In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts Battersea Park now has four outdoor Padel courts available ALL YEAR round!
Padel is a dynamic and social sport that’s easy to pick up and fun for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this facility offers a great place to play. The park’s open air Padel courts will be a feature throughout summer and for those wanting play beyond Battersea Park they can head to the courts at Battersea Sports Centre.
The sport has been gaining popularity in London and the UK recently. It started in Latin America and combines elements of tennis and squash. Padel’s social nature has attracted many sports fans of all ages, and London, known for it’s lively sports scene, has seen a significant rise in interest.
Its appeal, coming from its relatively low barrier to entry compared to other racquet sports – it is easier to play than its sister sports tennis and squash, as well as its compact court size makes it well-suited to urban environments like London, where space can be at a premium.
We have four outdoor Padel courts at Battersea Park Millennium Arena and one outdoor Padel court at Battersea Sports Centre available year-round. Operating hours at both the Battersea venues have been tailored to accommodate local people’s varying schedules, with slots available seven days a week. The pricing structure reflects Wandsworth Council’s commitment to inclusivity, with off-peak hours available at £32 per hour. For those unfamiliar with the sport or lacking equipment, padel bats and balls will be provided at reception. However, players are encouraged to bring their own gear if preferred.
Still unsure if it’s for you? Here’s how it works: Padel is typically played in doubles on a court that is about a third of the size of a tennis court but with similar dimensions to a double’s badminton court.
The Court: Padel is played on an enclosed court with walls, usually made of glass or fencing. The court measures 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, with a net dividing it into two equal halves.
The Equipment: Players use solid paddles made of composite materials and hit a pressurized ball similar to a tennis ball but with less bounce.
Scoring: Padel follows a scoring system similar to tennis.
Winning Points: Points are won when the opposing team fails to return the ball within the boundaries of the court, hits it into the net, or commits a fault, such as touching the net or hitting the ball out of bounds.
Rotation: Players must rotate their positions after each point, with the server’s partner taking the next shot.
Overall, padel is a fast-paced and dynamic sport combining elements of skill, strategy, and teamwork, super enjoyable for recreational players and highly competitive at the professional level and it is well on its way to becoming a prominent fixture in the city’s sporting landscape. As more people discover the playability and excitement of padel, its popularity continues to soar.
To book at Battersea Park Millenium Arena visit www.enableleisure.co.uk/padel
