Padel
Where to Play Padel
Padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport in Czechia. The court is smaller than a tennis court, enclosed by glass and mesh, and it is almost always played in fours. Of all the racquet sports, it is the quickest to pick up.
How it is played
The court measures 20 by 10 metres and is enclosed by glass and mesh. After the ball bounces on the ground you may play it off the wall, which is the main difference from tennis and the reason rallies last longer. You serve underarm from waist height, so there is no tennis serve to learn. The racquets are solid, with no strings, and with holes in the face.
Who it is for
You do not need a tennis background. Most people can keep a rally going within the first hour, because the walls keep the ball in play after a shot that would have gone out on a tennis court. It is demanding on your legs and on coordination with your partner, not on technique.
What to bring
Indoor or outdoor sports shoes depending on where you play, and comfortable clothes. Most clubs hire out racquets and balls, but not all of them, so it is worth calling or checking the club description. You pay for the whole court whether there are two or four of you, so the price per person works out best in fours.
Clubs where you can play padel
For each of them you see free slots and the price, and you book straight in the app.
FAQ
Can I play padel with just two?
You can, but the court is built for doubles and with two you cover far more ground. Most clubs do not adjust the court price to the number of players.
How long does one game take?
Courts are usually booked for 60 or 90 minutes. On Raqueta you choose between 60, 90 and 120 minutes depending on what the club has free.
Do I need my own racquet?
Not at the start. Hire costs a few dozen crowns, and until you know whether the sport is for you, that is more sensible than buying your own.