Padel needs four people. That's the best thing about it and the most annoying. You can be keen, booked and free on Thursday, and still have no game because one mate dropped out.
Some of my closest friends now are people I met through padel. Here are the routes that actually get you on court, ranked by how well they work when you know nobody.
The quick ranking
| Rank | Route | Best for | Need a partner? | Does level matter? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Club social sessions | Meeting several people at once | No | Loosely |
| 2 | Playtomic open matches | Filling a game this week | No | Yes, unless it's casual |
| 3 | Club WhatsApp groups | Regular games once you're in | No | Depends on the group |
| 4 | Group coaching | Total beginners | No | Grouped for you |
| 5 | Leagues and competitions | Turning a partner into a fixture | Helps, not always | Yes |
1. Club social sessions and mix-ins
This is the place to start. The LTA says many clubs run regular intro sessions and social mix-ins for beginners. The point of a mix-in is that you don't have to bring anyone. Ask the club how they pair people up when you book.
If the session is run as an Americano, you play with a new partner each round. If you want to know how that works before you go, our Christmas padel social run sheet explains the format.
Why it's number one: by the end of the session you've played with several people at a similar stage to you. Swap numbers with the two you liked. That's half your next four.
The catch: sessions run at set times and some fill up. Ask at reception. The LTA also says it's worth speaking to club staff, because many venues will help match you with players.
2. Playtomic open matches
The fastest way to fill a slot. In the app, go to the Home tab, tap Find a match, then pick where and when. You either join a match someone else has opened, or open one yourself.
The bits that matter if you're on your own:
- You don't need a team. Playtomic says you join alone and get matched with opponents of a similar level.
- Competitive or casual. Competitive matches have a level range and move your level. Casual ones are open to anyone and don't. Our Playtomic levels guide covers how the numbers work.
- Out of range? Ask. You can request a spot in a match outside your level. You get in if all the players accept you. Each match has a public chat you can use before you book, so say hello and explain first.
- You pay online to join. Card or club wallet.
Why it's second: it's brilliant for a one-off game, but you're playing strangers, and a level number on a new account isn't always accurate. Playtomic says new players have low reliability, so their level swings more in the first few matches.
Playtomic isn't the only app. Our padel booking apps guide covers the others and their fees, and the UK padel clubs guide shows which app your club uses.
3. Club WhatsApp groups and local social groups
Once you're in one, this is the best route of the lot. Someone posts "need one, 7pm, court 3" and the gap gets filled without anyone opening an app. The hard part is finding the door.
Ask the front desk or your coach if the club has a players' group. The LTA also suggests searching social media for padel groups in your area. Some groups are sorted by level. The University of Cambridge sports team, for example, runs padel WhatsApp communities grouped by ability using LTA guidelines, with its own code of conduct.
A few manners for group chats:
- Post the club, time, level and how many you need in one message.
- Say "full" the moment it's full.
- If you claim a spot, you're playing. Don't go quiet.
- Pay what you owe the same day.
- Don't use it to sell stuff. Not even tees.
4. Group coaching
If you've barely played, start here instead of number one. The LTA says group coaching is a great way to find people to play with outside the lessons, and sessions are often run by LTA accredited coaches for all ages and abilities.
The bonus is that the coach has already grouped you by level. Everyone in the session is at your stage. Suggest a game after week two and you'll rarely get a no.
New to padel completely? Read our beginner's guide to padel before your first session.
5. Leagues and local competitions
This is how a good partner turns into a weekly fixture. It sits last only because you need a few months of padel behind you.
iPadel Club Leagues. Team competitions against other local clubs, run by region, with the winners going to national finals. There's a Club tier and a Premier tier. Under the rules, each fixture is two pairs a side over four rubbers, and the home team books at least two and a half hours of court time and brings new balls. You need to be a member or a regular at the club you play for, and every player registers and pays a season fee, so ask if your club has a captain. Group matches for Winter 2026-7 must be done by 14 March 2027.
iPadel Box Leagues. A newer, looser format run with LevelTech. Players arrange matches when it suits them and results feed into PadelLevels ratings. Clubs sign up, so again, ask yours.
LTA competitions. The LTA points beginners to Grade 5 Local Tour events, with Grade 4 County Tour as the next step when you want more match experience. The best bit if you're on your own: most LTA padel competitions let you enter without a partner, and they'll team you up with someone on the day.
Newcomer etiquette that gets you invited back
Finding a game once is easy. Getting asked again is the real goal. Here's what helps.
- Set your level honestly. Your Playtomic starting assessment can only be done once. Go low if you're unsure. Nobody minds a player who's better than their number.
- Treat a confirmed spot as a promise. Playtomic lets you cancel a full match up to 24 hours before. Inside that, the app won't let you, and only the club can remove you. If something comes up, find a sub yourself.
- Ask which side they prefer. Some players live on the left. Asking before the first point is a small thing people remember. Not sure of your own side? Try our left or right side test.
- Bring a fresh tube if you can. Never a bad look with strangers.
- Suggest the next one. If it was a good game, say so and offer a date. The hunt ends when one game becomes a standing booking.
Once you've found your four
You'll know it's working when the group chat gets a name.
If you and your new partner want to turn up looking like a team, our heavyweight tees are any 2 for £90, applied automatically at checkout. They're 100% cotton, 305 g/m2, with an oversized unisex fit, so size down for a regular fit. They're made for the drink after, not the third set. And because UK delivery is free on orders of £75 and over, a pair ships free. See the full range of padel tees.
FAQ
Can I play padel without a partner? Yes. You can join a Playtomic open match on your own, go to a club social where the club pairs you up, or enter most LTA competitions without a partner and get teamed up on the day.
Can I message players in a Playtomic match before I join? Yes. Playtomic says you don't need to have booked a spot to use a match's chat, so you can say hello or ask to join if your level doesn't fit. The chat is public, so keep it friendly.
What if I can't make an open match I've joined? If the match isn't full, you can cancel any time before it starts. If it's full, you can cancel up to 24 hours before. After that, contact the club, because only the club can cancel your spot.
How do I find a padel WhatsApp group near me? Ask at your club's front desk or ask your coach. The LTA also suggests searching social media for padel groups in your area.
Are padel leagues only for strong players? No. iPadel's Club Leagues are aimed at club-level players, and the LTA recommends Grade 5 Local Tour events for beginners. You'll enjoy it more after a few months of regular games, though.
