Play respectfully. Build a stronger community.
Padel is a social game. A little courtesy keeps every court running on time and every match friendly.
- No food, drink or personal items on the court.
- Wear the wrist strap on your racquet.
- Use appropriate footwear (no flip flops).
- Be respectful with language during play.
- If a ball from a neighbouring court lands on your court, stop play immediately and play a let.
- Respect the venue and other players.
- Keep the area tidy and put your rubbish in the bins.
- Share space fairly.
- No smoking or vaping on site.
- Be inclusive and welcome new players.
- Treat staff and other players with respect.
- Wait off court until it is your turn.
- Leave the court promptly when finished.
Three rules to get you started.
Padel is played in pairs on an enclosed court, and the walls are part of the game. If you have played tennis or squash you already know most of it. Here is what trips up first-timers.
- Every serve is underhand. Stand behind the service line, drop the ball to the ground and hit it on the bounce, at or below waist height.
- The serve must land in the service box diagonally opposite, and the ball may then hit the glass but not the metal cage.
- You get two serves. Miss both and you lose the point.
- The ball must go over the net and bounce on the floor of your opponents’ side before it touches any wall.
- After that bounce, the ball can come off the glass and the play carries on. You can also hit it before it reaches the wall.
- The ball is out if it hits the wall or the metal cage on the opponent’s side before it bounces, or hits the metal cage on the way over.
- If the ball bounces twice on your side before you return it, the point is lost.
- Points go 0, 15, 30, 40, then game, exactly as in tennis. Matches are the best of three sets.
- At 40–40 you play advantage as normal, up to two times.
- If the score is still level after that, one deciding Star Point settles the game. The receiving pair chooses which side returns. The Star Point replaced the old golden point in the 2026 FIP rules.
Find your level.
Padel Mates rates every player on a scale from 0 to 7. You choose a starting level when you sign up, and the app adjusts it from your match results. The more you play, the more accurate it gets, and the better your matches become.
The best way to find your level is a levelling session: an hour on court with a coach, who places you on the scale so every session and match you book is the right one. Look for sessions called Levelling under Coaching.
Before you play.
All the terms of play
Play at your own risk
Padel is a physical sport. By booking a court or joining a session you confirm you are fit to play and you take part at your own risk. If you have a medical condition that could be affected by exercise, please speak to your doctor first.
Under-18s
Players under 18 must be booked in by a parent or guardian, who remains responsible for them while they are at the club. Junior sessions are supervised by our coaches; general court bookings are not.
Personal property
Please look after your belongings. Padel Quarter is not responsible for loss of, or damage to, personal property brought to the club, including items left in lockers, on court or in vehicles.
Equipment and the courts
Hired racquets and balls remain the club’s property. Damage to courts, glass or equipment caused by misuse may be charged for. Report any fault or damage to a member of staff straight away.
Bookings, cancellations and refunds
Bookings, changes, cancellations and refunds are handled in the Padel Mates booking system under the booking terms shown when you book.
Conduct
We reserve the right to refuse entry to, or remove from the club, anyone whose behaviour is unsafe, abusive or against the club rules, without refund.
Photography and filming
We occasionally photograph and film at the club for our website and social media. Tell a member of staff if you would prefer not to appear.
Questions about any of this: contact@padelquarter.net or 02394 377743.