What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court about 25% smaller than a tennis court. It combines elements of tennis and squash, with play off the glass walls allowed. It uses underhand serves and a perforated racket.
Padel FAQs
Answers to common questions about playing padel and using UK Padel Directory to find clubs and courts across the UK & Ireland.
About Padel
How does padel scoring work?
Padel follows traditional tennis scoring: games (0, 15, 30, 40), sets, and matches. Most social play is best of three sets. A 7‑point tiebreak at 6‑6 in sets is common, though formats can vary by venue.
What equipment do I need for padel?
You need a padel racket, padel balls, and non‑marking court shoes. Clubs often have rental rackets and sell balls on site. Eye protection is optional but recommended for beginners.
Is padel suitable for beginners?
Yes. The underhand serve, smaller court, and doubles format make learning approachable. Many clubs offer beginner coaching and social sessions for new players.
How big is a padel court?
A standard court is 10m x 20m with glass and mesh walls. The net height is 88cm at the center. Courts can be indoor, outdoor, or undercover with canopies; many are floodlit for evening play.
Can the ball be played off the walls?
Yes. After the ball bounces on your side, you may play it off the back or side walls. On serves, the ball must land in the service box first and cannot hit the cage directly.
Using UK Padel Directory
How do I find a padel club near me?
Use the search on the homepage or browse towns and cities. Filter by features such as indoor, outdoor, floodlit, and single courts, then view contact and booking details for each club.
What does “indoor”, “outdoor”, “single”, and “floodlit” mean?
Indoor courts are fully enclosed and weather‑proof. Outdoor courts are open‑air. Single courts are 1‑court venues. Floodlit indicates evening play under lights; undercover floodlit adds a canopy or roof.
How accurate are UK Padel Directory listings?
We regularly review and update club details. Listings include verified data where possible, but changes can occur. If you spot an error, please email corrections.
How do I add or update my club?
Email admin@findpadeluk.co.uk with your club name, address, contact details, court counts, and any booking links. We aim to add or update listings promptly.
How can my club become a Featured Club?
Featured Clubs appear prominently on the homepage and in search. To apply, email admin@findpadeluk.co.uk. Availability is limited and prioritised for high‑quality listings.
Is UK Padel Directory free to use?
Yes. Browsing clubs and using search and filters is free. We plan improvements and new features to keep the experience fast and helpful.