FAQs
Can I book directly instead of via playtomic?
All our bookings are made via playtomic. Please see the instructions on how to download the playtomic app and set up an account so you can start to book!
The exceptions to this include; private coaching, private events, full venue hire, and corporate team days. Please email the club directly to book these in.
What if I don’t have 3 other people to play with, but I really want to play?
We love welcoming people into the padel and pickleball community!
There are two pathways for people keen to get involved.
- At both the Docklands and Richmond we have several social play sessions that can be booked at varying experience levels. Classes are available to book in playtomic under “activities”. At these sessions, a coach will coordinate play and pair players of similar experience. This is a great place to meet players in a fun, social environment and quite often we see players start to form groups and make future bookings outside of the social play environment. However, there is no limit to how many times you can book into social play. The coaches will reach out when it’s time you advance to another level. Of course you are also welcome to come as a group of friends to enjoy a catch up whilst learning to play! Each person does need to book there own spot.
- Please join our social group via WhatsApp. This is a great place to post that you are looking to find players to join your game.
Can you hire equipment?
Food and Drinks
At our Docklands club we have a selection of cold drinks and packaged snacks available for purchase including our range from Cocobella.
Richmond will soon have the same selection. It it also positioned right outside the Victoria Gardens food court and there are supermarkets within the centre.
Corporate Events and Social Bookings
Padel and Pickleball are fantastic days out for team bonding, staff wellness, and enjoying some time out of the office. Both our Docklands and Richmond Clubs can be hired out for events from corporate bookings to bucks parties, to everything in between.
Packages are available to suit all budgets and experience levels and include a coach to ensure even people who have never picked up a racquet have a fabulous time.
We can arrange catering and alcoholic drinks can be BYO’d with prior written approval. Please note alcoholic drinks can not be brought into the club unless you have prior approval and the club has been privately booked as an event.
To book a private event at the Docklands please email docklands@game4padel.com.au
To book a private event a Richmond please email richmond@game4padel.com.au
What facilities do you have on-site?
Do you do private lessons?
Is there parking?
How many courts do you have?
At Docklands we have 4 padel courts, 1 instant court and 4 pickleball courts.
At Richmond we have 2 padel courts and 3 pickleball courts.
Are you courts undercover?
Our Docklands courts are 100% undercover.
Richmond at this stage is in the elements so you can enjoy the Melbourne weather!
What is your cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be made within 24 hours of your booking via the booking app. If you need to cancel within 24 hours please contact the club via email and we will do our best to reschedule you.
If you would like to cancel within 120 minutes of your booking you may forfeit your cost. Please use the WhatsApp groups to find alternate players to fill in your spot so you don’t loose out.
What is your wet weather policy?
As the Docklands is under cover (all courts) there is no wet weather policy there. Ie, we will not accept cancellations due to the rain at the Docklands.
For Richmond:
Is there a difference between padel and paddle?
What is the difference between padel and pickleball?
The courts, racquets and balls are all different. Both games are played at our clubs so for the best answer, come down and play!
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BOTH games can be played at our club at the Docklands, so for the best answer, come down and have a try. If you’d like more researach before you sign up though, see below!
Pickleball and padel are both racket sports that have gained popularity in recent years, but they are distinct in terms of rules, equipment, and playing surfaces. Here are some key differences between pickleball and padel:
Origin and History:
Pickleball originated in the United States in the mid-1960s. It was created as a backyard game and has since evolved into a competitive sport.
Padel, on the other hand, originated in Mexico in the 1960s and later gained popularity in Spain. It has a longer history as a formal sport compared to pickleball.
Playing Surface:
Pickleball is typically played on a smaller, rectangular court that measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The court has a net set at 34 inches in the center.
Padel is played on a larger, enclosed court with walls made of glass or solid materials. The court dimensions are approximately 66 feet long and 33 feet wide (10m x 20m)
Equipment:
Pickleball is played with a solid paddle made of wood or composite materials. The ball used in pickleball is similar to a wiffle ball, with perforations to slow it down.
Padel is played with solid paddles made of composite materials or other materials like fiberglass. The ball used in padel is similar to a tennis ball but is slightly depressurized, making it slower and bouncier.
Scoring:
Pickleball typically uses a scoring system similar to tennis, with players serving and scoring points when the opponent fails to return the ball within the rules.
Padel uses a point system similar to traditional tennis as well, with scoring based on a “15-30-40” format.
Serving:
In pickleball, the server must serve the ball diagonally, and the ball must bounce once before it can be volleyed.
In padel, the serve is an underhand serve, and the server must hit the ball under the waist, bouncing it off the ground before it hits the wall.
Wall Play:
Padel involves the use of walls in play. Players can use the walls to bounce the ball strategically, adding a unique element to the game.
In pickleball, there are no walls involved in play, and the game is entirely reliant on the court’s surface.
Speed and Intensity:
Padel tends to be a more physically demanding sport due to the larger court and the use of walls, making it a more dynamic and fast-paced game.
Pickleball is generally considered to be less physically demanding and can be played by people of various ages and fitness levels.
In summary, while both pickleball and padel are racket sports, they have distinct court sizes, equipment, rules, and playing styles. Pickleball is typically played on a smaller court with a slower ball, whereas padel is played on a larger court with the added complexity of using walls during play. The choice between the two sports depends on personal preferences and the desired level of physical activity.