Padel has spread across Northern Ireland with 11 new clubs opening in the past year, according to the Padel Federation of Ireland.
Chris Moffitt, a certified PFI padel coach, says mastering the forehand, backhand and volley means players are ready to hit the court and build confidence by playing against others at different levels.
The biggest challenge for newcomers is not the sport’s similarities to tennis but its differences, particularly the use of the court’s glass walls.
“The big thing is that you don’t hit the glass of the cage directly, it has to bounce in the court first, and then once it comes off the glass, then you hit it in the air,” Moffitt explained.
In tennis, a ball going behind the player loses the point, but in padel, the glass becomes an asset that keeps rallies alive.
At Pendle Padel Club in Nelson, manager Ryan Canning—a former professional cricketer from Nelson Cricket Club who settled in East Lancashire—describes the sport as inclusive for all ages, from 16 to 65.
“What a whirlwind it’s been since we opened, we’re busy all the time,” Ryan said, noting the positive atmosphere as people come off the courts.
The club’s simplicity makes it accessible: anyone can play, and the small court size, underarm serve and solid perforated paddles help beginners get started quickly.
Played primarily in doubles on an enclosed glass-and-mesh court, padel combines elements of tennis and squash, with the back wall extending rallies and creating more opportunities for play without requiring elite skill levels.
Reporter Dominic Collis, describing himself as moderately sporty but not an expert, found padel more playable and enjoyable than tennis or squash after just a few minutes of coaching.
He noted spending less energy fetching balls out of court compared to tennis and avoiding the intensity that leads to collapsing in squash, instead finding a sustainable workout through longer rallies.
Plans have been submitted for Burnley’s first indoor padel club at the former Boohoo site, indicating continued expansion of facilities to meet growing demand.
What makes padel different from tennis when it comes to using the court walls?
In padel, the ball must bounce in the court before hitting the glass wall, and players hit it after it rebounds off the glass, whereas in tennis, a ball going behind the player results in a lost point.
Who is managing Pendle Padel Club and what is their background?
Ryan Canning, a former professional cricketer from Nelson Cricket Club who has settled in East Lancashire, manages Pendle Padel Club.