Your First Padel Session at Worldham: What to Expect
Curious about padel but not sure how to start? You are not alone. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, and for good reason. It is easy to pick up, social from the first rally and kind on the body.
At Worldham Golf & Padel in East Worldham, our canopy glass courts, friendly coaches and relaxed socials make that first hit feel simple. This guide walks you through booking your court, what to bring, how social mix-ins work, and why our beginner discovery sessions are a smooth first step.
If you want a quick nudge, the easiest next move is to book a discovery called Intro to Padel each Saturday morning at 9am. Read on for the full picture, plus tips on etiquette, safety and beginner progress.
What is padel and how is it different from tennis?
Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court with glass walls and wire fencing. The court is roughly a third of a tennis court, the racket is solid with holes, and the ball is similar to a tennis ball. You serve underhand, play mostly doubles and can use the back and side walls after the ball bounces. Rallies last longer and the game rewards placement, teamwork and good footwork more than outright power.
How it differs from tennis
Smaller, enclosed court that brings the walls into play after the bounce.
Underhand serves and simpler technique for quick rallies.
Doubles-first culture, so you are part of a partnership from the start.
If you have some tennis or squash in your background, you will recognise patterns. If not, no problem. Our discovery sessions teach the basics in a calm, confidence-building way.
The Worldham setting
You will play on modern, glass-walled courts beside our parkland grounds near the South Downs. Two courts are under canopies making play possible whatever the weather. It is friendly, open seven days a week, with easy parking and a clubhouse welcome. Equipment hire is available for beginner sessions, so you can turn up with trainers and a bottle of water and be ready to go.
While you are here, you can also explore our wider venue. If you are bringing family or friends, our12-hole Crazy Golf course is a fun add-on, and our220-yard driving range is popular for a quick hit. For a look at our racket facilities, learn more about padel at Worldham on ourpadel tennis page.
What to bring and what we provide
Bring comfortable sports kit, non-marking trainers with some grip, water and a light layer if it is cool. For discovery sessions and many socials, rackets and balls are provided. If you book a standard court, you can bring your own or hire from us on site.
A quick safety note: wear eye protection if it helps your confidence, warm up your shoulders and calves for five minutes and hydrate before and after. The enclosed court keeps the ball in play, so stay alert when a rally finishes next door.
Social mix-ins and discovery sessions
New to the game and short on partners? Our social mix-ins are the easiest way to play, meet people and learn match flow. Tuesday New Starters is designed for absolute beginners, with a gentle pace and plenty of tips. Improvers and Intermediate socials run on other days, ideal once you know the basics and want a livelier rally.
Discovery sessions are your first step if you have never played. We cover grip, ready position, contact point, the serve and how to use the back wall. You will rally and play points in the same hour, with a coach on hand to guide you.
Typical progress: most beginners feel match-ready after 4 to 6 sessions. You will handle the serve, return, lobs, basic volley exchanges and simple wall rebounds. After that, move into Improver sessions to build consistency and teamwork.
What does Improver mean?
At Worldham, Improver is the level just above beginner. You can start a point, keep a rally going under light pressure, place a lob and recover position with your partner. You are still learning wall shots, but you are comfortable in social match play.
Coaching with Jamie Wilkinson
If you want structured improvement, book padel coaching with Jamie. Jamie is a UK top-100 player (highest ranking 37). He can coach individuals and groups, focusing on footwork patterns, shot selection, smart use of the walls and teamwork cues.
Not sure how to book then email us Padel@worldhamgolf.co.uk and we can direct you to the available sessions.
Etiquette and the golden rule
Padel thrives on good spirit. A few tips help everyone enjoy it:
The golden rule: play to your partner’s strengths, and support each other before chasing winners. Positive talk beats power every time.
Call balls clearly, be honest with lines and say let if a stray ball rolls in.
Avoid swinging backswings near others at the net. Call yours or mine early.
Return balls safely to the server, not through an active rally on the next court.
Respect court times. Exit promptly when your slot ends.
Safety tips that keep rallies fun
Warm up, start with mini-rallies, and build pace. Play with the glass in mind, using small adjustment steps. Keep grips dry to avoid racket slips. If you feel a twinge, stop and stretch. Underhand serves lower shoulder strain, so focus on clean contact, not power.
Your first 60 minutes, step by step
Minute 0 to 10
Meet your group, quick court brief, basic grip and ready position.
Minute 10 to 25
Mini-rallies down the middle, then cross-court. Add the underhand serve.
Minute 25 to 40
Intro to wall play, first with a gentle feed, then live rallies.
Minute 40 to 60
Short games to 4 points, swapping partners so everyone plays together.
You will leave having rallied, served and scored a few points. That first buzz is real.
Quick FAQs
What exactly is padel?
A doubles-first racket sport on an enclosed court, using an underhand serve and the walls after the bounce. It is fast, social and easy to learn.
How is padel different from tennis?
Smaller enclosed court, walls in play, underhand serves and longer rallies with less emphasis on power.
Do you need coaching for padel?
No, but a session or two speeds up learning. Our discovery sessions are a gentle start, and coaching with Jamie or Lisa builds skills quickly.
How much does it cost to book for an hour?
Court prices vary by time and day. Check the Playtomic App for live rates or call us on 01420 544606.
What is the golden rule in padel?
Back your partner and play high-percentage shots. Positive teamwork beats risky winners.
Where to go next
Ready to try it? Book a discovery session and meet the community. If you want to read more about our courts and upcoming sessions, visit ourpadel page. Curious about other activities while you are here? Explore our12-hole crazy golf for a family add-on, or warm up at thedriving range before your hit.
We are at Worldham Golf & Padel. Have questions? Email Padel@worldhamgolf.co.uk or call 01420 544606. See you on court.