A first rally.
A few new faces.
You don’t need to know the rules, own a racket or arrive with three friends. Start with a little curiosity. We’ll help with the rest.
Choose how to start
Padel is usually played as doubles: two players on each side of a glass-walled court. A gentle hit with one friend is a lovely way to get a feel for it before your first four-player game.
Padel Mates is where you book courts, join activities and find open matches at Racquet Garden.
Open Racquet Garden in Padel MatesPrefer to use a computer? Court and activity bookings are also available on the Padel Mates website. Use the app for finding and joining open matches.
Search “Padel Mates” in the App Store or Google Play. Create your account, complete your player profile and choose a beginner level if you are just starting out.
Search for our club at Thoulstone Park. Check the club name and location before choosing a court or activity.
For a court, select an available date, time and duration. For an intro or coached session, open the club’s activities and choose an Introduction to Padel or beginner listing.
Read the level, price, equipment details and cancellation terms. Complete the booking and payment steps, then check your confirmation for the date, time and location.
Coming alone is absolutely fine. Intro sessions, beginner coaching and the community are all ways to meet people at a similar stage.
Join our WhatsApp community and find the beginner group. Try: “I’m new to padel and looking for a relaxed hit. Is anyone free this weekend?”
Join our WhatsApp communityA game with places available for other players to join. You book a place in that game, instead of having to arrange every player yourself.
Some matches may require an organiser’s approval. A request to join is not a confirmed place until the app says so.
See listed open matchesTry an intro or beginner coaching first. If no suitable game is listed, ask in the WhatsApp group and arrange a gentle practice with someone at your level.
There’s no need to buy a racket for your first game. Pick up what you need from the clubhouse, or bring your own padel equipment.
Intro sessions include rackets and balls. Check your chosen activity’s details for what is included.
Court hire is charged per court; you can share the cost with your group. An intro, social or open match has its own listed price. Check the booking total and add racket hire or balls if needed.
See court hire guide pricesYou can learn the details as you play. Begin with gentle shots, give each other time, and aim to keep the ball going.
Stand behind the service line, bounce the ball and serve underarm at or below waist height into the diagonally opposite box. You have two attempts. The receiver lets it bounce.
Return the ball before its second bounce. After the serve, you can volley. A shot that hits the opponents’ glass or fence before the floor is out.
After bouncing on your side, the ball can rebound off the glass before you return it. A serve may hit glass after landing correctly, but hitting the fence makes it a fault.
Points go 15, 30, 40, game; 40–40 is deuce. Sets usually go to six games with a two-game lead, with a tie-break at 6–6. Agree the scoring format first, or just rally.
A short introduction to the rules. Socials and competitions may use different scoring formats; follow your organiser’s guidance.
Read the LTA’s full rulesFind us at Thoulstone Park, Wiltshire, BA13 4AQ. Allow a little time to find your court and collect any hire equipment from the clubhouse.
Directions & opening hoursWarm up gently, use the racket’s wrist strap and give your partner space to swing. Call “mine” when you go for a ball, wait for a break before entering another court, and finish on time for the next players.
Return any hire rackets, stay for a drink if you fancy, and arrange the next one. A beginner coaching session is a lovely next step when you want a little more confidence.
Explore beginner coachingNo. Padel is its own game, and an intro session starts with the basics. You don’t need any racquet-sport experience.
Yes. Book an intro or beginner session, join a suitable open match, or find someone to play with through our WhatsApp community.
A standard padel match is doubles, with four players. You can book a court with one friend for a relaxed hit and practice. Organised sessions and open matches help you find more players.
Choose an Introduction to Padel session if you are completely new. For open matches, describe your experience honestly and check the level with the organiser. Ratings can differ between platforms.
Check each activity’s age guidance. For a family visit, junior coaching or a mixed-age group, contact the clubhouse so we can help you choose a suitable option.
Check the terms attached to your Padel Mates booking. If the weather looks uncertain, contact the clubhouse before travelling; don’t assume a session is cancelled.
Check this month’s coaching activities. If none suit, email the clubhouse, ask in the WhatsApp beginner group, or book a court for a gentle hit with a friend.
Of course. Email clubhouse@racquetgarden.com with your question. Tell us you’re new and we’ll help you find your way onto court.
