Category: Hampshire
Blog Posts
This space is where I share tips, guides, and resources to support the pickleball community and our Volleyer customers. The aim is simple: to make the game more enjoyable, keep your gear in top condition, and help players of all levels feel confident on and off the court.
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On the weekend of 21–22 March 2026, the town of Swindon transforms into something altogether extraordinary. What might ordinarily be considered a quiet corner of the West of England becomes a vibrant hub of energy, laughter, and global connection as more than 200 players descend upon the Swindon Pickleball Spring 2026 Festival. Travelling from across…
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If you’re serious about improving your pickleball game, paddle weight is one of the most important equipment factors to consider. Even small differences in paddle weight can affect power, control, reaction speed and fatigue during long matches. Before diving into the details, it’s worth mentioning that many competitive players prefer slightly heavier paddles because they…
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Pickleball paddle technology has evolved rapidly in recent years, with manufacturers constantly developing new designs to improve power, control and spin. One of the most noticeable trends among experienced players is the growing popularity of edgeless pickleball paddles. If you’ve been researching new equipment, you may have noticed more paddles being advertised as “edgeless” or…
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Located in the north of Portsmouth (Hilsea), next to Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Portsmouth Tennis Centre is a fantastic place to play pickleball. The facility offers four indoor courts and six floodlit outdoor courts, all with permanent lines and portable nets available for play. A comprehensive coaching programme caters to all ages and abilities, with sessions…
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Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth, England, is a popular destination for pickleball enthusiasts. The facility features four indoor hard courts with permanent lines, and portable nets are provided for play. Amenities include restrooms for player convenience. A one-time fee is required to use the courts, making it an accessible option for both casual and regular…
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Privett Park in England, United Kingdom, is a welcoming spot for pickleball players of all levels. The facility features two dedicated outdoor hard courts with permanent lines and nets, and members of the public can access the courts without booking through the gate nearest the tennis court end of the site. Free sessions are hosted…
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At Places Leisure, we welcome players of all abilities to try pickleball! Our sessions can be easily booked online through our website and take place within leisure facilities that offer changing areas and restrooms for your convenience. If you have any questions about our sessions, our friendly team is always happy to help; just get…
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Totton & Eling Tennis Centre in Totton, England, offers a great setting for pickleball on a hard court surface. The court features permanent lines, and portable nets are available for easy setup. A one-time fee is required to play, making it a convenient option for both casual and regular players. Pickleball Facilities at Totton &…
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The PicklePad is one of Christchurch, England’s most popular venues for pickleball. It features three indoor hard courts with permanent lines and nets, designed exclusively for pickleball. A one-time fee is required to play, and amenities include restrooms for your convenience. Pickleball Facilities at The PicklePad How to Get to The PicklePad Address: 436 Dorchester…
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Pickleball is booming across the UK, with over 10,000 players and a 15% annual growth rate, transforming leisure centres in London, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow into vibrant hubs for new enthusiasts. For beginners, who make up 40% of UK players, choosing the right paddle is crucial to mastering the 20x44ft court and enjoying this fast-growing…
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Cranford Sports Club in Exmouth, England, is a great place to play pickleball. The facility offers four courts, two indoor and two outdoor, made of wood and hard surfaces. Tape lines have been laid, and portable nets are available for play. Players have access to a variety of amenities, including food, locker rooms, restrooms, drinking…
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Come and play pickleball at Wonford Sports Centre in Exeter. The facility features four indoor wooden courts with permanent lines, and portable nets are available for easy setup. Courts can be reserved in advance, making it convenient to plan your games. Players can enjoy a wide range of amenities, including food, locker rooms, restrooms, and…
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The Manor and Ashbury Resort in Okehampton, England, offers a great venue for pickleball enthusiasts. The facility features nine indoor hard courts with permanent lines, and portable nets are provided for play. Amenities include restrooms, lighting, food, and access to drinking water. A one-time fee is required to use the courts. Pickleball Facilities at The…
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Wey Valley Tennis Centre is a top destination for pickleball in Weymouth, England. The venue features four indoor hard courts with permanent lines and portable nets, providing a great space for games and practice. Players pay a one-time fee, and convenient amenities, including restrooms, are available on site. Pickleball Facilities at Wey Valley Tennis Centre…
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North Molton Sports and Community Centre, located near South Molton, England, is a popular destination for pickleball enthusiasts. The facility features four indoor wooden courts with permanent lines, and portable nets are provided for play. Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including food, locker rooms, and access to drinking water. Best of all, the…
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Chulmleigh College offers a convenient and welcoming pickleball venue in the heart of North Devon, featuring two indoor wooden courts with portable nets, ideal for casual play, practice sessions, and small group games all year round. Pickleball Facilities at Chulmleigh Sports Centre How to Get to Chulmleigh Sports Centre Address: Chulmleigh College, Beacon Rise, Chulmleigh,…
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Streatham Sports Park in Exeter, England, offers a great venue for pickleball enthusiasts. The facility features hard courts with permanent lines and portable nets, making it ideal for both casual play and organized matches. A one-time fee is required to play, and the park provides convenient amenities such as restrooms to ensure a comfortable experience.…
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Bodmin Leisure Centre is a venue for pickleball in Bodmin, England, featuring four indoor wood courts with permanent markings. Portable nets are available for play, and a one-off fee is required. The centre also provides facilities such as changing rooms, accessible toilets, and on-site parking, making it suitable for players of all ages and abilities.…
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Play pickleball in St Austell at St Austell Leisure Centre, one of Cornwall’s top destinations for indoor pickleball. With 3 indoor wood courts, permanent lines, and portable nets, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. A one-time fee is required to play. Pickleball Facilities at St Austell Leisure Centre How to Get to St…
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Pickleball is booming across the UK. Once a niche American pastime, it’s now being played in leisure centres, sports clubs, and community courts nationwide. With more people picking up a paddle, players are seeking gear that gives them consistency, control, and spin — without breaking the bank. Among the most talked-about brands is JOOLA, famous…
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Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. Over the past few years, community courts, leisure centres and dedicated pickleball clubs have appeared across the country, from London to Manchester and beyond. As more people discover the sport, many players quickly realise that the paddle they use can have a major impact on…
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Liskeard Leisure Centre offers three indoor wood courts suitable for pickleball, badminton, and other indoor sports. The courts have permanent markings, with portable nets provided for pickleball play. A one-off fee is required, and the centre provides a range of facilities, including changing rooms, accessible toilets, and on-site parking, making it a convenient choice for…
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Pickleball is booming across the UK. From community halls in Manchester to seaside courts in Brighton, and from Glasgow clubs to student unions in Cardiff, more people are discovering the fun and challenge of this fast-paced sport. If you are just starting, or looking to sharpen your game, there is one rule that often causes…
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On a bright autumn morning in Hertfordshire, something remarkable unfolded across the courts of St Albans and Harpenden. What began as a community gathering around one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK turned into an inspiring display of endurance, generosity, and community spirit. The St Albans & Harpenden Pickleball Bonanza – Charity Playathon brought…
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In September 2025, the courts at Holywood Pickleball Club came alive with the familiar rhythm of paddles striking balls, players calling scores, and spectators cheering from the sidelines. Yet this particular club tournament carried a purpose that extended far beyond the lines of the court. The Holywood Pickleball Club Charity Tournament was organised as a…
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On 11–12 July 2026, the courts at Loughborough University were alive with energy, laughter, and the rhythmic pop of pickleballs striking paddles. But this was no ordinary weekend of sport; it was the UK Deaf Open Pickleball Festival, a two-day celebration designed to bring together deaf and hard-of-hearing players from across the UK. Organised by…
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On 26 July 2025, the courts at Surrey Sports Park were alive with energy, intensity, and the unmistakable pop of pickleballs in flight. The ONE British Pickleball GP brought together some of the UK’s top talent alongside players from across Europe, creating a high-level showcase of skill, strategy, and competitive spirit. Unlike grassroots tournaments or…
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In the crisp winter air of the West Country, the courts were buzzing with energy, laughter, and the unmistakable sound of pickleballs striking paddles. On a chilly weekend in 2025, players, coaches, and spectators gathered for the West Country Winter Championships, a premier regional tournament that has quickly become a highlight of the UK pickleball…
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In the heart of Buckinghamshire, courts were alive with energy, the pop of pickleballs echoing across the hall, and the excited chatter of players and spectators alike. On a crisp winter weekend in 2025, the Bucks Winter Tournament brought together local players, club members, and visiting competitors for a showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer…
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As pickleball continues to grow across the UK, many players are investing in better paddles to improve their performance. But one question often comes up once you’ve played for a while: How long do pickleball paddles last? The simple answer is that most pickleball paddles last between 1 and 5 years, depending on how often…
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As pickleball continues to grow across the UK, players are becoming more competitive and more curious about their equipment. One of the most common questions beginners and intermediate players ask is: Is it legal to add grit to a pickleball paddle? The short answer is no, adding grit or any aftermarket texture to a pickleball…
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Pickleball is rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. With more clubs, leagues, and tournaments emerging across the country, many players are starting to think seriously about how nutrition affects their performance. While paddle choice, footwork, and practice drills are important, what you eat before and after a match can also influence…
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Pickleball is captivating sports enthusiasts across the UK, from bustling courts in London to community clubs in Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow. With the sport growing at a 15% annual rate and over 10,000 UK players, highlights from professional matches provide invaluable insights for beginners (40% of the market) and advanced players aiming to elevate their…
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Pickleball is thriving across the UK, from rain-soaked courts in Brighton to community clubs in Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff. With the sport growing at a 15% annual rate, UK players are embracing pickleball’s fun, social vibe, even in the country’s notoriously wet weather. Playing in damp conditions presents challenges, from slippery courts to reduced paddle…
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Pickleball is flourishing across the UK, with over 10,000 players and a 15% annual growth rate, transforming leisure centres in London, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow into vibrant hubs for enthusiasts. For beginners (40% of UK players) and advanced players alike, maintaining your pickleball paddle is essential to preserve spin, grip, and performance on the 20×44…