Five ways to get in on popular new sport padel without spending a fortune
PADEL is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.
The racket-based game is similar to tennis and on a smaller, walled court, but it is not the cheapest of pastimes to take up.
The good news? There are ways to get in on the action without spending a fortune.
GO LOCAL: Padel clubs are popping up all over the UK, so firstly, check out the Lawn Tennis Association (lta.org.uk) to find your nearest venue.
There are more than 500 courts and the website has a handy interactive map. While many clubs require membership, many parks now have courts where you can just pay and play, bookable by the hour.
GROUP SAVER: If you’re new to the sport, group lessons are a cheaper alternative to private coaching. Many clubs offer beginner packages that provide great value while helping you learn the basics.
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Find and book one by visiting the club pages at game4padel.com/group-lessons.
KIT HITS: Skip the latest racket models and instead hunt down used or older versions. While you can get a new padel racket for £20 at amazon.co.uk, ebay.co.uk has a dedicated padel kit section and there are currently rackets on offer from £14.
OFF-PEAK PLAY: Book courts during quieter times, such as weekday mornings or afternoons as off-peak hours usually have discounted rates, sometimes as low as half-price.
For example, at The Padel Club in London, peak court bookings start at £38 per hour, compared to £28 per hour before 4pm.
BULK BUY: Keep an eye out for promotions or bulk-booking discounts at local clubs.
Many venues offer deals for booking multiple sessions in advance, so if you’re ready to commit to the sport, this is a great way to play and save.
It’s also worth remembering that padel is a doubles game, so share the court rental fee with friends.
Often if you ask around at local clubs they have a list or message boards where you can find people seeking extra players so you can join in and split the cost.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
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