From Pickleball to Padel: A Match Day with Third Shot UK at David Lloyd Cheshire Oaks

Three young adults in black athletic hoodies posing on a blue padel tennis court with net and greenery background

A few weeks ago, Third Shot UK brought together sport, style, and community at David Lloyd Cheshire Oaks, one of the UK’s leading health and fitness clubs. Co-founders Joe Matthewson and Kev swapped their pickleball paddles for padel rackets, joined by Josh Roberts and Jennifer Hewitt, for a two-hour on-court session led by Matthew Kilgallon — former professional footballer turned pro padel player.

The session was fast-paced, competitive, and filled with energy as the group tested their reflexes, teamwork, and endurance on the glass-walled blue courts. For many, it was a new challenge — transitioning from pickleball’s smaller court dynamics to the more tactical, wall-based play of padel.