Robert Wood

Two racket sports are taking over UK leisure centres, parks and purpose-built venues right now: padel and pickleball. Both are social, beginner-friendly, and far easier to pick up than tennis — but they are genuinely very different experiences. If you've been invited to try one (or both) and aren't sure where to start, this guide will settle it. At PadelPickleClub we list clubs and coaches for both sports across the UK, so we have no dog in this fight. Here's an honest, practical comparison....

While the global padel stage is often dominated by Spanish and Argentine giants, one name has been consistently climbing the ranks and putting Great Britain on the map: Christian Medina Murphy . As of early 2026, Medina Murphy holds the mantle of the British Number 1 , and his journey from a promising junior to a top-tier professional is a blueprint for the future of the sport in the UK. The Profile Current Rank: British No. 1 / World No. 129 (FIP) Playing Position: Left Side (The...

If you’ve recently fallen in love with padel, you’re not alone. The sport is explosive, addictive, and incredibly social. But as you transition from renting rackets to owning your first pala , a crucial question arises: Do I actually need a dedicated padel bag, or will my old gym bag do? In this post, we’re going to break down exactly why a padel bag is more than just a fashion statement, discuss the different types available, and give you concrete recommendations on the best bags to buy...