What Is Padel? Discover Chippenham’s Newest Sport at Emery Gate
You may have heard people talking about padel — but what exactly is it, and why has it become so popular?
Now you can find out for yourself, with Padel Chippenham now open at Emery Gate Shopping Centre.
Whether you’re already a keen racket-sport player or you’ve never picked up a racket before, padel is easy to get into, great fun and one of the most social sports around.So, what is padel?
Padel is a racket sport usually played as doubles, with two players on each side of the net.
At first glance, it looks a little like tennis, but the court is smaller and surrounded by glass walls. Those walls form part of the game, so the ball can rebound off them and stay in play — often creating longer rallies and plenty of unexpected moments.
The serve is underarm and the rackets are smaller and solid rather than strung.
The result is a sport that’s quick to learn but offers plenty of challenge as you improve.
Is padel easy for beginners?
Absolutely.
One of the biggest attractions of padel is how accessible it is.
You don’t need to have played tennis or squash before, and you certainly don’t need to arrive with perfect technique.
The smaller court, underarm serve and doubles format mean that beginners can often start enjoying rallies during their very first session.
And if you’re not sure where to start, the Padel Chippenham team will be on hand to show you the basics and help you get playing.
What if I don’t have anyone to play with?
Don’t let that stop you.
Padel Chippenham is working on group sessions where individual players can join in and be matched with other people looking for a game.
So you won’t necessarily need to find three friends before you can get on court.
These sessions will be a great way to try padel, meet other local players and build your confidence. If you’re new to the sport, the team can also help show you how to play and get you started.
You might arrive on your own and leave having found your next group of padel partners.
Why is padel so popular?
Quite simply, it’s fun.
Because padel is normally played by four people, it’s naturally social. It’s a great activity for friends, couples, families, colleagues and groups looking to do something a little different together.
You can make the game as relaxed or competitive as you like.
For some people it’s a new way to keep active. For others, it becomes their new favourite sport.
And because there are four people on court, there’s usually as much laughter and conversation as there is competition.
Do I need my own equipment?
No.
If you’re trying padel for the first time, you don’t need to rush out and buy your own racket.
Padel Chippenham has equipment available, so you can simply book a court and get started.
Comfortable sports clothing and suitable trainers are all you need for your first game.
What will I find at Padel Chippenham?
Located right here at Emery Gate Shopping Centre, Padel Chippenham features:
Four dedicated padel courts
Equipment available to hire or buy
Changing facilities
MultiBall interactive games
Refreshments
Membership and pay-to-play options
Support for beginners wanting to learn how to play
Group playing opportunities for people looking for others to play with
Free parking for up to 3 hours
The venue welcomes complete beginners as well as regular and experienced players.
How do I book?
Courts at Padel Chippenham can be booked through Playtomic.
Simply download the Playtomic app, search for Padel Chippenham, choose a time and book your court.
If you’d like to play but don’t have a group yet, speak to the Padel Chippenham team about the group playing opportunities being arranged.
And if you find yourself getting hooked, there are also a range of membership options available for regular players.
Not sure you’re ready to play?
Why not pop in and have a look? They’re open daily from 6am - 10pm.
You don’t need to have a booking to come and discover what Padel Chippenham is all about.
Take a look at the courts, meet the team and ask any questions you might have. If you’ve never played before, they’ll be happy to explain the game and help you understand how to get started.
Ready to give padel a try?
Come with friends, join one of the groups being organised, or simply pop in and talk to the team.
You don’t need experience. You don’t need your own equipment. And you don’t even need to have a group ready to play.
Come and discover why so many people are getting into padel — right here at Emery Gate.