Padel: courts, rules and finding a partner
Padel is the fastest-growing racket sport in Europe for a reason: it is easy to pick up, always played in doubles, and the glass walls keep rallies going. The hard part is finding a court at a sensible hour and three other people. Here is how.
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How it's played
- Padel is played 2 vs 2 on a 20 × 10 m enclosed court with glass back walls and mesh sides. Scoring follows tennis (15, 30, 40, game; six games per set, usually best of three), with many clubs using a golden point at deuce.
- The serve is underarm, bounced first and hit below waist height, diagonally into the opponent's service box. The ball may be played off your own walls after it bounces on your side, and it is out if it hits the opponent's wall before bouncing.
- Rallies are long and tactical: lobs, volleys at the net and defensive play off the glass matter more than raw power.
What you need
- Racket: a solid, perforated racket without strings (round shape for control, diamond for power). Beginners should start with a round or teardrop racket in the lighter weight range.
- Balls: padel balls look like tennis balls but have slightly lower pressure. Most clubs sell them; a tube lasts a few sessions.
- Shoes: tennis or padel shoes with a herringbone or omni sole suitable for artificial grass with sand. Running shoes slide and wear out quickly.
- A wristband and sunglasses help on open-air courts; many courts are covered or indoor.
How to find a court near you
- Padel courts are found in dedicated padel clubs, tennis clubs that converted courts, multi-sport centres and increasingly in hotels and shopping centre rooftops.
- What to check: indoor or outdoor (and whether outdoor courts are covered), panoramic vs classic glass, lighting, racket rental for beginners, changing rooms, and whether the club runs open matches for people without a partner.
- Court availability is tight at 18:00–22:00 on weekdays. Early mornings, lunchtime and Sunday evenings are usually easier.
- In Sparrio, filter by padel, check the venue's price range and request a slot. If you are alone or a pair, post a request for a partner or a fourth player and let players nearby join.
Booking tips
- Book 90 minutes rather than 60 if the club offers it – a padel match rarely finishes in an hour.
- Agree on level before you book: clubs and apps often use a level scale; mismatched levels are the most common complaint in open matches.
- Ask whether lights are included and whether rental rackets and balls are available if someone forgets theirs.
- Check the cancellation window; padel courts are in demand and many clubs charge for late cancellations.
What affects the price
- Courts are usually priced per court per hour or per 90 minutes and split between four players. Indoor courts, prime-time slots, lighting and the club's location drive the price.
- Prices differ a lot between Spain, Northern Europe and Turkey, so we do not list averages; each venue in Sparrio shows its own range.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play padel with two people?
Yes, singles courts exist but are rare. Standard padel is doubles; post a request in Sparrio to find a partner or a fourth player.
Do I need my own racket?
Not at first – many clubs rent rackets. Buy your own once you play regularly.
How long should I book a padel court for?
90 minutes is the common match length; 60 minutes works for a quick practice.
Related guides
Last updated: 2026-10-18