In recent years, an exciting new sport has been making waves across the UK, captivating enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Padel, a combination of tennis and squash, has been steadily gaining popularity and is quickly becoming a favourite hobby for many. In this blog post, we will explore the rise of padel breaks in the UK, delving into the reasons behind its growing appeal and the factors driving its success.
Let’s start at the beginning – what is Padel?
No, we haven’t misspelt Paddle! Combining elements of tennis and squash, padel is played on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. Padel rackets are solid and perforated, and the ball used is like a tennis ball but with a slightly lower bounce. The game is played in doubles, making it a highly social and interactive experience.
Padel’s Appeal and Unique Features
Accessibility: Padel is known for being accessible to players of all skill levels and ages. The smaller court size and the presence of surrounding walls make it easier for beginners to keep the ball in play, ensuring that rallies last longer and players enjoy more involvement in the game.
Social Nature: Padel is an inherently social sport, played in doubles. It encourages teamwork, communication, and camaraderie among players, making it an ideal activity for friends, couples, and families. Padel breaks offer a perfect opportunity for people to bond, exercise, and have fun together.
Physical Fitness: Padel provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, requiring players to move constantly, combining agility, speed, and coordination. The sport engages multiple muscle groups and enhances reflexes, leading to improved fitness levels and overall well-being.
Strategic Gameplay: Padel combines the tactical elements of tennis with the shot-making strategies of squash. Players must employ smart positioning, accurate shots, and effective teamwork to outsmart their opponents. This strategic depth adds an element of excitement and challenge, keeping players engaged and motivated to improve.
The Padel Break Phenomenon
Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of padel facilities across the UK. Clubs, sports centres, and leisure complexes have recognised the demand for this dynamic sport and have invested in constructing dedicated padel courts. This expansion has made padel more accessible to a wider audience, leading to its rapid growth.
We are thrilled to be part of this growing phenomenon and are proud to be the first hotels in the UK to offer indoor padel courts. We have recently added 2 courts at the Manor, and 2 at the Ashbury – as mentioned, all 4 of our courts are indoor, making us an ideal Padel Holiday destination at any time of the year.
The courts are available for guests to enjoy throughout their stay for just £5 per hour, and all equipment is included for 4 players. Sessions are available with our coach to help get you started, perfect if you’re a beginner and haven’t played before.
We have big plans for padel tennis breaks, and over the next few months we will be working towards offering Padel Holidays and Padel Coaching Breaks. These breaks will be perfect for beginners and new players. Coaching will cover the rules of play, basic techniques, and tactics – plus the opportunity to play matches with like-minded padel fans.
In Conclusion…
Padel tennis has undoubtedly emerged as a remarkable sport in the United Kingdom, captivating both sports enthusiasts and casual players alike. Its accessibility, social nature, and exciting gameplay have made it a sought-after activity for individuals looking for a fresh and engaging way to exercise and challenge themselves. As the popularity of padel continues to grow, it is expected to establish a lasting presence in the UK’s sporting landscape, and we are beyond thrilled to be a part of that movement.
