Dress for winter play

Layer up. Go for a technical base layer, a long sleeve top and a zip-up you can take off once you warm up. Thermal joggers or leggings are ideal, especially for early mornings and evenings, and a lightweight hat or headband helps retain heat without overheating. Some players opt for racket sport gloves, but many prefer to play bare-handed for grip and feel. 

Check for ice and play later if needed

While our courts are well maintained and drain well, icy conditions can occasionally occur first thing on cold mornings. We always recommend assessing the surface and avoiding play if there’s visible ice on the court, particularly in shaded spots, it thaws really quickly with sunlight.

Our courts are covered and that helps a lot

At both Daylesford Farm and Elkstone Studios, our courts are outdoor but some are covered, which makes a huge difference in winter. The structure keeps the surface dry and playable even when it’s been raining or frosty overnight. You still get all the benefits of fresh air and natural light but without the wet surface.

Wear proper footwear

A decent pair of padel-specific shoes (or clay court tennis shoes) with a herringbone sole pattern will give you the traction you need, even on cooler or slightly damp mornings. Grippy shoes mean confident movement. If you haven’t replaced your shoes in a while, winter is a great time to check the tread and rotate to a newer pair if needed.

Warm up properly

Cold weather means cold muscles and that means a greater risk of injury. Arrive early, do a dynamic warm-up (think squats, leg swings, high knees) and ease into your session with gentle hitting before going full speed. You’ll not only reduce injury risk but also play better once you’ve properly warmed up.

Commit to it, the reward is worth it

It’s easy to cancel a session when it’s grey outside. But ask anyone who’s shown up and they are always pleased they did. Once you’re moving, you’ll be warm in minutes and feel great afterwards 

So, should you play padel outdoors in winter?

Absolutely. With the right clothing, footwear and mindset, padel in winter is a joy! Book your court at Daylesford or Elkstone. And if you’re new to the game? Intro sessions run all year, come give it a go.