Frequently Asked Questions

Padel is a racket sport played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. It combines elements of tennis and squash, using solid perforated rackets and playing off glass walls and metal fencing. Primarily played in doubles format, padel has exploded in popularity across the UK, with over 400,000 players and 1,000 courts nationwide as of 2025.

Padel has its own unique characteristics: Unlike tennis, padel uses solid rackets (not stringed) and is played on a smaller court with walls. Serves must be underhand, bounced before hitting, and struck at or below waist level. Like squash, you can play balls off the walls, creating dynamic rallies with strategic positioning. The smaller court and doubles format make it more social and accessible than tennis, while being less physically demanding than squash.

A regulation padel court measures 10 metres wide by 20 metres long, divided by a net (88cm high at centre, 92cm at sides). Back walls are 3 metres high, transitioning to 2 metres along the sides, made of glass or concrete blocks. The remainder is enclosed by 4-metre-high metal fencing. Service lines are positioned 6.95 metres from the net. Courts can have various surface materials including artificial turf, concrete, or synthetic materials, typically in green, blue, or brown tones.

Padel is primarily played in doubles (four players total), though singles is possible. The scoring system is identical to tennis (15, 30, 40, game, with deuce and advantage). Serves must be underhand, the ball must bounce before being hit, and it must be struck at or below waist level into the opposite service box. Players can use the walls strategically during rallies, similar to squash. The smaller court and doubles format emphasise teamwork, positioning, and tactical play over pure power.

You'll need: a padel racket (solid, perforated design), padel balls (similar to tennis balls but with slightly less pressure), and comfortable athletic clothing. Court shoes with good grip are essential for the artificial turf surface. Beginners can start with entry-level rackets (£40-80), while advanced players might invest in premium models (£100-200+). Many venues offer equipment rental, making it easy to try the sport before investing in your own gear.

Most padel venues offer racket rental for around £3-10 per session, making it perfect for beginners or occasional players. Some venues include equipment rental in court booking packages. Check the venue's amenities on Padel Maps to see what equipment rental options are available before you book.

Yes! Many venues offer introduction sessions, group coaching, and beginner-friendly social play sessions. Professional coaching is widely available, from one-to-one lessons to group clinics covering technique, tactics, and strategy. The LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) has invested over £6 million in padel development, ensuring quality coaching standards across the UK. Check venue profiles on Padel Maps to find facilities offering coaching and beginner programs.

Court hire costs vary by location and time: Outdoor courts typically cost £20-50 per hour, while indoor courts range from £30-80 per hour. Peak times (evenings and weekends) command higher prices. In London, expect £20-100 per hour depending on the venue. Split between four players, this works out to just £5-25 per person per hour. Many venues offer membership packages, off-peak discounts, and block booking savings.

Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially for evenings and weekends when courts fill up quickly. With 8 million Britons expressing interest in trying padel, demand is high. Book 3-7 days in advance for peak times, or a few days ahead for off-peak sessions. Many venues offer online booking systems for convenience. Some last-minute availability exists, particularly at larger facilities with multiple courts.

Indoor courts offer climate-controlled year-round play regardless of weather, consistent lighting, and premium facilities, but typically cost more. Outdoor courts provide natural playing conditions, fresh air, and are often more affordable, but are weather-dependent. Both follow the same court specifications and play identically. Your choice depends on budget, weather preferences, and availability. Many players enjoy both depending on season and conditions.

Use Padel Maps' comprehensive directory of 600+ paddle courts across the UK. Simply enter your location and filter by indoor/outdoor courts, amenities, and pricing. Our directory provides detailed information on each venue including facilities, contact details, pricing, and reviews from the padel community. With over 1,000 courts now available nationwide across 300 venues, you're likely to find courts within reasonable travelling distance.

Padel Maps is the UK's leading directory for paddle tennis courts, connecting players with verified venues across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We make finding and booking paddle courts simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone from complete beginners to tournament players. Our comprehensive database includes 600+ venues with detailed information on facilities, pricing, and availability.

Yes, Padel Maps is completely free for players. There are no hidden fees, membership costs, or booking commissions. Browse venues, compare facilities, read reviews, and contact courts directly—all at no cost. We're funded by venue listings and are committed to keeping court discovery free for the growing UK padel community.

Visit our For Venues page to learn about listing your paddle court facility. We verify all venues to maintain quality standards for our community of 400,000+ players. Our team will help you create a comprehensive venue profile showcasing your courts, facilities, and services.