A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO PADEL
Padel is the world's fastest growing sport and has quickly become one of the most popular all year round sports here in the Cotswolds, with courts popping up all over the place.
Invented by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico in 1969, Padel is a racket sport in an enclosed court with elements of both tennis and squash with the ball bouncing off the surrounding glass walls and metallic mesh.
The sport is always played in doubles which helps lend itself to being a hugely socially interactive game, as well as being competitive and great for fitness. It is also very easy to learn, and is game not dominated by strength and power which makes it an ideal sport for men, women and juniors of all ages to play together if they wish.
We have teamed up with the awesome Padel Shift guys to give you an introduction to Padel in the Cotswolds.
Padel Shift are a team of Padel addicts who live and breath the sport and are catering to the huge growth, while ensuring people have top quality courts to play on and a booming community to join.
They have two locations in the Cotswolds, Daylesford Farm near Kingham and Elkstone Studios, perfect situated halfway between Cheltenham and Cirencester.
Invented by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico in 1969, Padel is a racket sport in an enclosed court with elements of both tennis and squash with the ball bouncing off the surrounding glass walls and metallic mesh.
The sport is always played in doubles which helps lend itself to being a hugely socially interactive game, as well as being competitive and great for fitness. It is also very easy to learn, and is game not dominated by strength and power which makes it an ideal sport for men, women and juniors of all ages to play together if they wish.
We have teamed up with the awesome Padel Shift guys to give you an introduction to Padel in the Cotswolds.
Padel Shift are a team of Padel addicts who live and breath the sport and are catering to the huge growth, while ensuring people have top quality courts to play on and a booming community to join.
They have two locations in the Cotswolds, Daylesford Farm near Kingham and Elkstone Studios, perfect situated halfway between Cheltenham and Cirencester.
WHAT IS PADEL?
Padel is a racket ball sport, crossed between squash and tennis played with 4 people
The rules are similar to tennis and the scoring system is exactly the same (15-30-40)
• The ball must be served underarm and can be hit off the back wall
The rules are similar to tennis and the scoring system is exactly the same (15-30-40)
• The ball must be served underarm and can be hit off the back wall
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
SERVING
A server is must bounce the ball off the ground and hit it underarm diagonally into the service box on the opponent’s side.
The ball must be hit when it is at or below the waist level
If the ball lands in the service box and hits the side or back wall, it is a good serve and must be played by the opposing player.
If the ball lands in the service box and hits the wire fencing, it is a fault.
SCORING
Padel uses the exact same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, Game. 40-40 is a deuce
A server is must bounce the ball off the ground and hit it underarm diagonally into the service box on the opponent’s side.
The ball must be hit when it is at or below the waist level
If the ball lands in the service box and hits the side or back wall, it is a good serve and must be played by the opposing player.
If the ball lands in the service box and hits the wire fencing, it is a fault.
SCORING
Padel uses the exact same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, Game. 40-40 is a deuce
WHY IS IT SO POPULAR?
EASY TO LEARN
It's effortless to play for beginners, but it will get more challenging as you improve so you will always be kept on your toes. If you’re not a tennis player, it doesn’t mean you’re not a padel player. Padel is far easier to get into.
LESS BALL RETRIEVAL
Points last longer than in tennis, with rallies lasting minutes at a time, and are full of exciting plays bouncing around the court.
ADDICTIVELY FUN
People play once and they can’t stop. It’s such a fun game and very sociable because it’s played in doubles.
It's effortless to play for beginners, but it will get more challenging as you improve so you will always be kept on your toes. If you’re not a tennis player, it doesn’t mean you’re not a padel player. Padel is far easier to get into.
LESS BALL RETRIEVAL
Points last longer than in tennis, with rallies lasting minutes at a time, and are full of exciting plays bouncing around the court.
ADDICTIVELY FUN
People play once and they can’t stop. It’s such a fun game and very sociable because it’s played in doubles.
ABOUT PADEL SHIFT
At the heart of the Padel Shift sits a top quality coaching programme designed by their Head of Padel (currently ranked in the UK top 40) which caters to all levels and abilities.
The programme includes group activities, match play, coaching clinics, cardio sessions, tournaments, social events and much more. They also offer private coaching for those looking to really elevate their game.
Padel Shift are offering The Cotswolds Gentleman readers 10% off court bookings using the code GENT10 and free access to an introductory Padel session (please email [email protected] to book this in, quoting The Cotswolds Gentleman).
To book courts and coaching visit www.padelshift.com or head directly to their booking software MATCHi (either download the app on your phone or head to their website), set up an account and search for Padel Shift.
MATCHi link https://www.matchi.se/
The programme includes group activities, match play, coaching clinics, cardio sessions, tournaments, social events and much more. They also offer private coaching for those looking to really elevate their game.
Padel Shift are offering The Cotswolds Gentleman readers 10% off court bookings using the code GENT10 and free access to an introductory Padel session (please email [email protected] to book this in, quoting The Cotswolds Gentleman).
To book courts and coaching visit www.padelshift.com or head directly to their booking software MATCHi (either download the app on your phone or head to their website), set up an account and search for Padel Shift.
MATCHi link https://www.matchi.se/