Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re brand new to padel or a seasoned player, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you get started and make the most of your time on court.
What is Padel?
Padel is a fun, fast-paced racket sport that is played on a court which is roughly a third the size of a tennis court, measuring 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. The court is enclosed by walls, typically made of glass and/or mesh, and a net divides it in half.
Here are a few basics:
- It’s usually played in doubles.
- The serve is underarm.
- All of the walls – mesh and glass – are in play, adding exciting angles and strategy to each game.
- Rackets are solid (no strings), and the balls are slightly less pressurised than tennis balls.
- Padel use the same scoring system as tennis i.e. 15, 30, 40, deuce and game points.
Game: A game is won when a player or team reaches four points with a two-point advantage. If the score reaches 40-40, it’s called a deuce and a team must win two consecutive points to reach advantage and win the game
Set: A set is won by the first team to reach six games, with a two-game lead.
Match: In a best-of-three-set match, the first team to win two sets wins the match. If a set reaches 6-6, a tie break is played with a two-point lead required to win the tie-break.
Is Padel easy to pick up?
Absolutely! One of padel’s best qualities is how quickly beginners can pick it up. The rules are simple, the rallies last longer, and the smaller court means less running than tennis — perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
It’s designed to be accessible to all skill levels—even if you’ve never picked up a racket before. Many players come to padel with no prior racket sport experience and have a blast.
Padel Basics
1 – Serving
Stand behind the white line.
Bounce the ball on the ground and serve underhand diagonally to land the ball into the opponents’ box.
A let occurs if the serve hits the net and lands in the opponent’s service box.
The first serve is always from the right and the server change sides after each point.
2 – Returning
Serves must bounce before being returned – no volleying from serves.
In open play, shots can be played off the walls or volleyed, similar to squash.
The ball must be returned before it bounces twice on the ground.
3 – Points and Faults
The point is lost if:
- the ball hits the cage or glass without bouncing
- the ball bounces twice without being successfully returned
- A fault occurs.
A fault occurs:
- If the serve hits the net and fails to land within the opponent’s service box.
- If the serve is not hit from below the waist and in an upward motion.
- If the serve hits the cage. Aim for the glass.
- If the ball is hit out of the court.
- If the serve is made out of turn or from the wrong side of the court.
4 – Scoring and changing
Scoring is the same as tennis: 0-15-30-40-deuce-adv etc
There are 6 games per set and 3 sets per match.
Best of 3 sets usually wins.
Players change end after every odd-numbered game in a set.
What should I wear?
Any comfortable sportswear and non-marking trainers with good grip will do – the playing surface has sand on it so smooth soles may be too slippery. You don’t need specialist shoes to start, but once you’re hooked, you might want padel-specific footwear for better support.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
You can rent adult and junior rackets from a machine at the venue costing £2.50 each N.B. the machine takes a holding fee, which is not charged if the 4-digit return code is entered within 3 hours and funds must be available in the account. There is also a ball and accessory vending machine which sells tubes of balls, overgrips and sweatbands. Both machines take payment by contactless only – no cash. There is a hopper of free community balls on hand by the courts. If you become a regular, you may want your own racket. Free rackets are provided with coaching sessions and our coaches can help you select equipment.
How do I book a court using Playtomic?
If you haven’t already, download the Playtomic app. Click here for more info. Click here for more info about the booking options and process.
Once your booking and payment is confirmed, the booking will appear at the top of the app. Your access code can be found on Booking Confirmation emails, reservation reminder emails (sent 2hrs before matches) and the App booking (tap the right hand side of ‘your next activity’ at the top of the screen, then scroll down to ‘information’).
Access to the courts is via a secure numeric keypad. Just enter your 4-digit booking code followed by # into the keypad, which is located directly to the left of the main entrance door. E.g. 1234#
Our LED lighting system is fully automated, switching on 5 minutes before your booking and it turn off a few minutes after — no need to touch a thing.
Court bookings made across the off-peak/peak time threshold of 5pm will be charged pro rata. E.g. if a 2hr slot is booked from 4pm to 6pm the total charge will be £24+£32=£56, plus any Playtomic service fees.
Playtomic has an extensive help centre, check it out by clicking here
Can kids play?
Definitely. Padel is ideal for kids, thanks to the smaller court, lighter rackets, and the emphasis on teamwork. We offer junior sessions—perfect for developing coordination and having fun.
Children under the age of 13 must be supervised by an adult.
Please refer to our Policy Section for Safeguarding information and further details.
Is there a Padel league or ladder?
Yes — we offer both social and competitive options.
Whether you want a fun evening game or to climb the rankings, there’s an option for you. Keep an eye on the app or ask us about joining our leagues and tournaments.
What if I don’t have a playing partner?
- Simply setup an open match via the app. This will notify other players that spaces are available. You can even split the payment (any membership discounts will be applied automatically). Matches can be setup based on skill rating level, or other parameters.
- Join or create social match play sessions via the Playtomic app.
- Take part in text groups from within the Playtomic app.
What’s the etiquette on court?
- Keep games friendly and respectful.
- Stick to booked times and rotate promptly.
- Call out the score and dispute points fairly.
- Have fun— padel is meant to be social and energetic!
- No pets on the courts please.
- Please respect our neighbours, community and opening hours, especially around 8am and after 9pm.
Can I host an event or book group sessions?
Absolutely. We offer packages for:
- Team-building
- Birthday parties
- Club socials
- School sessions
Just drop us an email with your ideas and we’ll look to make the arrangements with you.
What facilities do you have on site?
- We have two 9m high canopy-covered, all-weather doubles courts. Fresh air with weather protection!
- A toilet is located in the overflow carpark, next to the blue roller door at the front of WeStore. It is a green structure and is available to players between 8am and 9pm.
- Free parking on site.
- A racket rental machine is in the facility, stocking both adult and junior rackets for £2.50 per session. It takes contactless payments only. N.B. the machine takes a holding fee, which is not charged if the 4-digit return code is entered within 3 hours and funds must be available in the account.
- A vending machine offers tubes of balls and other popular accessories such as overgrips and sweatbands. It takes contactless payments only.
- There is a bike rack on the raised car park.
- Kirkbymoorside has a range of independent shops, pubs, cafes restaurants and hotels. Check out the Kirkbymoorside Town website for details.
- Disabled access via a ramp can be arranged on request – click Contact Us.
- We are an LTA registered venue and a Playtomic Levelling certified club.