News

We're thrilled to share the news that UK PADEL is opening this weekend at  The South Buckinghamshire Golf Course. Get ready to elevate your leisure time as we introduce the brand new padel courts from Saturday 3rd February.

Just like at Holmer Green, you can get on the padel courts via the UK PADEL app or website. We have launch offers and discounted membership as a thank you to our existing players. Courts and taster sessions and socials are available to book now for February 3rd onwards.

We would LOVE you to come and try the courts out ( and bring a few local mates if you can!)

Launch Offer for Current Holmer Green Members

For current members of UK PADEL Holmer Green, we have a special launch offer if you would like to add The South Buckinghamshire Golf Course to your membership.

One year membership will only cost you = £45

to add a membership at UK PADEL The South Buckinghamshire Golf Course*

*Offer is valid only for current UK PADEL members and 

valid until the end of February then will revert to £60

Just to remind you what you get with this membership: 

• Half price courts for members in February at The South Buckinghamshire Golf Course to help build up the new club - just £3 per person for off peak hours and £3.75 per person peak hours.

• Court credit 10% off in February for all players who buy credit.
• A brand new padel ball subscription service for when you need some new balls the most.
• Group coaching sessions are £17.50 for members
• Individual and private coaching £50 per hour

As well as: 

• Discounted access to coaching sessions and UK PADEL kit.
• Free beginnerfriendly clinics to get you started.
• Participate in social events and tournaments for all skill levels.

For enquiries and membership details, contact us at sb@ukpadel.org or 07717806325 or sign up direct by downloading the UK PADEL app or online. And for coaching enquiries please contact our head of Padel Jared Robinson at Jared@ukpadel.org  

UK PADEL: Putting People on a Padel Court

UK PADEL: Putting People on the Padel Court

At UK PADEL our mission is to introduce more people to the growing sport of padel, we believe this is the best sport to engage the widest possible range of people to get exercise, stay health and build community.  Co-founded by Neil Percival and Nick Baker, our journey was born out of a shared frustration with the scarcity of courts. Drawing upon their extensive backgrounds in squash and real tennis, Neil and Nick set out to address this gap by establishing padel courts in Buckinghamshire. The launch of the padel courts at Holmer Green Sports Association in November 2021 marked a significant milestone in our commitment to making padel more accessible.

With little over 350 padel courts in the UK, we are dedicated to positioning padel as an attractive and viable option for physical activity, serious competition, and a whole load of fun besides. Embracing the membership and pay-to-play model, our courts are designed to welcome individuals of all skill levels, encouraging inclusivity. 

At UK PADEL we go beyond creating playing spaces; we are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant community centred around the game of padel and a terrific new location at the golf club to enjoy it in. Join us and our Academy Director Jared Robinson in our mission to make padel an integral part of your active lifestyle, where we can move, connect, and elevate the game together.

This wouldn’t have been possible without the terrific team at The South Buckinghamshire Golf Course, and we want to say a special thanks to Mark Young and his team and Buckinghamshire council for their backing to bring padel to the club.

Don't miss the chance to be among the first to experience padel at UK PADEL at The South Buckinghamshire Golf Course! 

We look forward to welcoming you to our growing padel community.

Best regards,

Neil & Nick 

Co Founders UK PADEL  

It was good to confirm the competitive juices hadn't frozen in 2023 and were flowing well into 2024 as we had a glorious day of Americano competition on Sunday 7th to kick off the 2024 Americano series in the sunshine.

Great to kick the day of with the new players group and Toby King taking the top spot and the 10 points on offer, seriously impressive and well done to those of you who were playing in some of your first (competitive) matches, we told you it would be relaxed and fun right?! 

Andy Turner took the mid group event by 2 points from Ed Fitch in a seriously good level of padel, played in a great spirit. 

Jack Pounder and Jono Epps took the 10-point top spots in the two editions of the 4.25 plus event. Jack put in an assured performance in the first session, a clear 12 points ahead of Mr americano himself Phil Cornhill with Marc Cooke a few more behind. Jono Epps dug deep into his mind’s eye to scrape off the rust from earlier in the day and deliver a ruthless display of americano point bagging to win by 5 points from an excellent Marcus Paine and a late charging Nick Baker. 

In the words of Jared, this series is going to be a goodie!

February 3rd entries are live for booking and filling up fast, so please sign up and we are looking forward to a lot more competitive fun on court throughout the year. 

Reminder of the monthly competition format: 

- 11-month series running on the first weekend of each month - mixture of Saturdays and Sundays in case people have regular commitments.  Starting on Sun 7th Jan
- ⁠3 divisions: 1-3, 3.25-4.0, 4.25+
- ⁠Initially 8 places per division per month, but we’ll add a second timeslot if needed based on demand
- ⁠As well as monthly kudos for winning and your name in lights, there will be an overall leaderboard with a lovely UK PADEL racket as a prize for the overall winner in each division over the course of the year (and maybe some other prizes too 😎)
- ⁠Your best 7 results over the season will count for the overall leaderboard (allowing for holidays/injuries etc)
- ⁠Each monthly winner will get 10 pts; 2nd 8 pts; 3rd 6 pts; and then 4th-8th 5/4/3/2/1 pts

Nothing but Padel. 

As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to reflect on a year packed with some great events, community building, and countless moments that have shaped UK Padel this year. From regional tournaments to youth initiatives and coaching milestones, here's a glimpse into the incredible journey we've had together.

LTA Regional Events and Youth Padel Tour

We kicked off the year with a bang, hosting multiple LTA regional events that saw players come from around the area, including many of our members showcasing their skills on the court. The enthusiasm for the sport continues to grow and our players are a testament to the progress that padel has been making around the country. The Youth Padel Tour events, designed to elevate junior padel in the UK, were met with tremendous support, fostering the next generation of padel players. We had almost 20 juniors support the event across 3 tournaments which saw an eventual champion crowned. 

Coaching and Club Champs

Our coaching sessions witnessed significant progress, and it's encouraging to see the skill level of our members on a constant rise. Could next year bring forth even more contenders in the LTA regional tournaments? The Club Champs showcased outstanding performances, and congratulations are in order to all the winners who displayed exceptional sportsmanship and talent.

Community Outreach

Embracing our commitment to spreading the passion of padel, we opened our doors to various communities. Hosting the RAF for their inaugural padel experience was a proud moment, and we're eager to make it an annual tradition. Welcoming tennis clubs, local businesses, and schools not only introduced more people to the sport but also elevated the profile of padel in our area.

Coaching Courses and Live Streaming

We took a proactive approach to knowledge-sharing by hosting our first “transition to padel” coaching course. Coaches enhanced their skills, contributing to the overall development of our players. Live-streaming events like the FIP professional tournament at the National Tennis Centre and our very own County Championships brought the excitement of padel to a broader audience, reinforcing our commitment to growing the sport.

UK Padel County Championships

A highlight that defined our year was hosting the largest padel event in the UK—the UK PADEL County Championships. Almost 200 players from 20+ counties competed, making it a true celebration of padel excellence. To all the players who made this event spectacular, thank you for your unwavering support.

Looking Ahead to 2024

As we eagerly anticipate the new year, we have some exciting plans in store for our members. Get ready for monthly Americanos, where we'll come together to play matches and get to meet other members. Racket testing sessions will give you the chance to explore the latest gear and find the perfect match for your game. Plus, be on the lookout for guest coaches who will bring fresh perspectives and insights to our training sessions.

To our incredible community of players, supporters, and partners, thank you for being an integral part of this remarkable journey. Let's make 2024 a year to remember—full of smashing serves, strategic volleys, and endless fun! Here's to a padel-filled year ahead! 

Sincerely, 

Team UK PADEL

We’ve all been there. You’ve hit a great volley into the corner, your opponent is panicking but manages to flick the ball up, the ball seems to fly in slow motion through the air, one slow revolution at a time. Your heart rate goes up and your racket goes back, and all thoughts of tactics go out the window – you are going to CRUSH this volley as hard as you can. 

As the winter chill sets in, your padel game may face unique challenges like playing through a few extra layers of clothing or the odd day of damp back-glass. Nevertheless, with the right warm-up routine, you can not only mitigate the cold but also enhance your performance on the court. This week, we'll explore the importance of warm-ups during winter. Plus, we'll equip you with three quick warm-up ideas to ensure you step onto the padel court at your best.

The Importance of Warm-Ups in Winter

The winter months pose specific challenges to athletes, affecting muscle flexibility and increasing the risk of injuries. Studies show that cold weather can reduce blood flow to muscles, making them stiffer and more prone to strains and sprains. In padel, where agility and quick movements are crucial, a proper warm-up becomes even more critical during winter.

Effect of Cold on Muscles:

Research suggests that exposure to cold temperatures leads to vasoconstriction, limiting blood flow to muscles. This reduction in blood flow can result in decreased muscle elasticity and increased susceptibility to injuries.

Optimal Temperature for Performance:

Maintaining an optimal muscle temperature through warm-ups is essential for peak athletic performance. Research highlights that warm muscles contract and relax more efficiently, leading to improved overall function. 

3 Warm-Up Ideas for Winter Padel Sessions

Cardiovascular Warm-Up

Incorporate 5-10 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging or skipping. This raises your heart rate, increasing blood flow to muscles and enhancing overall body warmth.

Dynamic Stretching

Perform dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and torso twists. These movements promote flexibility, improve circulation, and activate the muscles you'll use during padel.

Sport-Specific Movements

Mimic padel-specific movements during your warm-up. Include lateral shuffles, shadow shots, and controlled lunges to simulate the on-court actions. This mentally and physically prepares you for the game.

As the winter courts beckon, remember that a comprehensive warm-up is your key to staying injury free and unlocking your peak performance. Integrate these three quick warm-up exercises into your routine, and step onto the padel court with confidence, knowing that you've primed your body for success. And speaking of extra layers earlier, make sure to check out the UK PADEL Shop for your winter gear essentials such as beanies and waterproof layers. 

See you out on court, nothing but padel! 

Coach Jared

The echoes of exhilarating rallies and cheers from enthusiastic fans still resonate as the inaugural UK PADEL County Championships concluded yesterday. The event, the biggest ever to be hosted in the UK, brought together passionate players and counties in a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and the thriving padel community. As the curtain fell on a weekend filled with epic matches and a buzzing atmosphere, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable one.

A Shoutout to Players and Counties

First and foremost, a sincere thank you to the players and counties whose support elevated the championships. The quality of padel on display was nothing short of epic, showcasing the talent and skill of the participants. Your commitment to the sport and sportsmanship was truly commendable.

Hosts Extraordinaire: Rocket Padel Bristol

The tournament's success wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional hospitality of Rocket Padel Bristol. Their world-class facilities provided the perfect stage for the championships, and players had nothing but praise for the venue. A special acknowledgment to Rocket Padel Bristol for being outstanding hosts and contributing to the overall positive experience.

Cheers to the Fans!

The vibrant energy in Bristol was not just limited to the players; it extended to the passionate fans who either attended in person or caught the action on the livestream. Your support is the heartbeat of padel, and your enthusiasm only reinforces that padel is on an upward trajectory in the UK. Thank you for being an integral part of this thrilling event.

Mark Ayers: A Tournament Director Extraordinaire

A round of applause for Mark Ayers, the tournament director, whose skilful management ensured a smooth and seamless experience for players and teams. His experience in this crucial role was evident as he navigated the intricacies of the tournament, ironing out any challenges that arose. Kudos to Mark for a job well done.

Party Time: Shandy Shack and Paella CaLuciano

The festivities extended beyond the courts, with a lively players' party on Saturday night hosted by Shandy Shack and Paella CaLuciano. The generous portions and refreshing shandies added a perfect touch of fun to the evening, creating lasting memories off the court.

Winners and Future Prospects

Congratulations to the winning teams who emerged victorious in their respective categories: Yorkshire in the women's event, East Scotland in the men's event, and Sussex in the mixed event. Your achievements reflect not only skill but also the spirit of teamwork and determination.

Looking ahead, we anticipate an even more significant presence of women's and mixed teams in the upcoming editions. The success of this championship lays the foundation for the continued growth and popularity of padel in the UK.

What's Next?

The excitement doesn't end here. Stay tuned for our next big event scheduled for March, promising more thrilling matches, camaraderie, and the unmistakable padel spirit. Stay tuned here via the blog and on our social media channels.

In conclusion, the inaugural UK PADEL County Championships was a triumph on all fronts. As we reflect on a weekend that went by too quickly, we express our gratitude to everyone involved and eagerly anticipate the continued rise of padel in the UK. 

See you all next year for another unforgettable experience!

Jared Robinson

It’s finally here! We are thrilled to announce the kick off of the first-ever UK PADEL County Championships! It's time to witness the clash of counties as they vie for a coveted spot in Sunday's semi-finals and finals. The competition promises to be fierce, and we want you to be a part of the action!

Stay Updated with Live Scores

To keep up with the real-time excitement, we've got you covered with live score updates throughout the day. Follow all the twists and turns as counties battle it out for the top spot. To stay in the loop, bookmark the following link: Live Scores Updates.

Witness the Padel Magic – Live Streaming on YouTube

Can't make it to the event in person? No worries! We've got an exciting solution for you. We'll be live streaming all the padel action on our YouTube channel. Grab your favourite snack, kick back, and enjoy the games from the comfort of your home. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and set a reminder for the event: UK Padel County Championships.

Event Details:

Date: 18-19 November

Location: Rocket Padel, Bristol

Live Scores: Live Scores Updates

YouTube Live Stream: UK Padel County Championships

Get Ready to Cheer!

We can't wait to share the excitement with all of you. Whether you're rooting for a specific county or just eager to soak in the energy of the game, this event is not to be missed.

Connect with Us

Stay connected with UK Padel on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for real-time updates and join the conversation using #UKPCC or #NothingButPadel

See you on the Courts!

The UK Padel Team

As the County Championship looms just a few days away, the anticipation and excitement among players are palpable. The months of training have laid the foundation, and now, with the finish line in sight, it's time to refine the details for peak performance. In this article, we'll be going through some of the final steps that teams should look to take in the lead up to an event/tournament. Though these can be tailored for your individual tournaments as well. By following these steps, you will ensure you're not just physically prepared but also mentally primed for success.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news with you - the draws for the upcoming UK PADEL County Championships are now officially live!

As a valued member of our UK PADEL community, you're among the first to gain exclusive access to see which teams will be battling it out for glory at Rocket Padel Bristol on 18 and 19 November. Get ready to witness some fierce competition and extraordinary talent on display!

We will be livestreaming the event across our social media channels including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Please give us a follow on any of those channles to be updated when the streams go live! If you aren't able to make it down to Bristol for the event, this will be a great way to catch the action!

We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for being a part of the UK PADEL community. Your enthusiasm and support are what make events like this possible. We're eagerly looking forward to welcoming you next weekend for what promises to be a weekend filled with high-quality padel action, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

We’ve covered some of the more generic padel smashes such as the bandeja and vibora (remember what they mean) in previous Coaches Corner posts. We have two more niche smashes to discuss. In the world of padel, mastering unique shots can set you apart on the court. One of these unique shots is the rulo. Translated from Spanish to mean “roll,” this tactical smash, championed by Argentinian sensation Franco Stupaczuk, is a game-changer designed to use the side fence and create opportunities for a follow-up shot.

The Rulo: Tactical Awareness

The rulo is a shot used in a specific situation: Picture yourself at the net, your opponent just lobbed the ball over your backhand side, and it is hovering tantalizingly over your outside shoulder – not enough time to move into position to hit a regular smash – THAT is the moment to hit the rulo. The angle from your opponent’s lob gives you an opportunity to angle the ball down into the side fence with a slow, topspin smash. (Emphasis on SLOW.) By hitting it into the side fence, you force your opponent into a whirlwind of defensive manoeuvres from anticipating the ball's unpredictable bounce to trying to not let it hit the fence in the first place – this shot redirects the play, leaving your opponent scrambling to catch up. 

Rulo: The Technical Elements

The rulo is technically similar to a kick serve in tennis. The ball is over the left shoulder (for right-handed players,) and contact is made on the left-hand side of the body. The ball needs to drop lower than a regular smash contact point so that the racquet face can “roll” over the ball to get it to dip down over the net and bounce before hitting the side fence. The rulo is hit with “kick” or topspin so that it can jump up into the cage and disarm your opponents – but don’t hit it too hard! This is one of the slowest smashes there is. The angle you hit the shot dictates how hard you should hit it. 

The Art of the "Roll"

Despite its deceptive gentleness, executing a rulo is a high-level skill that demands a blend of flexibility and strength. It requires you to reach back and make contact behind the head, akin to executing a light topspin smash. It's a testament to the finesse and control that characterizes this advanced shot.

Master the Rulo: Coaching Sessions Await!

If you're excited by the rulo and eager to add it to your toolbox, you're in luck! Jump on a Coaching Session and receive guidance and hands-on training. The UK PADEL app is where you will find mor information on these sessions, or reach out to Jared at jared@ukpadel.org.  Don't miss this chance to elevate your game and surprise your opponents with a move that could redefine your playing style.

CHALLENGES! Win 1 Years Supply of UK PADEL Kit

If you’re not following us on social media, you better start now! We have launched the CHALLENGE series in the build-up to the UK PADEL COUNTY CHAMPS. Each challenge will have its own individual prize and increase in difficulty. 

The first on is called: Serve it up!

Can you hit the side glass with a serve 3 times in a row? All you have to do is show us your skills for a chance to win a UK Padel NO.3 racket! Tag us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @uk_padel to enter. PS: If you enter all 3 challenges, you will be entered into the draw to win 1 year’s supply of UK PADEL kit!

Catch you on court soon!

Coach Jared

As players progress from the humble skill of using the back glass and move into the more nuanced areas of the sport such as the bandeja, a padel lesson often turns into a Spanish language lesson. Last week we had the Vibora, remember what that means? And this week in the Padel Smash Series is no different. 

This past weekend, the UK Padel Men’s Team made the trip to Rocket Padel Bristol for the highly anticipated iPadel Summer League Finals. This event brought together the regionals winners from across the UK, vying for the coveted title of national club champion. With 16 formidable men's teams in contention, alongside women and mixed events, the weekend promised a showcase of top tier padel.

A special thanks goes out to Ian Colligon at iPadel for organising this impressive event. All went smoothly over the weekend and the buzz each day at the event was awesome. Thanks also to Rocket Padel Bristol for providing a fantastic venue - we're already counting down the days until UK PADEL are back in Bristol for the County Championships in six weeks' time - this event was a teaser of what’s to come!

Our tournament kicked off with an intense match against the always tough Chelsea Harbour Club in the first round. Trevor and James led the charge, battling through two closely contested sets. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, leaving us down 0-1 with one match remaining.

Nick and I took the court and got off to a fast start, clinching the first set in convincing fashion. The second set saw some high-level padel with both teams refusing to yield. At 5-5, the tension was high, but we ultimately fell short, losing the set 5-7. The third set brought us to a super tiebreaker, a nerve-wracking showdown to 10 points. With a 7-4 lead, victory seemed within grasp. Yet, despite a valiant effort, we narrowly missed the mark, concluding at 8-10. While disappointed with the result, the match was a testament to the exceptional standard of play and an absolute blast.

Undeterred, we moved into the plate stage, facing off against Limpsfield, Gloucestershire and culminating in a thrilling final with Surbiton. James and Trevor dominated with a 6-4 6-4 win, while Nick and I engaged in yet another heart-pounding three-setter which we narrowly lost.

The match came down to a decider, where one player from each pair formed a team, and a super tiebreaker would determine the match's outcome. James and I stepped up, delivering some of our finest padel of the day. The result was a resounding 10-1 victory, securing the Plate Trophy for UK PADEL. THE beers at the end of the day tasted that much sweeter!

Feeling inspired by our journey at the iPadel Summer League Finals? There's a place for you in the active world of UK Padel. Sharpen your skills with coaching sessions, forge lasting connections in club matches, and experience the thrill of competitive padel. We're already gearing up for the iPadel Winter League and are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the addition of a second men’s team. It's fantastic to see the UK Padel community so eager for more thrilling padel action. Ladies, next year we hope to see you in the finals as well and let’s not forget the Mixed Doubles event which tests players versatility and teamwork.

If you would like to get involved, please reach out to any one of us at UK Padel. The league not only offers a platform to test your skills against challenging opponents but also provides an opportunity to connect with fellow padel enthusiasts across different clubs.

Thank you all, and we'll see you out on the court! 

Coach Jared