Court notes · The Journal
Padel guides, rules & gear advice
Everything you need to choose the right gear, understand the game and play more. Written by players, for players across South Africa.
20 guides and articles4 topicsFree advice on WhatsApp
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Buying guidesPadel Bags: How to Choose the Right One (South Africa Guide)Racket bag, backpack or cover? How to choose a padel bag, why a thermal compartment matters, and the bags we…3 min read
Buying guidesBest Padel Shoes in South Africa: A Buying Guide for 2026Sole patterns, fit, support and when to replace them, plus the padel shoes we stock in South Africa.3 min read
Buying guidesPadel Rackets for Women: How to Choose (Plus Our Picks)Weight, shape, balance and grip size explained, plus the light, comfortable rackets we recommend for women.2 min read
Gear careWhat to Pack in Your Padel Bag: The Complete ChecklistThe complete padel bag checklist and how to choose between a backpack, racket bag and competition bag.2 min read
Gear careHow to Look After Your Padel Racket: 9 Care TipsNine simple ways to protect your padel racket from heat, knocks and wear so it feels better for longer.2 min readRacket FinderNot sure which racket suits your game?Answer three quick questions and we will match you with the right shape, balance and price.Find my racket 
Buying guidesCarbon vs Fibreglass Padel Rackets: Which Should You Choose?How carbon and fibreglass faces change the feel of a padel racket, what 3K, 12K and 18K mean and which…3 min read
Buying guidesBest Padel Rackets for Intermediate Players in South AfricaWhat to look for when upgrading from a beginner racket, and the intermediate rackets we recommend right now.2 min read
Rules & basicsPadel Scoring Explained: Points, Games, Sets and the Golden PointA simple guide to padel scoring, from points and deuce to the golden point, tie-breaks and changing ends.2 min read
Gear careHow to Change a Padel Overgrip (and When You Should)Grip vs overgrip, how often to change it and a simple step-by-step guide to wrapping a new one.2 min read
Buying guidesBest Padel Balls in South Africa (and How Long They Last)Padel balls vs tennis balls, pressurised vs pressureless, how long they last and the balls we recommend.2 min read
Buying guidesRound vs Teardrop vs Diamond: Padel Racket Shapes ExplainedHow round, teardrop and diamond padel rackets differ in control, power and sweet spot, and how to choose the right…3 min read
Rules & basicsPadel vs Tennis: The Key Differences ExplainedHow padel and tennis differ, from the court and racket to the serve, walls and scoring, plus the gear you…3 min read
Gear careHow Long Does a Padel Racket Last? Care Tips and AccessoriesHow long a padel racket lasts, the signs it needs replacing, what damages rackets in South African conditions and the…3 min read
Rules & basicsPadel Rules for Beginners: Serving, Scoring and the WallsNew to padel? The court, how to serve, how scoring works and how to play off the walls, explained simply…3 min read
Buying guidesPadel Shoes vs Tennis and Running Shoes: What to Wear on CourtWhy running shoes slip on padel courts, how padel shoes differ from tennis shoes, and how to choose the right…3 min read
Buying guidesBest Padel Rackets for Beginners in South AfricaWhat to look for in your first padel racket, how much to spend in South Africa, and the beginner rackets…3 min read
Buying guidesHow to Choose a Padel Racket: Round, Teardrop or Diamond?Round, teardrop or diamond? How padel racket shape, weight, face material and core affect your game, and how to choose…4 min readPadel in SAPadel in South Africa: The Fastest-Growing Social Sport You’ll Actually Stick WithWhat Is Padel (and Why Is SA Obsessed)? Padel blends the best parts of tennis and squash: a smaller court,…3 min read
Buying guidesTristorm Lite: The Sweet-Spot Specialist for New & Improving Padel PlayersStart Right. Improve Fast. Choosing your first or second padel bat can make or break your learning curve. The Tristorm…2 min readNo articles match that yet. Try another word, or ask us on WhatsApp and a real player will help.
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