Booking and sessions
Do I need to be a David Lloyd member?
Sessions take place at David Lloyd Shawfair, so you’ll need a David Lloyd membership or a valid guest pass to book.
I’ve never played padel. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Our starter session is made for complete beginners. It’s 55 minutes for £105 and includes help choosing the right first racquet.
Can I bring friends?
Yes. One booking can include up to four people, so a one-hour lesson at £45.50 is a great way to learn together.
What should I bring?
Comfortable sportswear, shoes with good grip for an artificial grass court, and water. Bring a racquet if you have one.
What if I need to cancel?
Please cancel at least 24 hours before your session.
Do you coach children?
Yes. RacqEd Kids runs junior padel and tennis sessions for ages 5–13 for David Lloyd junior members. Get in touch to find the right group.
About padel
What is padel?
Padel is a fresh twist on tennis that’s not just fun and easy to pick up, but also a wonderful way to socialise. Played on a court about a third the size of a tennis court, it’s a game where people of different ages and abilities can joyfully come together and play.
Padel scoring and rules
Scoring is the same as in tennis. The ball can bounce and hit the cage, but not on the serve. The serve is underarm and has to bounce inside the box that is outlined on the court. During play, the ball must bounce on the ground before it hits any of the surrounding walls, however, players can volley and smash the ball. There are also situations where a player can run outside the court and play it back in. Yes, you actually can do that!
Why do I need a coach?
When you first start playing a coach will teach you the fundamental skills and the right techniques of padel before you get into bad habits. They can teach you about which shots to use and when. And most importantly they can build your playing confidence. It’s never too early to get professional help.
Once you get a bit better, having a coach can enhance your understanding and execution of the game. They can spot your weaknesses and work with you to strengthen these parts of your game. They can help with your court positioning, making sure you know where on the court you should be to both initiate rallies and defend against opposing shots.
Ready to get on court?
Beginners welcome. Bring up to three friends, and cancel up to 24 hours before.