Getting Started

What is padel?

Padel is a fast paced racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is the fastest-growing sport in the world.

The game is played over the net (like tennis) in a court surrounded by glass walls (like racquetball or squash), which allows for players to hit the ball off the wall and back over the net.

Is padel like pickleball?

Padel is not pickleball.
A padel ball is essentially the same as a tennis ball.
The other main difference is: you can play off the walls.

Padel is more dynamic due to the 3D area and nature of the sport. It has the versatility of tennis, intensity of squash, and pace of pickleball.

What are the rules of padel?

Basic gameplay and scoring (15, 30, 40, game) are the same as tennis.

Padel adds the ability to hit the ball off of the glass walls around the court - as long as it bounces on the ground first. You get one bounce.

Who would want to play padel?

Everyone. It’s a game for all ages and skill levels.

So, why have I never heard of padel?

Hailing from Acapulco, Mexico - the sport has been set on a catapult trajectory and you will start hearing much more about it. For one reason or another (covid), March 2019 saw a spike in new clubs.

What are the benefits of playing padel?

Easy to learn - Simple rules make it perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Social and fun - Play in doubles, meet new people, and build connections.
Great exercise - A full-body workout combining cardio and agility.
Family-friendly - Enjoyed by all ages, great for bonding.
Stress reliever - Boosts mood and reduces stress with exercise and socializing.

Bookings

Do I need to be a Member to play?

No, we operate a pay-and-play model which allows anyone to come and play. As a non-member, you can still enjoy court reservations, programming, and 1:1 sessions with our coaches.

How do I book a court?

Book either on our website or our Apple App.

Do you offer padel lessons?

Yes, our professional certified coaches are excited to show you the ropes, or level up your game!

What programs do you offer?

We have group open plays, Americano, clinics, champion of the court, and evaluations.

Do you offer junior programs?

Yes, our professional certified coaches are excited to teach the next generation!

How do padel ratings work?

To get a rating, you can take the evaluation class with one of our coaches. These are normally on a Saturday at noon.

Our club operates on the NPRP rating system.

What if I don’t have four players?

Join an Open Play to be paired up with a group. Check out our programs to find the right level for you.

Or try GameMatch, which allows you to open your reservation to members of our community - and meet someone new. The ranking system helps to balance the court.

Can I play singles 1v1?

Our courts are meant for doubles by default. If you don't have four people, don't worry! Find other ways to play above.

As a last resort, you can play cross-court or down-the-line. This makes for a serious sweat.

Equipment

What clothes and shoes should I wear?

Any athletic wear will do. Just imagine you’re going to play tennis.

A stable pair of shoes is recommended. Avoid running shoes with thick, squishy foam midsole.

Do you rent racquets?

We can provide everything you need to get started, but feel free to bring your own!
Rental racquets are included with all clinics. Otherwise, rentals cost $10/hour.

Do I need to bring balls?

Balls are available for purchase in the shop for $6. For all private lessons and clinics padel balls will be provided.

Memberships

What are your membership options?

Yes, we’ve curated several membership options for a special experience: individual, family, and child. If you're playing more than twice a month, it's worth checking out.

What are the membership benefits?

Our founding membership instantly unlocks four games per month (2 hours booking, plus 2 clinics or open plays), and so much more.

Can I freeze my membership?

Yes, we understand the traveling nature of Los Angelenos.

How do I cancel my membership?

We hate to see you go. If you must, email memberships@padelup.club

Cancellation Policy

What if I have to cancel (cancellation policy)?

If you can’t make it, cancel online or give us a call.

To receive a full refund, please cancel 24 hours in advance.
Within 24 hours, reservations are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.

Members have the preferred option to cancel 8 hours in advance.

What happens if I'm late?

At least one player from your booking must arrive within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time. If no one has arrived, Padel Up reserves the right to release the court to other players.

If you're running late, our team will make a reasonable effort to contact the booking holder before releasing the reservation.

What happens if it rains?

If Padel Up cancels a booking due to weather, maintenance, or operational reasons, affected players will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Facilities

Where are your clubs located?

Westfield: Skydeck is on the top floor between the AMC theater and Nordstrom. Our entrance is in the corner between Nordstrom and AMC on Level 2.

Culver City: is on the corner of Hauser Blvd and W Jefferson Blvd. We're 2 minutes from Cumulus / Whole Foods.

Where should I park?

Westfield: has several parking structures. First hour free. We recommend parking close to Gelson’s (for validation with $10 purchase) or Level 2 of AMC theater (our entrance is on the second floor).
*Arrive early - finding your way around the mall can be confusing.*

Culver City: has a free, secure parking lot. Drive straight through the gate, and you will see a long green stripe on the building. Follow it to our entracnce.

Do you have lockers and showers?

Culver City (only): Yes, only members have access to our locker rooms with showers and essential toiletries (body wash, shampoo and conditioner).

Complimentary towel service will be provided.

Do you have a sauna and cold plunge?

Culver City (only): Yes, only members have access to our locker rooms with showers, cold plunge, sauna, and essential toiletries (body wash, shampoo and conditioner).

Complimentary towel service will be provided.

Do you have Wi-Fi?

Yes we do. Our members use our lounge as co-working space throughout the day!

Do you sell food and drinks?

Yes, we have a healthy selection of snacks and hydration options.

Can I bring my dog?

Service dogs are welcome; however, they must not be left unattended or unleashed at any time. Please do not leave them alone, especially while you are playing. Padel Up staff is not responsible for pets, and any property damage or injury caused by pets will be the sole responsibility of the owner.

Events

Do you host tournaments?

Yes, we host USPA 100s, 200s, 500s and a variety of local tournaments.

Can I book a private event / corporate event / birthday party?

Yes, we host all kinds of events, mainly at Century City.

Still have questions?

Contact US