WHAT IS PADEL
Easier than tennis, more thrilling than squash
Padel is a racket sport played 2 v 2 on a court enclosed by glass walls. It combines tennis scoring with squash-style play off the walls, so a complete beginner is rallying within 30 minutes — and ten years in, the tactics still haven't run out.
THE COURT
20m × 10m, wrapped in glass
Half the footprint of a tennis court, enclosed by glass walls and mesh fencing. Balls come back off the walls and stay alive — that's where padel's rallies come from.
Court size
20m × 10m — about half a tennis court
Glass walls
Glass at the back — balls off it stay in play
Mesh fencing
The middle of each side is enclosed in mesh
Net
0.88m at the centre — serves are underhand, below the waist
Service line
6.95m from the net — serve diagonally
Playing the walls
After one bounce, the ball stays live off the glass
RULES
Six rules are all you need
If you already know tennis, this takes about a minute.
The court
20m × 10m, enclosed by glass and mesh. At half the size of a tennis court, the ground you have to cover never feels like a chore.
Players
Always 2 v 2. How you read your partner matters more than how good you are alone — which is why it's called the most sociable sport there is.
The serve
Underhand, below the waist. With no big serve to worry about, beginners are in the rally straight away.
The walls
After the ball bounces once, it stays in play even off the glass. That rule — the one that keeps defence alive — is the heart of padel.
Scoring
Same 15-30-40 game scoring as tennis. If you know tennis, the rules take a minute to explain.
Equipment
A solid, stringless racket and a ball at slightly lower pressure. Easier on the arm, and lower injury risk.
WHY PADEL, WHY NOW
Why the world has taken to padel
In Spain it has overtaken tennis to become the second most-played sport after football. FIP (International Padel Federation) membership is growing fast, and Olympic inclusion is under discussion.
Underhand serve, small court, walls that keep defence alive — you can play a real game on day one, even if you've never held a racket. The time it takes to start enjoying it is remarkably short.
Four people laughing and shouting on the same court. The next date gets booked before you've left. The real reason padel exploded in Europe is the community.
The small court and gentle serve mean 20-somethings and 60-somethings share the same court. It works as a family sport and as business networking.
FIRST VISIT
First time here?
Rackets and balls are provided. Trainers and comfortable clothes are all you need. Book a one-off trial and play your first rally alongside a coach.
Padel Society Gimpo Flagship · Open 24 hours
How it works
What a trial session looks like
- 1
Book a trial by phone or Instagram DM
- 2
Come to the centre — racket and balls free to borrow
- 3
30 minutes of basics with a coach, then 30 minutes of mini games
- 4
Move on to a Starter Class or social matches
Now it's your turn to hit one
Take your first swing in a Starter Class, and your first real step forward in a tournament.