What is Padel? - Padel Montagu

“I had never played before — but after 10 minutes, I was laughing and hooked!” — Montagu resident

Padel in a Nutshell

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports globally — and now it's in Montagu! This social, fun, and easy-to-learn racquet sport is played in doubles on an enclosed court with glass walls. The court’s design makes rallies longer and gameplay more exciting.

How Padel Differs from Other Racquet Sports

Padel vs Tennis

Padel courts are smaller, and players serve underhand. There's less focus on power and more on strategy and control, making it ideal for all ages and skill levels.

Padel vs Squash

Padel shares the wall-play feature with squash, but it’s played on an open court and with a net like tennis. The blend creates a unique rhythm and dynamic gameplay.

Padel vs Badminton

No birdies here! Padel uses a solid racket and low-bounce ball, offering more grounded gameplay while still being fast-paced and accessible.

How to Play Padel — The Basics

The Court

A padel court is 10m wide by 20m long — about a third of a tennis court. It’s enclosed with 3m high glass and mesh walls which players can use strategically during play. The net is 0.88m at the center and slightly lower at the sides.

The Gear

Racket: A solid paddle with perforations for control and grip (no strings).
Ball: Looks like a tennis ball but with lower pressure for better control.
Shoes: Regular trainers are okay, but padel or clay-court shoes offer better traction on the AstroTurf surface.

Scoring & Serving

Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. A match is typically best of three sets. A set is won by the first team to win 6 games, with a tiebreak at 6-6.

Serves are underhand and must bounce in the opposite service box.
You get two serve attempts per point.
Volleys are allowed, but the ball must bounce before hitting a wall.
Players can use their own walls to return a shot.

Padel is for all ages, all skill levels, and all vibes. Whether you’re playing with your kids after school, rallying with friends, or trying it for the first time — you’ll feel welcome and included on our courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is padel hard to learn?

No! It’s simple, quick to learn, and you can enjoy the game from day one.

Can kids play padel?

Yes! It’s ideal for all ages and will be available right after school hours here in Montagu.

Do I need my own equipment?

We offer rentals and starter kits on site — no gear, no problem!

How do I book a game?

Bookings are made via the Playtomic app. Simply follow our easy step-by-step guide "How to book a game".

Do you offer coaching?

Yes! From beginner clinics to social games, we’ll help you get into the swing of it.