XCOURT FAQs
Everything you need to know about playing Padel and Pickleball at Cumbria’s premier indoor racket sports venue.
General & Venue FAQs
Where is XCourt located, and who can play?
XCourt is based in Carlisle, making it the central hub for racket sports across Cumbria. Our facilities are open to everyone, from complete beginners trying a sport for the first time to seasoned athletes. You do not need a club membership to play; we operate on a flexible Pay and Play basis, though membership options are available for regular players.
Are your courts indoor or outdoor?
All of our Padel and Pickleball courts are fully indoor. No matter the Cumbrian weather, you can enjoy a guaranteed, game year-round without worrying about wind, rain, or cancellation.
Can I hire rackets, paddles, and balls at the venue?
Yes! If you don’t have your own gear, you can hire premium carbon-fiber Padel rackets and ultra-lightweight Pickleball paddles with us. We also have regulation low-compression padel balls and perforated pickleballs available.
Padel Tennis FAQs
What exactly is Padel?
Padel is a fast-paced, high-energy racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. It is played in doubles format inside an enclosed 20×10-meter court surrounded by glass and mesh walls.
How do the walls work in Padel?
The four-meter-high glass walls are completely in play. After the ball bounces on the turf court, it can hit the glass walls and remain active, allowing you to play shots off the rebound. Mastering these angles is the ultimate padel strategy!
How does scoring work in Padel?
Padel uses the exact same scoring system as traditional tennis (15, 30, 40, Deuce, Advantage, and Game). Matches are typically played as the best of three sets.
Pickleball FAQs
What exactly is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a dynamic, accessible sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a compact, badminton-sized court using solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball that travels at a manageable, strategic pace.
What is "The Kitchen" in Pickleball?
“The Kitchen” is the affectionate nickname for the 7-foot non-volley zone closest to the net. To prevent players from dominating the net with aggressive smashes, you are strictly forbidden from hitting the ball out of the air (volleying) while standing inside this zone.
Can I score points when receiving the serve?
No. In pickleball, only the serving side can score points. If the receiving side wins a rally, no points are awarded, but you win a “side out,” which earns your team the right to serve and start scoring.
Bookings & Events
How do I book a court at XCourt?
Classes are booked quickly and easily online through our contact form. Because we are Cumbria’s leading provider, sessions can fill up fast, so we highly recommend booking in advance.
Do you offer lessons, leagues, or social mixers?
Absolutely! XCourt runs regular introduction-to-racket-sports clinics, local Cumbria-wide competitive leagues, and casual “mix and match” social sessions where you can turn up solo and be paired with players of a similar skill level.
