Padel Fever Hits Preston And Fylde
A local player shares their discovery of padel tennis, the fast-growing sport taking Preston and Fylde by storm. Fun, social and easy to pick up, it’s proving to be the perfect way to stay active, meet people and feel great
When I first picked up a padel racket, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. As someone who’s dabbled in a bit of tennis and hit the odd squash ball around, I figured it would be somewhere in between. What I didn’t anticipate was how quickly I’d get hooked. Padel tennis is fast becoming a favourite, not just across Preston and Fylde but nationwide and it’s easy to see why once you’ve had a go.
For anyone unfamiliar, padel is a racket sport played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court. The ball can bounce off the glass walls like in squash and the scoring is the same as tennis. But here’s the thing – it’s way more accessible. You don’t need a big serve or years of training to enjoy it. In fact, I found myself in rallies within minutes of starting and that’s a huge part of the appeal.
Unlike traditional tennis, padel is much more about positioning, teamwork and tactics than raw power. The racket is solid and stringless with a shorter handle, making it easier to control. The court is about a third of the size of a tennis court, which means less running but just as much action. It’s fast-paced, social and a lot of fun – especially when you’re trying to figure out angles off the glass walls. Let’s just say it gets competitive quickly, in the best kind of way.
In Preston and Fylde, there’s a real buzz building around the sport. New courts have popped up, local clubs are running beginner sessions and social leagues are drawing in players of all ages. What’s lovely about it is the community vibe – everyone’s there to have a good time, improve their game and meet new people. I’ve ended up chatting to folks I’d never have met otherwise and that’s a big part of why I keep going back.
The health and wellbeing side of padel is a real bonus too. You’re getting a brilliant cardiovascular workout without it feeling like a slog. Because you’re constantly moving – reacting to shots, covering your partner, sprinting for lobs – you’re burning calories without even realising. I leave the court buzzing, slightly out of breath and grinning from ear to ear. Mentally, it’s a brilliant reset as well. An hour of padel clears your head in a way that few other things do.
For those who might find traditional sports a bit daunting or hard on the joints, padel’s a great alternative. The shorter bursts of movement and cushioned court surface are much kinder to knees and ankles and the pace can be adapted depending on who you’re playing with. I’ve played matches where it’s been light and giggly and others where we’ve gone full throttle. It really does suit all fitness levels and abilities.
One of the big draws is just how easy it is to pick up. The learning curve isn’t steep and because it’s played in pairs, there’s always someone to back you up. I’ve had friends who’ve never played a racket sport before absolutely love it after one game. There’s something about the rhythm of the rallies and the sound of the ball pinging off the walls that makes it incredibly satisfying.
What’s more, padel feels refreshingly laid-back compared to more formal sports. You turn up, play a few games, laugh a lot and head off feeling better than when you arrived. There’s no pressure to perform or be perfect – it’s more about enjoying yourself and getting stuck in. For me, it’s become something to look forward to during the week, a bit of time away from screens and routine.
It’s also fantastic for families. I’ve seen parents playing with teenagers, siblings teaming up and groups of mates turning it into a weekly ritual. The social aspect can’t be overstated – whether it’s grabbing a drink after a game or chatting on the sidelines, padel is as much about connection as it is about competition.
If you’re in the Preston or Fylde area and looking for something new, genuinely fun and good for your health, give padel a go. Most clubs offer trial sessions and there’s usually spare equipment, so you don’t need to invest anything straight away. Just bring your trainers and a bit of enthusiasm – the rest will come naturally.
Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked. There’s something really special happening in our corner of Lancashire with this sport and now’s the perfect time to get involved. Whether you’re aiming to get fitter, make new friends or just try something different, padel might just be your new favourite thing. It certainly is mine.
padelprojectuk.com
justpadel.uk
clubspark.lta.org.uk
game4padel.com
