the Hill, a short drive from Southam, Leamington Spa and Daventry.
- Coaching. Group and pairs lessons with an experienced coach, for complete beginners and improving players.
- Founding membership. Limited to 150 places. Join the priority list to hear first when places open.
- Day Members. Not ready to commit? You'll be able to play without a membership.
- A charity, not a business. Any surplus will go to local sport, health and exercise projects.
We're opening soon. Join the priority list to be first to hear about opening day.
Common questions
Is padel the same as paddle tennis or pickleball?
No. Padel is played on an enclosed court with glass walls and solid rackets. Pickleball and paddle tennis are different sports with different courts and equipment.
Do I need to have played tennis?
Not at all. Many players start padel with no racket-sport experience.
Can I play singles?
Padel is designed for doubles, and that's how almost everyone plays. Bring a partner, or join a group session to meet others.
What age can you start?
Padel suits a wide range of ages. Ask us about junior sessions once the courts are open.
When do the Napton courts open?
Soon. Join the priority list and we'll tell you as soon as dates are confirmed.