THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
What is Padel? The UK's Fastest Growing Sport Explained
Never played padel before? Here’s everything you need to know — and where to play it right here in Yorkshire.
PADEL 101
Padel — The Sport Everyone's Talking About
Padel is a racket sport played on an enclosed glass court, roughly a third of the size of a tennis court. It combines elements of tennis and squash, is almost always played in doubles, and is widely considered one of the easiest sports in the world to pick up — and one of the hardest to put down.
There are now over 25 million padel players worldwide, with the UK’s scene growing faster than anywhere else in Europe. It originated in Mexico in the late 1960s, exploded across Spain and Argentina in the 1980s and 1990s, and is now the second most popular sport in Spain — ahead of basketball and football.
And now it’s here — right in the heart of Yorkshire, at Oxygen Padel Goole.
Watch: What is padel and how is it played?
HOW IT WORKS
How Do You Play Padel?
The rules of padel are simple and easy to learn — most beginners are playing comfortably within the first 20 minutes. Here’s the basics:
- Played in doubles on an enclosed glass and metal court
- Scoring is the same as tennis — 15, 30, 40, game
- The ball must bounce once before hitting the walls
- Balls can be played off the glass walls — just like squash
- Serve is underarm and must land in the service box
- Solid padel rackets are used — no strings
- The court is 20m x 10m — a third the size of a tennis court
PADEL VS OTHER SPORTS
How Does Padel Compare?
Padel vs Tennis
Smaller court, lower serve, walls in play. Padel has longer rallies and is easier on the body. Most tennis players pick it up in one session.
Padel vs Squash
Both use walls, but padel is outdoors, played in doubles, and uses a lower-bounce ball. Squash players find the social doubles format a refreshing change.
Padel vs Badminton
Both are social doubles games but padel is outdoor, uses a solid racket and a pressurised ball, and tends to attract a more active, competitive crowd.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Why is Padel So Addictive?
Ask any padel player why they keep coming back and you’ll hear the same answers.
Easy to Learn
Most beginners are rallying confidently within 20 minutes of their first session.
Deeply Social
Always played in doubles. The enclosed court creates a unique, social atmosphere unlike any other sport.
Great Workout
An hour of padel burns up to 600 calories. Fast movement, quick reactions, full body engagement.
For All Ages
From age 6 to 76 — padel is low impact, quick to learn, and accessible to players of all fitness levels.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Padel FAQs
Still have questions? We’re happy to help — just get in touch with our team at Oxygen Padel Goole.
PLAY PADEL IN YORKSHIRE
Ready to Try Padel? We're Right Here.
Oxygen Padel Goole is Yorkshire’s premier padel destination — four courts, world-class facilities, and instant online booking. We’re a short drive from Hull, Doncaster, York, Leeds and Wakefield.
Stop Reading. Start Playing.
The best way to understand padel is to experience it. Book your first session at Oxygen Padel Goole today.
🔒 Secure booking · Instant confirmation · Open 6am–11pm daily