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Padel in Joburg 2026: Where to play, rules, gear, and beginner tips
On any given weeknight in Joburg, floodlit glass courts are buzzing. Friends are laughing between points, WhatsApp groups are lighting up with last-minute player requests, and someone new is nervously gripping a rented racket for the very first time.
Welcome to padel in Joburg 2026, one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the city and, arguably, the most social one too.
Blending elements of tennis and squash, padel is played almost exclusively in doubles on a smaller, enclosed glass court. It is quick, strategic, and surprisingly beginner-friendly. You do not need elite fitness or a killer serve to get started. You just need a partner and a bit of curiosity.
Why Joburg has fallen for padel
Johannesburg’s lifestyle has always leaned into social sport. Think five-a-side football, park runs, and social golf days. Padel fits perfectly into that culture. It is competitive without being intimidating, and because it is played in doubles, no one feels isolated on court.
In 2026, courts have multiplied across the northern suburbs in particular, and bookings are often made days in advance. Most clubs use the Playtomic app, which has become the standard platform for finding courts, joining matches, and meeting players at your level.
It is not just seasoned athletes showing up either. First-timers, corporate teams, and even families are joining weekly socials.
Where to play padel in Joburg
You will find courts across Sandton, Fourways, Randburg, Greenside, and beyond. Some of the most popular venues include:
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Africa Padel: Multiple locations, including the German Country Club in Paulshof, with coaching and social events.
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Virgin Active Padel Club: Courts at Randpark Golf Club and selected branches, open to the public with member discounts.
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Bryanston Sports Club: A well-established community scene that welcomes beginners.
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Padel and Social Club: A vibrant social hub near Melrose with multiple modern courts.
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Match Padel International SA: Known for its strong community feel and coaching programmes in Fourways.
Many clubs also run weekly socials, which are ideal if you do not yet have a regular partner.
What equipment do you actually need
The good news is you do not have to rush out and spend thousands before your first game.
Racket: Padel rackets are solid and perforated, smaller than tennis rackets. Beginners should choose a round-shaped racket with a soft core. It offers more control, a larger sweet spot, and less vibration on contact.
Balls: Similar to tennis balls but slightly lower in pressure. This keeps rallies slower and longer, which is perfect for learning.
Shoes: Padel courts are covered in sand for grip. Shoes with a herringbone tread pattern, similar to clay court tennis shoes, help prevent slipping during quick lateral movements.
Most venues rent rackets for around R50 to R100 per session, so you can test the waters before committing to a purchase. Specialist stores such as Padel Elite and Baseline Racquets in Edenvale offer demo programmes if you want to try different models before buying.
The basic rules every beginner should know
Padel borrows heavily from tennis, but the walls add a twist that takes a bit of getting used to.
Scoring: Identical to tennis. Points go 15, 30, 40, Game. A set is won by the first team to six games with a two-game lead. Many social matches use a Golden Point at deuce to keep things moving.
Serving: Always underhand. The ball must bounce once behind the service line before being struck below waist height into the diagonal service box. You get two attempts.
Using the walls: After the ball bounces on the ground, it can hit the glass walls and still be in play. You can even use your own back glass to return a tricky shot. However, if the ball hits the fence directly before bouncing, it is out.
Doubles play: While singles courts do exist, padel in Joburg is overwhelmingly played two versus two. Communication is key.
Your first game: what to expect
Most beginners are surprised by how strategic padel is. Power matters less than placement.
A few practical tips for your debut match:
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Focus on control over power. Consistent, accurate shots win more points than wild smashes.
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Use the lob. High, looping shots give you time to reposition and push opponents back.
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Talk to your partner. Calling shots avoids awkward collisions on a small court.
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Warm up properly. Ankle rolls and shoulder strains are common if you jump straight in cold.
If you want to accelerate your progress, book an introductory lesson. Coaching academies across Joburg offer private sessions and group lessons at beginner-friendly rates. It is the quickest way to learn positioning and how to read rebounds off the glass.
Joining the padel community
One of the biggest reasons padel has exploded in Johannesburg is the sense of community. Clubs often run WhatsApp groups to fill open spots, and weekly socials rotate partners so newcomers are never left out.
Events such as social tournaments at Zoo Lake Bowls Club and club-based leagues make it easy to get involved, even if you have never played before. Formats like the Americano, where partners rotate each round, are particularly popular for beginners.
In a city where traffic can make social plans complicated, padel offers something simple. Ninety minutes on court, a coffee or drink afterwards, and a shared sense of having tried something new.
By 2026, padel in Joburg is no longer just a passing trend. It has firmly secured its place on the city’s sporting calendar. And if you have been watching from the sidelines, this might just be the year you download the app, book a court, and give it a go.
Also read: Where to play and meet people: 5 social leagues taking over Joburg in 2026
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Featured Image: belgotexsport
