Getting organised
How to book a padel court and set up your first game
Booking a court takes five minutes — but before your first time a dozen small questions pop up: how, where, what to say, and what if I’m alone? Here are all the answers at once.
Contents
Find a court →In short
- Book by phone, via the club’s Instagram/messenger or through an app (e.g. Playtomic).
- For your first time 60 minutes is enough; the court fee is split between four players.
- No company? Join a beginners’ group session or an open game.
- Ask right away: racket rental, balls, indoor/outdoor court and coach availability.
Spoiler: clubs love beginners. Front-desk staff answer the same questions every day and will happily help you set up your first game — you just need to call or message.
01Ways to book
Most clubs work through three channels:
- Phone or club messenger (Instagram, Telegram) — easiest for the first time: you can ask everything at once.
- Booking apps — Playtomic and similar: you see free slots, prices and player levels in open games.
- Club website — an online calendar with payment.
For a first game we recommend phone or messenger: a real person will suggest a slot, rackets and a beginner-friendly format.
02What to ask the club
- Is racket rental available and how much does it cost (often free for beginners).
- Are balls provided, or should you bring your own.
- Is the court indoor or outdoor — matters in changing weather.
- Are there changing rooms and showers.
- Can you take a coach for the first hour and what it costs.
- Cancellation policy — how many hours in advance you can reschedule for free.
One message to the club answers everything: “We are beginners and want to try padel. Recommend a slot, rackets and maybe a coach.”
03Beginner-friendly formats
Court rental with friends — if there are four of you. The simplest format: you pay for the court, split it and play at your own pace.
Group session for beginners — if you are alone or a pair. Coach, rackets and balls included, the group is matched by level. The perfect first contact with the game.
Open game — joining someone else’s game of a matching level via an app or the front desk. A format for those who have already played a few times.
04What it costs
The main expense is the court rental, which is split between four players — per person, an hour of padel costs about as much as a cinema ticket. Beginner group sessions usually have a fixed price with a racket included.
Your first game costs the court fee ÷ 4 plus an optional racket rental. You do not need to buy any gear.
05First time: step by step
- Find a club nearby in the Where to Play section.
- Message or call: “Beginners here, we want to try — recommend a slot.”
- Book 60 minutes and agree on rackets.
- Pack comfortable sports clothes and shoes with good grip.
- Arrive 15 minutes early — and play.
From “I want to try” to stepping on court — one call and 60 booked minutes. The rest is pure fun.
FAQ: common questions
Can I come alone, without a group?
Yes: sign up for a beginners’ group session or an open game of your level. Clubs put such games together every day.
How far in advance should I book?
Popular evening slots go 2–4 days ahead; daytime slots are often available same-day. Book weekends earlier.
What if I need to cancel?
Most clubs offer free cancellation 12–24 hours before the slot. Confirm the policy when booking.
How many players do we need?
The classic format is four. But for a first try it is enough to join a group session alone — the club provides partners.
Ready to get on court?
Find clubs, courts and coaches near you and book your first game.