Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Played by more than 25 million people globally, it combines elements of tennis and squash into a game that is social, energetic and surprisingly easy to learn.
If you have never played before, the best way to describe padel is simple:
Tennis meets squash, but designed for doubles.
The court is smaller than a tennis court and surrounded by glass walls which are part of the game. Players can use those walls to return shots, creating longer rallies and more dynamic gameplay.
The result is a sport that is competitive, tactical and incredibly addictive.
Why padel is growing so quickly?
Padel’s rapid rise is no accident. The sport has several qualities that make it uniquely accessible.
Easy to learn.
Unlike tennis, you do not need years of coaching to enjoy a good rally. Most beginners can start playing within minutes.
Perfect for doubles. Padel is almost always played in pairs, which makes it naturally social and ideal for friends, families and colleagues.
Longer rallies. Because the court is enclosed by glass walls, points tend to last longer. That makes the game more exciting and satisfying for beginners and experienced players alike.
A great workout. Padel combines movement, reaction time and strategy, giving players a fantastic workout without feeling like traditional fitness training.
How padel is played
Padel uses a solid racket rather than a strung tennis racket, and the ball is similar to a tennis ball but slightly less pressurised.
Points begin with an underarm serve and continue with players returning the ball either directly or using the surrounding glass walls.
Like tennis, games are scored using the familiar 15, 30, 40 format.
The main difference is how creative the game becomes once the ball starts rebounding off the glass.
Why people fall in love with padel
One of the reasons padel is growing so quickly is the atmosphere around the game.
It is competitive, but rarely intimidating. Matches are fast-paced, laughter is common and players quickly develop a sense of community around the court.
Many clubs around the world describe padel as the most social sport you can play.
Where to play padel in Buckinghamshire
Until recently, there have been very few places to play padel in the Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire area.
That is about to change.
Padel Vault is bringing premium indoor padel courts to Milton Keynes, creating a new home for players across the region.
Whether you are a complete beginner or already passionate about the sport, our club will offer:
- Six indoor courts
- Coaching programmes
- Social play
- Competitive tournaments
- A welcoming club atmosphere
Ready to try padel?
If you have never played before, now is the perfect time to start.
Join the growing padel community at Padel Vault and discover why millions of players around the world are falling in love with this remarkable sport.