In recent years, two dynamic racquet sports have burst onto the UK scene—padel and pickleball. With their exciting pace, accessibility, and social atmosphere, both sports have quickly become a popular sporting and social activity.

Whether you’re looking to get active or enjoy some friendly competition, the growing array of facilities in and around Henley provides plenty of opportunities to join in on the fun including a new padel court being installed at Wargrave Tennis Club.

Padel: The Trend that Blends Tennis and Squash

Padel is a unique sport that combines the best elements of tennis and squash. Played on an enclosed glass and metal fence court, padel uses solid racquets and a depressurised tennis ball, resulting in a fast-paced game that requires both agility and strategy where the design of the court encourages constant interaction with the walls. Originating in Spain, the sport has seen explosive growth across Europe and has naturally found its way here. With its shorter court dimensions padel appeals to players of all ages and skill levels, making it a fantastic way to build fitness, coordination, and social connections.

Andre Agassi & David Beckham playing padel

It’s even got an avid following from sports stars, actors and politicians getting in on the act among the likes of David Beckham, Andre Agassi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Emmanuel Macron, Eva Longoria and Serena Williams. Not only enjoying the game but investing in clubs and some adding courts to their homes.

Where to play padel: Wargrave Tennis Club is joining the movement by expanding its tennis and pickleball offerings. The club is currently in the process of building a padel court, which should be ready to play by the end of April. You will need to be a club member to play and there are various membership packages available.

Also, just twenty minutes by car Padel Maidenhead, offers seven outdoor courts and one indoor court where members can choose from a variety of flexible membership plans from £40 per month.

Pickleball: The Accessible and Fun Alternative

Pickleball, invented in the United States in the mid-1960s, brings together elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a smaller court, making it especially popular among families, beginners, and older adults. The sport’s straightforward rules and approachable pace have made it a hit at community centres and leisure clubs that aim to foster an inclusive environment for all.

Around Henley, pickleball is steadily carving out its niche. Henley Leisure Centre hosts social pickleball sessions where the centres coach keep players moving between courts offering tips and guidance, and also pickleball for beginners specifically for those who are new to the sport.

Wargrave Tennis Club offers pickleball on up to four courts. The club offers a Pickleball Only Membership if that’s just what you’re after. The club is holding two open mornings on Sat 5th & Sat 12th April where you can find out more about the club including padel and pickleball.

With modern facilities from the dedicated courts at Maidenhead Padel and Henley Leisure Centre to the upcoming addition at Wargrave Tennis Club, there has never been a better time to grab a paddle.

If Kate and Wills, the Kardashians, Emma Watson and George Clooney are all reportedly fans, well anyone can do it, right?

How fun is pickleball? Check out The Pickleball Slam with Agassi vs. McEnroe – yes, totally sold on this!