Playing Padel Through a British Winter
Cold mornings, damp courts, early sunsets. Here is how to keep your game sharp from November through March.
British winters are not the friendliest conditions for outdoor sport — but with the right approach, padel through the colder months can be some of the most rewarding tennis you play all year.
Layer Smarter, Not Heavier
A thin base layer, a breathable mid-layer and a wind-resistant outer shell beats a single thick hoodie. You will warm up within two games — and overheating in heavy kit ruins your second set.
Warm Up Twice as Long
Cold muscles tear. Five minutes of jogging on the spot, dynamic stretches and gentle rallies before the first competitive point. This is non-negotiable below 10 degrees.
Prioritise Covered Courts
Most Nottingham venues now offer covered or indoor courts. Book these early — they fill up fast in December and January. A dry court plays consistently; a wet one is a lottery.
Adjust Your Ball Choice
Cold balls fly less and feel dead off the strings. Some players switch to slightly higher-pressure balls in winter. Whatever you choose, open a fresh tube — old, cold balls are the worst of both worlds.
Watch the Light
Sunset around 4pm means evening sessions need floodlights. Confirm with the venue before booking — playing the last 20 minutes in twilight is genuinely dangerous on a hard court.
Hydrate Anyway
People drink less in winter and then wonder why they cramp in the third set. Treat hydration the same in February as you do in July.
Keep the Habit
The players who improve most year-on-year are the ones who keep showing up between October and March. Three sessions a month through winter is worth more than five sessions a week in July.