Padel for a stag or hen do: how to organise a group session

Someone in the group has been banging on about padel for six months. The stag or hen do is finally the excuse to book a court. And for once, it’s a good shout.

Padel hits a sweet spot for group events that most activities miss: it’s competitive enough to be interesting, forgiving enough that complete beginners contribute straight away, and the format naturally rotates people so everyone ends up playing with everyone. Two hours on a padel court is sociable in a way that bowling or a wine tasting rarely manages to be.

Here’s how to make it work.

Why padel works for groups

The sport is always played doubles – four players per court, two a side. That’s the starting point. For a group of eight to twelve, you’re looking at two or three courts running simultaneously, which creates a social format that’s hard to replicate with most activities.

The glass walls mean mishits often stay in play. That removes one of the main anxiety points for beginners who worry about letting the team down. Rallies happen even when no one is playing particularly well.

The scoring is the same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game), which most people find familiar enough to follow without a briefing. And sets are usually best of three, so the whole thing wraps up in 90 minutes without anyone getting bored or exhausted.

The Americano format

For a stag or hen group, the Americano format is the obvious choice.

In an Americano, you play short games of about 16 points, then everyone rotates. Partners change every game, so over a two-hour session you end up playing with and against most of the group. It works beautifully for mixed-ability groups because the pairings change constantly – a stronger player never gets stuck anchoring the same weak partner for the whole session.

Most clubs that take group bookings are familiar with Americano format. When you call to book, mention it and they’ll know what you mean.

The format works well from 8 to about 16 players. Below 8, you don’t get enough rotation to feel the variety. Above 16, you’ll need 4+ courts and the logistics get complicated.

What to ask for when booking

Most clubs can accommodate group bookings on request. Here’s what to confirm before you turn up:

Multiple courts. For a group of 8, you want 2 courts minimum. For 12, aim for 3. Block-booking is usually the most straightforward approach – one payment, all courts reserved for your slot.

Racket hire. Most clubs offer hire at £2–5 per racket, and most stag/hen groups will need it. Confirm availability in advance – some clubs have limited stock and it’s worth reserving.

Coaching option. Some clubs offer a guided session with a coach for group bookings, which runs you through the basics and gets the Americano format moving efficiently. Worth considering if the group is mostly non-players – 15 minutes of instruction at the start transforms the experience.

Refreshments. Many padel clubs now have a bar or café. If post-session drinks are part of the plan, check what’s on site before assuming you need to book somewhere separately.

You can find group-friendly clubs through Playtomic or by searching directly. Clubs like Padium, The Padel Club, and Soul Padel advertise group packages, but independent clubs are often just as accommodating – call them directly rather than relying on online bookings, which may not have a group option built in.

How much does it cost?

Court hire runs £12–£25 per hour per court. For a group of 12 across three courts for 90 minutes, expect to pay £54–£112 before extras.

Court hire in the UK typically runs £12–£25 per hour, per court. A 90-minute session across three courts works out at £54–£112 for the hire alone, split between the group.

For 12 people, that’s £4.50–£9 per person for court hire – considerably cheaper than most activities you’d plan for a stag or hen do. Add in racket hire (£2–5 each) and you’re still looking at well under £20 per person.

If you add a coached session, expect to pay an additional £30–£80 depending on the club and session length. That’s worth it for a group with no padel experience – a coach who can run an Americano efficiently makes the session flow much better than leaving it to whoever in the group knows the rules.

Tips for mixed-ability groups

The Americano handles most of the ability spread automatically, but a few things help:

Pair strong and weak players in the first game. The rotation will mix it up after that, but starting with balanced pairs means the first game is competitive and no one feels exposed.

Shorten the first set. If the group are all beginners, play to 10 points per game in the Americano rather than 16. It keeps things moving and people engaged before they’ve found their rhythm.

Keep score casually. The whole point is social play. If someone wants to keep a running leaderboard that’s fine, but don’t let competitive scoring kill the atmosphere for players who are struggling.

Build in 10 minutes at the end. Time for photos on court, a group challenge point, whatever the group wants. Coaches often suggest this – it’s the moment people remember.

How to find the right club

Choosing the right club matters for a group booking in a way it doesn’t for a regular session. You want somewhere with enough courts, staff who can manage a group, and facilities that work for a celebration – changing rooms, a bar, somewhere to sit afterwards.

Call the club directly. Explain what you’re planning, confirm court availability, ask about racket hire and whether coaching is available. Online bookings rarely have a group option built in. Most clubs are used to group enquiries and will tell you exactly what they can offer.

If you’re not sure where to look, Padel Underground’s city guides cover most major UK cities and list the clubs worth considering.

What to bring

Beyond the obvious (water, appropriate footwear with lateral support – padel shoes are ideal but court shoes work), a few things make a group session more enjoyable:

Bring your own balls if you can. Clubs provide them but players sometimes find it satisfying to have a fresh can. It’s a small detail that moves the session along faster.

Wear something you can move in. Padel involves sudden lateral movements and overhead shots – jeans or office wear will limit you.

Don’t overpack the session. Two hours is plenty. Three courts, 12 people, Americano format, coaching if it’s a first-time group. Keep the brief simple and let the sport do the work.

Padel earns its reputation as a social sport precisely because it’s this straightforward to pick up and enjoy. For a stag or hen group, that’s the whole point.